Getting Started Workbook Strategy V: Identify Coalition Coordinator/Facilitator

Getting Started Workbook

Actions in this Section

1. Find a qualified coalition coordinator or facilitator

Tools in this Section

• Job Description Sample
• Skill Set for Facilitation Sample

Tips for Success

• The coordinator needs to have excellent communication skills and the willingness to put oneself out into the community.

• Ensure the potential hire understands the difference between coalition work and direct services.

• It is best if the person hired is comfortable delegating responsibilities to coalition members rather than trying to do everything him-/herself.

• A coalition serves the community and, therefore, a coalition coordinator must be willing to follow the lead of community members.

• Although it is helpful to have a background in prevention, the key qualification for this position is the ability to organize or mobilize the community.
  

Sample: Job Description Coalition Coordinator/Facilitator

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and chair coalition meetings
• Attend meetings and other activities with fellow coalition members
• Determine additional needs and offer support to coalition members (e.g., note taking, presentation preparation, delegating tasks)
• Serve as a liaison between the community and coalition
• Prepare and present presentations for municipality/councils/advisory boards
• Assist in preparing and submitting community funding applications by stated deadlines, if applicable
• Collaborate with Fiscal Agent to ensure compliance with fiscal requirements, if applicable
• Obtain Memoranda of Understanding from key community leaders
• Serve as a liaison with the Community Coalition as these groups are developed
• Coordinate logistics for orientation, training and other grant-related meetings
• Coordinate and provide facilitation of community meetings
• Ensure compliance with all grant-related reporting requirements, if applicable
• Identify evaluation coordinator, or assume responsibilities for fulfilling evaluation requirements
• Complete other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ability or potential to build strong leadership skills
• Ability to work with and value youth in all aspects
• Possesses the following skills:
• interpersonal communication skills
• organizational skills
• community development skills
• facilitation skills
• grant management skills
• Ability to be assertive, especially in delegating tasks and following-through with coalition members, who may have picked up tasks where other members left off
• Ability to remain unbiased and impartial; is collaborative and willing to advance coalition interests and efforts rather than one’s personal agenda
• Ability to ask difficult questions of the group
• Is task-oriented, accountable and innovative

Professional Background

• A background in prevention, community development, and related issues is encouraged
• Completion of Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training, MAPP training, or Public Health training is encouraged

Sample: Skill Set for Facilitation