Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Director (ONSE Director)

The City of Savannah's Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (ONSE) seeks a forward-thinking leader as its next Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Director (ONSE Director). This position provides leadership, daily management, oversight, and coordination of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. The ONSE Director is responsible for increasing public safety through the coordination of violence prevention and intervention strategies utilizing a public health approach and engaging the government and community to prevent violence among youth and young adults.  

The next ONSE Director must be knowledgeable of principles and best practices in violence prevention and intervention, specifically public health, trauma-informed, harm-reducing, restorative approaches toward community healing, engagement, and empowerment. Successful candidates must have experience engaging with volatile situations. Highly effective problem solvers with experience in mediation and negotiation strategies are sought for this position. The ONSE Director is articulate and confident in communicating the mission, responsibilities, and outcomes of the ONSE to public officials and other key stakeholders.

Savannah’s next ONSE Director will be known for their leadership, staff training, and development skills. This Director will passionately lead a new team of seven staff in a team-based office environment and effectively oversee the management and implementation of the Office's violence prevention, intervention, redirection, and long-term progression efforts and services. The ONSE's three-pronged approach to violence prevention and intervention includes community, school, and hospital-based strategies.

 About the Community and Organization:

As America's first planned city, Savannah boasts historic architecture, luxurious parks, and a government culture that aims to build upon its early success in providing superior planning, infrastructure, and services for its citizens and visitors. In addition to its assets as a city, Savannah offers great weather, nearby beaches, and a tradition of hospitality and cultural offerings. With over 146,000 year-round residents, Savannah is a wonderful community for your next career move. It’s earned reputation and accolades including the following: voted one of "The World's 30 Friendliest Cities" and the fifth "Best Small City in the United States" according to Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards.

 The City of Savannah operates under a Council/Manager form of government with a budget of $560M and over 2500 employees working across 26 departments. A citywide leadership initiative and a cohesive management plan that maximizes collaboration and interdepartmental resources support the city's budget priorities.

About the Department, and Position:

The Office of Neighborhood Engagement is a City of Savannah team dedicated to reducing gun and other violence among youth and increasing neighborhood safety through a collaborative, community-wide approach. The Office works with concerned citizens and partners to implement community-wide crime reduction strategies and identify and connect high-risk youth to support services. The Office’s prevention efforts include community outreach, education, and engagement focused on preventing violence and crime. Intervention efforts involve interrupting and de-escalating violence among young people when it occurs. ONSE is passionate about redirection and progression for youth. Through strategic efforts and community partnerships, ONSE connects young people to opportunities and support that can help define a new purpose and move them toward positive outcomes while providing ongoing support.

The ONSE Director plans, organizes, manages, and directs staff and the activities of the ONSE, including work program development and management, service coordination through nonprofit contracts, partnerships with community and local stakeholders, guiding gun violence intervention response, and evaluating and reporting on progress to public officials and other stakeholders. The Director also develops, directs, and coordinates a network of community-based organizations to provide comprehensive, high-quality violence intervention programs for youth and young adults most at risk for engaging in or being victimized by violence or who reside in priority neighborhoods.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in public administration, human services, health services, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, social work, or a closely related field, plus a minimum of three years of full-time experience in a similar senior-level management position providing program development and statistical analysis in applied crime reduction, public health-based approaches to violence reduction, or deterrence of violent criminal behavior is required. Master’s Degree preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Salary and Benefits:

The hiring range for this position is $100,000.00 to $115,000.00 with an additional performance-based bonus ($4000 upon hire, $4000 at six months and $4000 at 12 months).  Savannah offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and relocation expenses, which can be found here.

To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/developmentalassociates and click on the Neighborhood Safety and Engagement Director – City of Savannah, GA title.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the city’s employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by September 26, 2024, to be considered during the first round of reviews.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on October 22 - 23, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Direct all inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.

 The City of Savannah, GA, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Developmental Associates, LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit https://developmentalassociates.com/client-openings/ and scroll down to “Important Information for Applicants.”

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.