Capacity Building Specialist (Corporate Headquarters)

Position Summary

In coordination with the Capacity Building Team, provides capacity building services to MHM’s grantees and community-based organizations to strengthen organizations’ sustainability and augment MHM’s philanthropic investments. Supports one or more capacity building learning cohorts with services ranging from coaching, facilitation, and curriculum development. Delivers specialized technical assistance in operational areas such as business planning, fundraising & development, marketing, human resources, finance, information technology, etc. Connects partners to resources, including training opportunities, funding lists, consultants, etc. Provides support for virtual and in-person capacity building convenings. Maintains capacity building presence on MHM’s website and social media platforms. Supports efforts to cultivate and maintain positive funder and collaborative relationships for capacity building efforts.

Scope and Impact

The Capacity Building Specialist plays an essential role in supporting organizational strengthening efforts for MHM’s grantee portfolio and community partners. The role requires application of a wide range of skill sets, including facilitation, mentoring and coaching, relationship building, active and empathetic listening, designing solutions, delivering solutions, developing curricula, effective writing and communication, planning and organization, multitasking, and project management. Delivery of capacity building services is evaluated for impact with aims to demonstrate skills attainment and knowledge gain for participants.

Decision-Making Authority

Operates under the direction of the Capacity Building Manager with opportunities to serve as a project lead for assigned Capacity Building services such as Peer Learning and Catchafire. As a Specialist, utilizes skill sets to work independently to deliver capacity building services and initiatives as assigned. Collaborates with the Capacity Building Team to co-design strategy and goals.

Interactions / Working Relationships

Collaborates closely with the Capacity Building Team, Community Investments Department, and community stakeholders, including peer funders. Builds partnerships with grantees and community organizations to support the identification of their respective capacity building needs and works to design and deliver solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides capacity building services to MHM’s grantees and community-based organizations to strengthen organizations’ sustainability and augment MHM’s philanthropic investments
• Supports one or more capacity building cohorts with services ranging from coaching, facilitation, and curriculum development
• Delivers specialized technical assistance in operational areas such as business planning, fundraising & development, marketing, human resources, finance, information technology, etc. 
• Coaches and connects grantees to resources on a range of topics needed for organizational sustainability, including, but not limited to, business planning, fundraising & development, marketing, human resources, finance, and information technology
• Provides support for virtual and in-person capacity building convenings
• Connects partners to resources, including training opportunities, funding lists, consultants, etc.
• Assists with outreach to consultants for connection to our capacity building cohorts and/or individual organization(s)
• In coordination with MHM’s Communications Department, maintains capacity building presence on MHM’s website and social media platforms, offering funding opportunities, features, tips, and other resources for organizational strengthening
• Provides event planning and logistics support for virtual and in-person Capacity Building convenings
• As assigned, project manages third-party capacity building services such as Catchafire
• Engages in interdepartmental efforts, including, but not limited to, serving on internal committees, task forces, and work groups 
• Facilitates group meetings for collaborative work and/or technical assistance training for community partners and coalitions
• Develops customized presentations, tools (such as forms and templates) for external stakeholders (partners, funders, collaboratives, etc.)

• Assists with the development of capacity building collateral materials

• Stays abreast of industry/best practices with a specific focus on the non-profit sector
• Conducts prospect research, including identifying grant opportunities from foundations, government, and corporate entities
• Assists with researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals 
• Assists in the preparation of reports about capacity building efforts, including KPIs, impact evaluation, and goal alignment progress
• Supports efforts to cultivate and maintain positive funder and collaborative relationships for capacity building efforts
• Represents MHM at various funder groups and community meetings
• Assists with work to grow and develop co-investing opportunities such as collaborative foundation efforts throughout MHM’s service region
• Assists with capacity building strategic plans for the department
  • Assists with job aids for department tasks
  • Performs other duties as assigned and deemed necessary 

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others but will provide training, guidance, and mentorship to grantees and community-based organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required) 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree

• Licenses/Certifications: None
• Experience: At least three years’ successful capacity building or organizational development experience, preferably with non-profit, community-based organizations. General knowledge of capacity building practices. 
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:
• Experience training, teaching, coaching, or mentoring individuals or groups
• Ability to effectively facilitate small and large groups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with competing timelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit, community-based, or public health settings.
• Experience working with underserved populations or addressing health disparities.
• Experience or certification in project management.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to identify capacity building needs, design solutions, and deliver right-sized solutions for organizations

• Active and empathetic listening skills
• Planning and organization skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled in project management
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Strong relationship building skills
• Ability to synthesize multiple sources of data to develop clear, actionable insights

Language Skills

• Fluent in English required; bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Ability to adapt learning materials to meet audience needs
• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret professional documents, reports, and data outputs.
• Able to write clear, accurate reports and present findings effectively to internal and external audiences.

Technology and Tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required.
• Experience with research databases such as Foundation Directory preferred

Travel: 

Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to community partner sites, convenings, and conferences.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with occasional travel to community sites and partner locations.

• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, and reaching required.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds.
• Requires valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and access to reliable transportation.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines or conduct field activities.