Client Programs & Engagement Coordinator

Organizational Description
Dakota Woodlands is a nonprofit organization based in Eagan MN. It is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for families experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve stability and independence through comprehensive support and compassionate care. We offer housing resources and programs designed to help families rebuild their lives and succeed. Clients at Dakota Woodlands receivenutritious meals private bedrooms personal care productsseasonal clothing and opportunities to develop essential life skills through targeted case management and family goal planning which enables their independent success.

Position Overview
The Client Programs & Engagement Coordinator is responsible for developing coordinating and facilitating programs that support the stability growth and well-being of families residing at Dakota Woodlands. This role focuses on implementing structured programming for both adults and children coordinating community partners and volunteers who bring programs into the shelter and ensuring that programs align with client goal plans developed through case management.

The coordinator will collaborate closely with the Director of Housing & Supportive Services Case Managers and the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator to ensure the delivery of high-quality engaging programs that help families reach self-sufficiency. This role will support evening programming and oversee childcare volunteers and the evening and weekend Client Support Staff during program activities to ensure safe structured and engaging experiences for families.

The ideal candidate is organized collaborative creative and passionate about working with families experiencing homelessness.

Why Work for Dakota Woodlands
Dakota Woodlands envisions a community where families in crisis receive the support they need to regain stability achieve self-sufficiency and build a strong foundation for their future. Our mission is to empower families experiencing homelessness by providing shelter supportive services and access to community resources that promote long-term stability.

Our core values guide our work and define our commitment to families:

• Compassion: Providing trauma-informed client-centered care.
• Dignity: Respecting the strengths and potential of every family.
• Collaboration: Partnering internally and with the community to enhance services.
• Accountability: Upholding transparency integrity and high standards in service delivery.
• Innovation: Continuously improving to meet the evolving needs of families.

Areas of Responsibility:

Program Development & Implementation

• Coordinate and facilitate structured programming for both adults and children living at Dakota Woodlands.
• Establish a structured engaging evening and weekend program for families at the shelter.
• Create workshops and activities that support life skills parenting financial literacy employment readiness and personal growth.
• Coordinate youth programming including after-school activities enrichment programs tutoring childcare and family engagement activities.
• Support implementation of trauma-informed programming that aligns with Dakota Woodlands client-centered approach.
• Coordinate and supervise childcare volunteers during youth programs and family engagement activities.
• Work with Case Managers to align programming with individual client goal plans.

Community Partnerships & Volunteer Programming

• Coordinate external organizations nonprofits and community partners that offer programming within the shelter.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator to organize volunteers workshops and enrichment activities.
• Assist in establishing relationships with community organizations churches and service providers that can provide programs for clients.
• Help ensure that outside programs are well-organized safe and aligned with Dakota Woodlands mission.

Client Engagement & Community Building

• Plan and coordinate client engagement events and activities that build community within the shelter.
• Coordinate seasonal and special events such as:
  • Back-to-school events
  • Holiday programs and drives
  • Family celebrations
  • Youth enrichment activities
• Support family participation and encourage engagement in programming opportunities.

Program Coordination & Staff Support

• Coordinate evening programs and activities.
• Oversee and coordinate evening and weekend Client Support Staff during program activities.
• Oversee and coordinate childcare volunteers supporting youth programs and activities.
• Collaborate with Case Managers to ensure programs promote client progress and engagement.
• Help maintain a positive engaging environment for families in the shelter.

Program Tracking & Data Management

• Monitor participation and attendance at programs and workshops.
• Maintain records of programming activities and items distributed to clients.
• Support program data entry and reporting to help evaluate program outcomes.
• Assist leadership in identifying program trends and areas for improvement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with program-related logistics scheduling and planning.
• Support shelter activities that promote client stability and engagement.
• Participate in staff meetings program planning and team collaboration.
• Provide occasional evening and weekend program support as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support Dakota Woodlands mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Social Work Human Services Education Community Development or a related field preferred
• Experience coordinating programs activities or services for families youth or community groups
• Experience working in social services nonprofit organizations shelters or community programs preferred
• Strong organizational and coordination skills
• Ability to manage multiple activities and partnerships simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff volunteers and community partners
• Ability to support a trauma-informed and client-centered service environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic data entry systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with families experiencing homelessness
• Experience coordinating volunteers or community partnerships
• Experience facilitating workshops life skills programming or youth activities
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and family-centered programming

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based at Dakota Woodlands in Eagan Minnesota
• Preferred working hours: 10 AM 6 PM 11 AM 7 PM or 12 PM 8 PM
• Evening and occasional weekend hours required to support programming and special events
• The role may involve moderate physical activity including setting up events and moving supplies

Additional Information:

• Benefits include Medical Dental Retirement Short-Term Disability (STD) Long-Term Disability (LTD) Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position to .

Dakota Woodlands is an equal opportunity employer. Opportunities for employment are available to all persons regardless of race color creed religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity disability age marital status or status with regard to public assistance. Dakota Woodlands facilities are accessible. Individuals who have experienced homelessness are encouraged to apply.

Required Experience:

Senior IC