Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee Vacancy

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking people interested in serving on the Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee. The application deadline is Monday, April 3, 2023.

What is the Community Benefits Advisory Committee?

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee is a volunteer group of community members who work together to make recommendations to the City Manager for the approval and awarding of grant agreements with nonprofit organizations for the provision of Community Benefits. Community Benefits may be programs or services provided by nonprofit organizations that directly benefit Cambridge residents.

The Committee’s 13 members represent non-profit organizations, City staff members, Cambridge residents, the Cambridge Community Foundation, the business/property development community, the City’s universities, and the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition. One seat is currently open for a Cambridge resident, who would serve a 3-year term.

What is the role of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee?

The role of the Committee is to solicit and evaluate applications from local non-profit providers for the provision of services that are consistent with the Cambridge City Council’s Funding Priorities. The Committee is also responsible for establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines to provide for the proper administration and implementation of Community Benefit funding.

In 2020, the Committee recommended funding for four Partnerships to work with low-income families to address housing stability, financial stability, and behavioral health issues. Those Partnerships will be entering their 4th year of funding. The Committee will be focusing on the evaluation of the Community Benefits Projects, and the Committee’s work as well as supporting the Partnerships in planning for the future.

Who can apply to join the Community Benefits Advisory Committee?

For this vacancy, applicants must live in Cambridge. There is no age or education requirement to serve on the Committee. Individuals with interest in human service programs, experience/expertise in relevant topics (examples include but not limited to nonprofit leadership, fiscal management, community development, program design/development, public health, housing, homelessness, food access/insecurity, mental health/substance abuse, grant writing, social justice, child development), and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse viewpoints to craft consensus solutions are encouraged to apply.

The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All committee members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to effectively serve on the Community Benefits Advisory Committee?

Members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process with other Committee members
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives
• Show connections to the broader community
• Be interested in learning more about Community Benefits and how they are provided by the City
• Actively contribute to meetings in dialogue with City staff and other community members

How much of a time commitment is the Community Benefits Advisory Committee?

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee currently meets virtually on the first Monday of the month, from 4- 6 p.m., though the schedule may sometimes change to accommodate Committee needs. In the future, meetings may transition to hybrid format to include in-person.

How can I apply?

Individuals interested in being considered should apply using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Community Benefits Advisory Committee” in the list of Current Vacancies. A resume and cover letter describing why you want to join the committee, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Alternatively, an appointment to pick up a paper application can be made by calling the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or emailing fgaines@Cambridgema.gov. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 3, 2023.