About the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) is a community-based charitable organization committed to empowering Caribbean and Black communities through culturally responsive programs, advocacy, education, and community engagement. We are dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and social well-being while fostering opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

Position Summary The Community Engagement Specialist will play a pivotal role in advancing CCAWR’s mission by developing and implementing initiatives that create meaningful, measurable, and sustainable impact throughout Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the broader Waterloo Region. This position is ideal for a relationship-builder, community advocate, and innovative organizer who understands the power of belonging, cultural identity, collaboration, and grassroots engagement. The successful candidate will cultivate relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, local businesses, municipal partners, service providers, and other stakeholders to identify community needs, mobilize resources, and deliver inclusive programs that respond to local priorities .Working collaboratively with CCAWR leadership, volunteers and community partners, the Community Engagement Specialist will help transform community connections into practical opportunities, stronger support networks, and positive social change.

Key Responsibilities

Community Outreach and Relationship Building

- Build meaningful relationships with Caribbean Canadian residents and other community members across Waterloo Region.
- Conduct community outreach to understand local priorities, identify service gaps, and ensure that community voices inform CCAWR’s programs and initiatives.
- Represent CCAWR at community events, public meetings, cultural celebrations, neighbourhood gatherings, and networking opportunities.
- Foster trust, belonging, and sustained engagement among individuals and groups who may experience barriers to participation.

Program Development and Community Impact

- Plan, coordinate, and support community-based programs that address identified needs and create positive social outcomes.
- Support workshops, mentorship opportunities, information sessions, community dialogues, and resource-sharing initiatives.
- Incorporate Caribbean culture, history, traditions, and lived experiences into programming while building connections with the broader community.

Partnerships and Collaboration

- Establish and maintain partnerships with local nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare and social service providers, municipal departments and community leaders.
- Support cross-cultural partnerships that strengthen understanding, encourage collaboration, and build a more connected Waterloo Region.
- Represent CCAWR professionally in community networks and partnership meetings.
- Identify opportunities for shared programming, sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and other community resources.

Volunteer Engagement





- Recruit, orient, coordinate, and support volunteers who contribute to CCAWR’s programs and events.
- Create meaningful volunteer opportunities that encourage community ownership, leadership, and skills development.
- Help develop volunteer engagement strategies that support continuity and long-term organizational growth.

Cultural Awareness, Inclusion, and Belonging

- Help ensure CCAWR’s programs are culturally responsive, accessible, and welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, ages, and experiences.
- Apply an equity-informed approach to engagement by identifying and reducing barriers to participation.
- Champion dignity, respect, representation, and meaningful community participation in all engagement activities.

Communications and Community Awareness

- Support the development and distribution of newsletters, event announcements, social media content, community notices, and program updates.
- Share stories that highlight community achievements, participant experiences, volunteer contributions, and the impact of CCAWR’s initiatives, with appropriate consent.
- Maintain effective communication with community members, partners, and volunteers.
- Help increase awareness of CCAWR’s programs, services, and opportunities for involvement.
- Gather community feedback and communicate emerging needs, opportunities, and concerns to organizational leadership.

Impact Measurement and Reporting

- Track participation, volunteer involvement, partnership development, program outcomes, and community feedback.
- Maintain accurate records of engagement activities, program delivery, and stakeholder interactions.
- Prepare regular reports outlining achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations.
- Identify indicators that demonstrate how CCAWR’s work contributes to stronger relationships, increased access to opportunities, greater cultural connection, and improved community well-being.
- Support grant reporting, funding applications, and impact summaries by documenting program activities and outcomes.
- Use evidence and community feedback to continuously improve engagement strategies and strengthen organizational accountability.

Qualifications and Experience

- A diploma or degree in community development, social services, social work, public relations, nonprofit management, human services, or a related field is an asset. Equivalent relevant community experience will also be considered.
- Experience in community engagement, outreach, program coordination, volunteer management, partnership development, or nonprofit work.




- Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and generational backgrounds.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and organizational skills.
- Experience coordinating community events, workshops, consultations, or grassroots initiatives.
- Ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, community organizations, public institutions, and local stakeholders.
- Familiarity with the social, cultural, and community landscape of Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas is an asset.
- Knowledge of Caribbean cultures and the experiences of Caribbean Canadian communities is an asset.

Compensation: The hourly starting salary for this position will fall between $22 and $25 per hour. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Why Join CCAWR?

Joining CCAWR means becoming part of an organization dedicated to strengthening communities and creating lasting social impact. We offer the opportunity to contribute your expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven setting where your work directly supports programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across Waterloo Region.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity of lived experience, perspectives, identities, and backgrounds strengthens our organization and enhances our ability to achieve our mission.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including individuals who identify as Black, Caribbean, African, Indigenous, racialized, persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, newcomers to Canada, and individuals from other historically underrepresented groups.

CCAWR is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Accommodations are available at every stage of the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to let us know so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

We are committed to employment equity and recognize that skills, knowledge, and experience can be gained through a variety of professional, educational, volunteer, and lived experiences. If your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification listed, but you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team and mission, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] outlining their qualifications and experience no later than Friday, October 23, 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $22.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 25.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kitchener, ON N2G 1A3

📌 Community Engagement Specialist (Kitchener)
🏢 Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region
📍 Kitchener