Community Manager LIFE @ Avant

Avant Supported Living; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Avant is seeking a Community Manager for LIFE to lead the LIFE @ Avant program and Supported Employment services in a dynamic, tech-forward environment. You will guide a team of Professional Hosts and Mentors to deliver innovative, person-centered support that enhances independence and community integration.

You will collaborate with families, guardians, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for individuals, while championing digital tools and collaborative practices across

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills for diverse individuals.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for LIFE program and Supported Employment services.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Professional Hosts and Mentors for Avant's person-centered approach.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of staff.
• Foster empowerment and creativity within the team to support individuals' self-direction.
• Oversee program development and activity planning for LIFE @ Avant and Supported Employment.
• Cultivate relationships with families, guardians, community partners, and potential employers.
• Ensure high-quality services with continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
• Champion the use of enabling technology to enhance independence and efficiency.
• Act as a Values Ambassador, promoting Avant's core values of innovation, empowerment, and community.

Skills

Leadership

Empathy

Team development

Communication

Digital fluency

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, education

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Join our team as a Community Manager for LIFE @ Avant – Lead with Purpose and Empower Independence!

Are you a dynamic and visionary leader passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)? Do you thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment where your empathy and strategic thinking can drive meaningful change? If so, Avant invites you to bring your energy and expertise to the role of Community Manager for LIFE (Life Initiatives for Future Excellence) @ Avant!

About Avant

Our mission is to empower individuals with I/DD by fostering potential, self-determination, innovation, and community, enabling fulfilling, self-directed lives. We are pioneers in developing innovative, person-centered support models that foster self-advocacy, build strong community connections, and leverage enabling technology. We believe in a "win-win-win" philosophy, where the individuals we serve, our dedicated team members, and the broader community all benefit.

What You’ll Do

• Visionary Leadership: Provide inspiring and strategic leadership for both the LIFE @ Avant program and Supported Employment services, ensuring alignment with Avant's overarching mission and values.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of dedicated Professional Hosts and Mentors, fostering a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
• Talent Cultivation: Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of passionate and skilled Professional Hosts and Mentors who are deeply committed to Avant's person-centered approach.
• Empowerment Champion: Foster a culture of empowerment within your team, encouraging creativity, proactivity, and a deep understanding of the individuals we serve.
• Program Excellence: Oversee the development and implementation of innovative and engaging activities within the LIFE @ Avant program and effective strategies for Supported Employment, always prioritizing individual choice and self-direction.
• Community Builder: Cultivate strong relationships with families, guardians, community partners, and potential employers to enhance opportunities for the individuals we support.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the delivery of high-quality services that meet and exceed best practice standards, with a focus on continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
• Technology Integration: Champion the effective use of enabling technology to enhance independence, communication, and engagement for the individuals we serve and efficiency for our team.
• Values Ambassador: Embody and promote Avant's core values of innovation, empowerment, and community in all aspects of your work.

Administrative Note

• Scope of Work: Perform other duties as assigned by Managers or Directors to support the evolving needs of the individuals and the agency.
• Operational Flexibility: The expectation to work additional hours beyond your primary schedule, availability between 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, to meet the needs of our clients, address emergencies, or ensure operational excellence.

What You’ll Bring

• A genuine passion for empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams, including experience in mentoring and coaching staff.
• Exceptional emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong understanding of person-centered practices and a commitment to individual choice and self-determination.
• Experience in program development and management, ideally within the field of disability services.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive and innovative mindset, with a willingness to embrace new approaches and technologies.
• A Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., human services, social work, education) or equivalent experience.

The Tech-Forward Edge

We don’t just use technology; it is the backbone of how we create, collaborate, and communicate. As a highly technical organization, we operate at a fast pace where digital fluency isn't just a plus—it’s a prerequisite. We expect every member of our team to be more than just "comfortable" with a computer; you should be a power user who thrives in a cloud-first environment.

What We’re Looking For

• High Technical Aptitude: You possess a natural curiosity for software and a "figure-it-out" mentality when navigating new platforms.
• Google Workspace Mastery: Preference is given to candidates who are experts in the Google Workspace ecosystem (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Admin). You should understand how to leverage these tools for maximum efficiency and real-time collaboration.
• Digital Agility: Whether it’s automating a workflow, managing complex file architectures, or troubleshooting your own stack, you stay ahead of the curve.

Why Choose Avant?

At Avant, you'll be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization that is truly making a difference.

We offer:

• A supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The chance to lead a dedicated team of Professional Hosts and Mentors in an innovative model of support that is transforming lives.
• A deeply rewarding career where you can see the direct impact of your work.