Community Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Community Design Manager

Company: East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC)

Location: Oakland, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Community Development & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage creative community development projects that foster resident-centered design and strengthen neighborhood identity.

• Drive placemaking initiatives, public art installations, and cultural programming within affordable housing communities.

• Facilitate inclusive community engagement strategies, prioritizing relationship-building and resident voice.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including artists, community organizations, and local leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges community development with operational execution, focusing on the tangible outcomes of creative placemaking and resident engagement. While not a traditional Revenue or Sales Operations role, it requires similar skills in project management, stakeholder coordination, and process implementation within a community-focused context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of multiple community design and placemaking projects simultaneously, from concept to completion.

• Develop and manage project timelines, scopes, budgets, and consultant engagements, ensuring efficient resource allocation and operational effectiveness.

• Design and facilitate inclusive community engagement processes rooted in arts, culture, and relationship-building to co-create placemaking elements.

• Cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with artists, community organizations, local businesses, and neighborhood stakeholders to enhance project impact.

• Support the storytelling and communication efforts for projects, utilizing creative and digital media to engage residents, partners, and the wider community.

• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., development, resident services) to ensure community design efforts align with organizational goals and operational strategies.

• Represent EBALDC at community meetings, events, and neighborhood gatherings, acting as a key liaison and advocate for community-driven initiatives.

• Contribute to visual storytelling, presentations, and community-facing materials that effectively communicate project vision and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic project oversight and hands-on community interaction. The role requires strong operational acumen to manage diverse projects, budgets, and timelines, alongside a creative and empathetic approach to community engagement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Community Development, Art, or a related discipline is highly beneficial. Relevant professional experience can often substitute for formal educational requirements.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in community design, placemaking, project coordination, community development, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception to completion, including scope definition, timeline management, and logistical coordination.

• Community Engagement & Facilitation: Demonstrated experience in designing and facilitating inclusive public engagement activities, community meetings, and participatory design processes.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including residents, artists, community organizations, and public sector partners.

• Budget Management: Experience managing project budgets, including tracking expenses, coordinating with consultants, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

• Creative Thinking & Placemaking: Ability to conceptualize and implement creative solutions for physical spaces that foster connection, belonging, and reflect community identity.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

• Equity & Cultural Humility: Deep commitment to principles of equity, cultural humility, and working collaboratively with low-income and BIPOC communities.

• Built Environment Familiarity: Understanding of design-related fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, or urban design.

• Independent Work & Judgment: Ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and proactively identify and elevate issues.

• Transportation & Flexibility: Reliable transportation for travel throughout Oakland and the Bay Area, and flexibility to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings.

Preferred Skills:

• Multilingual Proficiency: Written or spoken fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, or Vietnamese.

• East Bay Neighborhood Knowledge: Deep familiarity with East Bay neighborhoods, particularly Oakland Chinatown.

• Creative Practice Passion: Passion for community-centered creative practices including public art, graphic design, filmmaking, storytelling, digital media, or data visualization.

• Artist/Small Business Support: Experience supporting working artists, small businesses, or community entrepreneurs.

• Real Estate Development Collaboration: Experience working with real estate development teams, artists, fabricators, or design consultants.

• Grassroots Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience in grassroots, school-based, or neighborhood organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong need for practical project management and community facilitation skills, coupled with a deep commitment to equity and cultural responsiveness. The preferred qualifications point towards a desire for candidates with specific linguistic abilities and local community ties, indicating a strategic focus on deeply integrating with the communities EBALDC serves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed community development or placemaking projects, detailing the scope, timeline, budget, and key deliverables.

• Community Engagement Examples: Present evidence of designing and facilitating inclusive engagement processes, highlighting methods used, participant involvement, and outcomes achieved.

• Partnership Development Documentation: Illustrate successful collaborations with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating relationship-building skills and the impact of these partnerships.

• Creative Placemaking Showcase: Include visual documentation (photos, renderings, project summaries) of designed spaces, public art, or cultural programming initiatives led or contributed to.

• Process Improvement Examples: If applicable, demonstrate how you've improved operational processes within project management or community engagement workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to map out and document project workflows from initiation to completion, including key milestones and decision points.

• Engagement Strategy Outlines: Demonstrate the ability to create structured plans for community outreach and engagement activities.

• Budget Tracking Mechanisms: Provide examples or descriptions of how project budgets are tracked and managed for transparency and efficiency.

• Collaboration Protocols: Outline methods for documenting and managing communication and collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize practical execution and demonstrable impact in community-focused projects. It's less about traditional operations metrics (like sales funnel conversion) and more about successful project delivery, community buy-in, and tangible improvements to the built environment and community life.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for similar roles in Oakland, CA, and considering the 4+ years of experience requirement, the estimated salary range for a Community Design Manager is between $70,000 and $90,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the complexity of project management, community engagement, and specialized knowledge required.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a 401(k) with potential employer matching contributions.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for training, workshops, conferences, and continuing education relevant to community development and design.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs, given the on-site nature of the role and need for local travel.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage: Providing financial security.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for community events and meetings, with flexibility to manage time accordingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research of similar "Community Design Manager," "Placemaking Manager," and "Community Development Project Manager" roles in the Oakland, CA area, factoring in the specified experience level and the non-profit sector. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in non-profit organizations of this size and mission.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Community Development / Affordable Housing. EBALDC operates within the critical sector of affordable housing and community revitalization, focusing on creating holistic environments that go beyond mere shelter. This context shapes a culture prioritizing social impact, resident well-being, and equitable development.

Company Size: Mid-sized non-profit organization. This typically means a dynamic environment where individuals can have a significant impact and cross-departmental collaboration is common, but with established processes and structures in place.

Founded: 1979. This long history indicates stability, deep roots in the community, and a proven track record in addressing the complex needs of East Bay residents.

Team Structure:

• The Community Design Manager likely reports to a Director of Community Development or a similar senior leadership role overseeing place-based initiatives.

• The role will collaborate closely with EBALDC's real estate development teams, property management, resident services, and potentially an advocacy or policy team.

Methodology:

• EBALDC's approach is community-centered, emphasizing resident leadership, co-creation, and cultural humility in all its initiatives.

• Data-driven insights are used to inform development and programming, but always filtered through a lens of equity and community needs.

• Project execution involves strong partnerships, collaborative planning, and a focus on sustainable, long-term community impact.

Company Website: https://ebaldc.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in its mission. For operations-minded individuals, this means understanding that efficiency and process improvement are valued, but always in service of community impact and equity, rather than purely for profit maximization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the community development and operations sphere. It requires a solid foundation in project management and community engagement, with the ability to lead initiatives independently. It's a step beyond entry-level coordination and involves significant responsibility for project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Director-level manager within Community Development or a related department. This provides a clear reporting line and access to senior leadership for strategic guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Community Design Manager's work directly impacts the quality of life for residents in EBALDC's affordable housing communities. By shaping physical spaces and fostering cultural programming, the role enhances resident well-being, community cohesion, and neighborhood identity, contributing tangibly to the organization's mission and social return on investment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like public art coordination, urban design for affordable housing, or advanced community engagement methodologies.

• Leadership: Progress to senior roles such as Senior Community Design Manager, Director of Community Development, or similar leadership positions overseeing larger initiatives or teams.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to hone project management skills, enhance facilitation techniques, and gain experience in cross-sector collaborations, potentially through workshops, conferences, or leading complex projects.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to real estate development, resident services, and organizational strategy, broadening professional capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique career path for those who are passionate about community impact and can apply operational rigor to creative and social initiatives. Growth potential lies in deepening expertise within community development or moving into broader leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular presence at the EBALDC office and frequent visits to project sites and community locations throughout the East Bay. The work environment is likely a blend of office-based project planning and active community engagement in diverse settings.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in Oakland, CA, with travel expected to various EBALDC properties and community hubs across the East Bay. Specific office address details would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with internal teams (development, resident services) and extensive interaction with external partners and community members.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology and software for project management, communication, and potentially design visualization tools.

• Community Interaction: Significant time will be spent outside the traditional office, engaging directly with residents and community stakeholders in various settings, from community centers to public spaces.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility for evening and weekend events. This schedule requires strong personal organization and time management to balance office-based tasks with community-facing activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is critical, emphasizing the need for physical presence to engage with communities and manage projects directly. This is not a remote-friendly role, and successful candidates must be comfortable with fieldwork and local travel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter for alignment with required qualifications and mission fit.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager or a senior team member to assess experience, project management skills, community engagement approach, and cultural alignment. May include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing relevant projects, demonstrating their approach to design, engagement, and project execution. This is a key step to evaluate practical skills.

• Second/Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members, department heads, or leadership to further assess fit and strategic thinking. Could include a case study or scenario-based exercise related to community design challenges.

• Reference Checks: Verification of past performance and professional conduct.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your project management, community engagement, and creative placemaking capabilities.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes or community benefits achieved.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Utilize compelling visuals (photos, renderings, short videos) to illustrate your work.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with residents, artists, and other stakeholders, showcasing your relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your approach to community engagement, design thinking, and project logistics.

• Quantify When Possible: Use data or metrics to support your achievements (e.g., number of participants engaged, budget managed, community feedback metrics).

Challenge Preparation:

• Community Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical community design challenge, focusing on engagement strategies, stakeholder management, and creative problem-solving.

• Project Management Approach: Articulate your methodology for managing complex projects with multiple dependencies and diverse stakeholders.

• Equity and Inclusion: Be ready to discuss your commitment to equity and cultural humility and how you integrate these principles into your work.

• Understanding EBALDC's Mission: Research EBALDC's current projects, values, and strategic goals to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application and demonstrated experience in community-focused projects. A strong portfolio is crucial for showcasing these abilities, and candidates should prepare to discuss their approach to collaboration, equity, and project management in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms for task tracking, workflow management, and team coordination.

• Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Meet for internal and external communication and virtual meetings.

• Document Management: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft Office Suite for document creation, collaboration, and storage.

• Design & Visualization Software (Basic Proficiency): Familiarity or ability to work with consultants using tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign), SketchUp, or similar for reviewing design concepts and preparing community-facing materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for budget tracking, data analysis, and reporting.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating impactful presentations for stakeholders and community members.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Potential): May use a CRM system for tracking stakeholder relationships and outreach efforts, though this might be managed by a specific department.

• Email Marketing Tools (Potential): For outreach and communication, though likely managed by a communications team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a high-tech operations role, proficiency in standard project management, communication, and document creation tools is essential. The ability to work with design consultants and understand their tools is also a key aspect.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A core value is the tangible positive impact on residents and communities. Operational efficiency is pursued to maximize this impact.

• Equity and Inclusion: A fundamental commitment to ensuring all voices are heard and valued, particularly those from marginalized communities. This translates into inclusive engagement processes and equitable project outcomes.

• Collaboration and Partnership: Strong emphasis on working together across teams and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Creativity and Innovation: Encouragement to think innovatively about how spaces and programs can foster community, belonging, and resilience.

• Cultural Humility: A commitment to ongoing learning and respectful engagement with diverse cultural backgrounds and community experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with development, resident services, and property management teams are vital for aligning community design with housing operations and resident needs.

• Community-Centric Feedback: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from residents and community members into project plans.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and insights across projects and teams to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture prioritizes mission and community impact above all else. Operations professionals will find that process and efficiency are valued when they directly support these core values, fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Navigating and integrating the varied needs, desires, and expectations of different resident groups, community stakeholders, and organizational goals.

• Resource Constraints: Working within the budget and resource limitations common in the non-profit sector, requiring creative problem-solving and efficient prioritization.

• Complex Stakeholder Landscape: Managing relationships and communication with a wide array of individuals and groups, each with unique perspectives and interests.

• Translating Vision to Reality: Bridging the gap between community visioning and the practical, logistical, and financial realities of implementing design projects.

• Measuring Intangible Impact: Quantifying the success of placemaking and cultural initiatives, which often have qualitative rather than strictly quantifiable outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Facilitation Techniques: Opportunities to deepen skills in facilitating complex community dialogues and decision-making processes.

• Public Art & Design Management: Gaining expertise in commissioning, managing, and integrating public art and design elements into development projects.

• Grant Writing & Fundraising Support: Potential to contribute to or learn about securing funding for community initiatives.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to the intricacies of affordable housing development, resident services, and urban planning from seasoned professionals.

• Community Building Certifications: Pursuing certifications or workshops in community development, placemaking, or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges in this role are often related to stakeholder management and resource optimization within a mission-driven context. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in community-focused project execution and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Community Engagement Strategy: "Describe a time you designed and facilitated a community engagement process for a project. What were the key steps, challenges, and outcomes?" (Prepare to discuss inclusivity, co-creation, and conflict resolution.)

• Project Management Approach: "Walk me through a complex community design or placemaking project you managed from start to finish. What was your role, how did you manage budgets and timelines, and what was the result?" (Focus on demonstrating end-to-end project ownership and operational rigor.)

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you build and maintain trust and effective working relationships with diverse community stakeholders, including residents, artists, and local government officials?" (Highlight your approach to communication, active listening, and partnership building.)

• Equity & Cultural Humility: "How do you ensure that your design and engagement processes are equitable and culturally humble, particularly when working with BIPOC and low-income communities?" (Be ready to share specific examples and your commitment to these principles.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "Why are you passionate about EBALDC's mission, and how does your experience align with our commitment to affordable housing and community development?" (Research EBALDC's recent projects and values.)

• Collaboration Style: "Describe your ideal working relationship with real estate development teams and resident services staff." (Emphasize collaborative problem-solving and shared goals.)

• Handling Challenges: "Tell me about a time a community project faced significant resistance or unexpected challenges. How did you navigate it?" (Showcase resilience, problem-solving, and adaptive management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by the skills demonstrated (e.g., Project Management, Community Engagement, Creative Placemaking).

• Narrative: For each project, tell a clear story: the context, the problem, your actions, the results, and lessons learned.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, maps, and graphics to illustrate your work. Keep text concise on slides.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved. Highlight your methodologies.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., number of residents engaged, community feedback scores, physical improvements).

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize aspects of your experience that directly relate to the Community Design Manager responsibilities described in the job posting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating practical experience in project management, community engagement, and creative problem-solving, backed by concrete examples. Understanding EBALDC's mission and demonstrating a commitment to equity are crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Community Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the EBALDC careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight specific experiences and skills that directly match the required qualifications, especially project management, community engagement, and placemaking. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-5 projects that best showcase your capabilities in managing community-focused initiatives. Ensure it includes strong visuals and clear descriptions of your role, process, and impact.

• Research EBALDC: Familiarize yourself with EBALDC's mission, values, current projects, and the communities they serve. Understand their approach to affordable housing and community development.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your strategic approach to community design challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.