Director of Community Engagement

Director of Community Engagement

Summary Description:

The Director of Community Engagement is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive community engagement, fundraising, donor cultivation, corporate partnership, and workforce development outreach strategies. This role serves as a key ambassador for the organization, building relationships with corporations, foundations, high-net-worth individuals, community stakeholders, and public agencies to increase financial support, community awareness, and program participation. The Director of Community Engagement reports directly to the CEO. The position oversees fundraising initiatives, corporate grants, donation drives, donor solicitation activities, marketing campaigns, in-kind donation programs, community partnerships, and the promotion of workforce development programs.

Exemplary Duties / Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Develop and execute annual fundraising and donor engagement strategies.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, including high-net-worth individuals and philanthropists.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate sponsors, community leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and manage donor pipelines to increase financial contributions and long-term support.
• Coordinate fundraising campaigns, special events, sponsorship opportunities, and giving initiatives.
• Track and report fundraising performance metrics and donor engagement activities.
• Ensure all donor relations activities are conducted ethically and in alignment with organizational values.

Corporate Grants & Foundation Relations

• Research, identify, and pursue corporate, foundation, and community grant opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership and program teams to prepare compelling grant proposals and funding requests.
• Manage grant application deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Cultivate relationships with corporate giving programs and foundation representatives.
• Maintain accurate records of grants, awards, reports, and renewal opportunities.

Major Gifts & Solicitation

• Develop strategies for identifying and engaging major donors.
• Conduct donor prospect meetings, presentations, and cultivation activities.
• Prepare personalized funding requests, proposals, sponsorship packages, and stewardship plans.
• Foster meaningful relationships that lead to recurring and transformational gifts.
• Coordinate executive leadership involvement in donor engagement efforts.

Community Engagement & Partnership Development

• Represent the organization at community events, networking opportunities, business forums, and public meetings.
• Build strategic partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and community groups.
• Increase community awareness and support for organizational programs and services.
• Serve as a key spokesperson and advocate for the organization's mission.

Donation Drive & Collection Program Management

• Market donation drives, collection campaigns, and donation bin initiatives with the partners.
• Secure locations and partnerships for donation bins and collection sites.
• Coordinate outreach materials, promotional campaigns, and community awareness efforts.

Workforce Development Program Promotion

• Promote workforce development, job training, employment readiness, and career advancement programs throughout the community.
• Develop outreach campaigns targeting employers, job seekers, educational institutions, and referral partners.
• Establish employer partnerships to support workforce placement and training opportunities.
• Increase awareness and participation in workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborate with program staff to highlight success stories and community impact.

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with our Marketing team to develop and implement community outreach and marketing strategies, manage digital communications, social media, newsletters, and public relations efforts.
• Create compelling messaging and promotional materials for fundraising campaigns, donor initiatives, workforce programs, and community events in partnership with our Marketing and Administrative teams.
• Strengthening the organization's visibility, reputation, and brand presence in the community.
• Utilize storytelling and impact reporting to engage donors and stakeholders.

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop annual goals, budgets, and strategic plans related to community engagement and fundraising.
• Analyze community needs, donor trends, and partnership opportunities.
• Provide regular reports to executive leadership on fundraising activities, partnerships, grant performance, and engagement outcomes.
• Support organizational growth through innovative revenue development and community engagement strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

Any combination of education or experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would qualify. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Human Services, or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of fundraising experience.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong fundraising, solicitation, and donor stewardship skills.
• Knowledge of grant writing and grant management processes.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with community outreach and public engagement initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with CRM and donor management systems.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and analytical skills.

Software(s) & System(s):

• CRM Experience (Case worthy Preferred)
• MS Office Experience

License/Certifications:

• Example: Valid CA Driver’s License, being willing and able to produce a valid registration upon demand.

Core Competencies:

To perform the job successfully an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Relationship Building & Networking
• Fundraising & Donor Development
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Development
• Communication & Influencing
• Marketing & Community Outreach

This job posting should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standard of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.