COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT

Hopkins House; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopkins House is seeking a Community Engagement Assistant to bridge its mission with the community in Alexandria and surrounding areas. You will help expand access to early childhood education and support workforce development for teens and young adults, while strengthening the network of support for programs.

The role focuses on building relationships, representing the organization at events, coordinating volunteers, and assisting with donor communications to sustain impactful programs for

Qualifications

• Proven ability to engage diverse communities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Interest in nonprofit work and community development.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with families, partners, and volunteers in Alexandria and Fairfax County.
• Represent Hopkins House at outreach events to share its mission.
• Support grassroots recruitment and advocacy efforts for preschool and career opportunities.
• Coordinate activities to engage volunteers and donors in programs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organization

Collaboration

Nonprofit interest

Job description

Position Overview

Be the bridge between mission and community. As the Community Engagement Assistant, you play a vital role in building relationships, expanding access to early childhood education for young children and career development for teens and young adults, and strengthening the network of support that fuels Hopkins House and its many worthwhile programs.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on connection; believes that meaningful engagement can transform lives; and is eager to be on the front lines of that impact.

What You’ll Do:

1. Champion Community Connections

• Build and nurture positive relationships with families, community organizations, donors, and local partners in the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County, Virginia.
• Represent Hopkins House at outreach events, sharing its mission and programs with authenticity and enthusiasm.
• Support grassroots recruitment efforts to connect families with preschool and career opportunities, as well as support public policy advocacy efforts.
• Coordinate activities and events to meaningfully engage volunteers in the work of the organization.

2. Support Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Assist with outreach to donors and sponsors, helping cultivate lasting relationships.
• Contribute to donor communications, including appeals, thank-you messages, and impact stories.
• Help track engagement and maintain accurate contact databases.

3. Drive Outreach Initiatives

• Participate in the planning and execution of community engagement efforts and campaigns.
• Collaborate with local organizations to expand awareness and access to programs.
• Help communicate the value and quality of Hopkins House offerings in an intensely competitive landscape.

4. Assist with Events & Experiences

• Support the coordination of special events, including fundraising initiatives like the Earl F. Lloyd Memorial Golf Tournament, Spring2ACTion online fundraiser, Heart of the Community Luncheon, and Venetian Masquerade Ball.
• Assist with event logistics, promotion, and follow-up.
• Help create welcoming, meaningful experiences for attendees and participants.

5. Strengthen Storytelling & Impact

• Gather stories, testimonials, and experiences from families and participants.
• Help share these voices to deepen community understanding and inspire support.
• Coordinate literacy events in partnership with public libraries, bookstores, publishing houses, and local authors.

What You Bring:

• An eagerness to make a positive and lasting impact in the local community, and a strong desire to "pay it forward."
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a genuine passion for connecting with others.
• Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple outreach efforts simultaneously.
• A collaborative spirit and willingness to engage with diverse communities.
• Interest in nonprofit work, early childhood education, workforce development and community engagement.
• Experience with outreach, event coordination, or relationship-building is a plus.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in community engagement and nonprofit development.
• The opportunity to build a powerful network of community and donor relationships.
• Direct involvement in initiatives that expand access to early education and meaningful career opportunities.
• A meaningful role where your work directly impacts children, youth, and families every day.