Community Engagement Coordinator

Children & Families of Iowa; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Children & Families of Iowa seeks a Community Engagement Coordinator to drive fundraising, cultivate donors, and lead high-energy events across Iowa. You will build strong relationships, manage sponsorships, and guide volunteers to support the organization’s mission.

The role emphasizes strategic fundraising, data-driven reporting, and collaboration with the communications team to maximize impact and visibility at community events and prospect gatherings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; 2–3 years of experience in sales and/or professional fundraising.
• Experience with public speaking and presenting to diverse audiences.
• Microsoft Office and Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Strong relationship-building, persuasion, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Results-driven and goal-oriented, with ability to meet deadlines and achieve revenue targets.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in data entry and analysis, including typing proficiency of 50 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Drive Revenue & Achieve Goals: Solicit donations, sponsorships, and in-kind items to meet revenue targets.
• Build & Strengthen Donor Relationships: Design donor cultivation strategies and maintain CRM records.
• Represent the Mission Publicly: Present at community events and public forums.
• Maximize Event Success: Lead sponsorship and auction item solicitation for events and promotions.
• Volunteer Leadership: Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers; track hours and roles.
• Collaborative Communications: Support marketing and promotional initiatives with the Communications Director.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Event coordination

Public speaking

Sales targets

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Raiser’s Edge/NXT

Job description

All Jobs > Community Engagement Coordinator

Are you a driven, relationship-focused professional who thrives on achieving goals and seeing measurable impact? As the Community Engagement Coordinator, you will play a vital role in fueling CFI’s mission through strategic fundraising, sponsorship development, and high-energy event execution. This is a results-oriented role designed for a motivated “go-getter” who enjoys building relationships, meeting ambitious targets, and turning connections into meaningful financial support for children and families across Iowa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive Revenue & Achieve Goals: Solicit monetary donations, corporate sponsorships, and in-kind auction items to meet or exceed established revenue goals. Achieve activity quotas including outreach calls, meetings, and sponsorship solicitations.
• Build & Strengthen Donor Relationships: Design and implement individualized donor cultivation strategies. Move donors progressively through the relationship lifecycle using intentional “moves management.” Document all engagement activities accurately within the CRM system.
• Represent the Mission Publicly: Present at community events, civic organizations, and public forums to communicate CFI’s impact and philanthropic needs.
• Maximize Event Success: Lead sponsorship and auction item solicitation efforts for events. Recruit attendees through ticket sales, community outreach, and promotional engagement. Support raffle initiatives and revenue-driving event components.
• Volunteer Leadership: Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate volunteers. Maintain accurate documentation of volunteer hours, roles, and contact information.
• Collaborative Communications: Partner with the Communications Director to support marketing and promotional initiatives.

Strategic Support to Chief Development Officer (CDO)

• Assist with board-related projects and volunteer engagement initiatives.
• Prepare fundraising reports, schedules, and solicitation packets.
• Monitor fundraising trends and activity performance metrics.
• Support meeting preparation and strategic planning efforts.

Board & Committee Engagement

• Assist with projects involving board members, donors, and prospects.
• Prepare event booth materials, fair presentations, and solicitation packets.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance reports.

Foundation Operational & Administrative Support

• CRM Excellence: Maintain accurate and timely donor record entries. Support Raiser’s Edge/NXT data integrity and quality control. Conduct monthly CRM maintenance activities.
• Gift Processing Support: Provide backup gift entry support to ensure acknowledgements are processed within 48 hours.
• Foundation Team Support: Provide administrative and project assistance to Foundation leadership as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field and 2–3 years of experience in sales and/or professional fundraising.
• Experience with public speaking and presenting to diverse audiences. Basic understanding of statistics and data interpretation.
• Microsoft Office and Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Strong relationship-building, persuasion, and communication skills (written and verbal) with a professional, diplomatic, and approachable demeanor.
• Results-driven and goal-oriented, with the ability to meet deadlines and achieve revenue targets in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficient in data entry and analysis, including accurate data manipulation and typing proficiency of 50 words per minute.

Special Requirements

• Must provide reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
• Moderate travel within the state required.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Occasional mandatory overtime may be required during event cycles.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to perform standard office and event-related tasks.
• Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Moderate noise environment typical of office and event settings.

Be a part of something extraordinary!

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran, or other protected status.