Community Engagement Specialist

Cunningham Children's Home; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana, IL is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to advance the organization's mission through special events, volunteer coordination and building support from the corporate sector. The role recruits, engages and trains volunteers for fundraising and marketing programs.

You will lead volunteer recruitment, coordinate events with attendees, sponsors and partners, and cultivate new community partnerships while developing relationships that expand philanthropic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in PR, marketing, communications, journalism, business, fundraising or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in communications, donor relations, PR, or related field.
• Illinois Driver's License and proof of insurance required.
• Excellent writing, verbal and public speaking skills; strong relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with key volunteers, community partners and donors.
• Take ownership of volunteer engagement activities and support planning of fundraising events.
• Represent the agency by giving tours, presentations and outreach opportunities.
• Independently manage volunteer recruitment, placement, recognition and stewardship.
• Lead coordination and execution of events with attendees, volunteers, sponsors and partners.
• Identify and cultivate new community partnerships to raise awareness and support.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Public speaking

Relationship building

Volunteer management

Event planning

Budget awareness

Team collaboration

Ethics adherence

Background checks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business, Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, or related field

Job description

An integral member of the Advancement Department, the Community Engagement Specialist will work in collaboration with the entire team to advance Cunninghams mission through special events, volunteer coordination and building support from the corporate sector. This position will recruit, engage and train volunteers for all of Cunningham fundraising and marketing programs. This position will also require proven leadership in planning, coordinating and executing in-person and digital fundraising events.

Impact in Your First Year

At Cunningham, we value our employees and provide resources to help you continually learn and grow. We foster a strong, collaborative community of people who are driven by their ability to make a difference.

Within 3 Months, You'll

• Build relationships with key volunteers, community partners and donors while gaining a strong understanding of Cunninghams mission, programs and community impact.
• Take ownership of volunteer engagement activities and support the planning and execution of fundraising and community events.
• Become a visible ambassador for Cunningham by representing the agency giving tours, presentations and outreach opportunities.

Within 6 Months, You'll

• Independently manage volunteer recruitment, placement, recognition, and stewardship efforts to strengthen community engagement.
• Lead the coordination and execution of assigned events, ensuring a positive experience for attendees, volunteers, sponsors and partners.
• Identify and cultivate new community partnerships that increase awareness, participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic support.

By The End Of The First Year, You'll

• Demonstrate measurable growth in volunteer engagement, community partnerships, event participation, and sponsorship support.
• Develop and implement innovative engagement strategies that deepen relationships and connect more individuals and organizations to Cunninghams mission.
• Establish yourself as a trusted leader within the Advancement team, with opportunities to assume increasing responsibility and pursue professional growth based on performance, initiative and department needs.
• Position yourself for expanded leadership opportunities through demonstrated success, strategic thinking, and a commitment to advancing Cunninghams mission.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Business, Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.

Experience

5+ years in communications, donor relations, sales, public relations, business or a related field

Licenses

Illinois Drivers License and proof of insurance required.

Skills Abilities

• Excellent written, verbal and public speaking communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills with diverse audiences.
• Proofed project, event and volunteer management capabilities.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong time management and budget awareness.
• Ability to represent and communicate Cunningham's mission, values and impact effectively.
• Capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment while managing interruptions and competing priorities.
• Commitment to adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics.
• Prospective employees will be required to submit to a pre-employment physical and background check.

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