Community Engagement Specialist

Cunningham-Children; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Cunningham-Children is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to advance the organization's mission through volunteer programs, events, and corporate partnerships. You will recruit, train, and engage volunteers for fundraising and marketing activities, while leading in-person and digital event efforts with a collaborative Advancement team.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, community outreach, and representing the agency to diverse partners and donors, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Education at least a Bachelor's degree as listed above.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with volunteer engagement and events is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with volunteers, community partners and donors and understand Cunningham’s mission.
• Own volunteer engagement activities and support planning and execution of fundraising and community events.
• Represent Cunningham by giving tours, presentations, and outreach opportunities.
• Independently recruit, place, recognize and steward volunteers.
• Lead coordination and execution of events, ensuring a positive attendee experience.
• Identify and cultivate new community partnerships to increase awareness and involvement.

Skills

Public speaking

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Budget awareness

Ethics adherence

Brand representation

Education

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

Job description

Application Deadline: November 13th, 2026

An integral member of the Advancement Department, the Community Engagement Specialist will work in collaboration with the entire team to advance Cunningham’s 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 Cunningham’s 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 Cunningham’s 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 Cunningham’s mission.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s 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 Driver’s 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.
• 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.

#CCHJOBS

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better.

Experience

Required

5 years:

Communications, donor relations, sales, public relations, business or a related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Auto Insurance

IL Drivers License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.