Director of Community Engagement

Director of Community Engagement

Position Details

Job Title - Director of Community Engagement

Position Number - 005029

Department - University Advancement - Joliet IL

Job Grade - 11

Anticipated Salary Range - $60,500 - $66,000

Benefits -

Notice of Nondiscrimination - The University of St. Francis does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs on the basis of any protected class. The University also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or harassment or participating in any internal or external investigation or complaint process related to allegations of misconduct. For a complete copy of USF's Policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination for All Faculty, Students, Employees and Third Parties or for more information, please go to or contact the Title IX Coordinator at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Position Summary - The Director of Community Engagement reports to the Chief Development Officer and is part of the University Advancement Division. This position directs the operations and planning of community relations as it pertains to the university, including communications, publications, special events, community relations and engagement and other related activities. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Serve as liaison and resource to all media representatives; pitches feature and news ideas; prepares campus representatives for media coverage; and writes and places press releasesServe as the liaison for strategic community partnerships (i.e.CAPA, Chambers of Commerce, community organizations, corporations and businesses)Establish, nurture and maintain positive external relationships with individuals, businesses and organizations that support the university's outreach effortsSupport community partnerships through strategic sponsorshipsLead efforts to represent the university favorably to the surrounding community, and attend community eventsCollaborate with other departments on community events and messagingServe on the Crisis Management Team, complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) training and serve with the Chief Development Officer as a Public Information Officer (PIO)Plan and coordinate all relevant activities for university community events including Ambassador Day; assist with Caritas as necessaryDevelop and maintain Community Relations piece of the website including faculty experts andUSFin the NewsIdentify mechanisms to measure direct and indirect impact of community relations initiatives on engagement, strategic objectives, and brand enhancementReview, maintain and evaluate community and government relations budgetParticipate in University Advancement divisional projects that contribute to the university's culture, strategic vision and achievement of goalsInteract with existing and potential donors, including scholarship donorsDonor research and identificationDonor gift recognition outreach activitiesOther duties as necessary

Minimum Requirements - Minimum three years related experience: journalism, English, public relations, media relations, community engagement, or marketingBachelor's degree in a related fieldAbility to perform the physical requirements of the positionEvent planning experienceWillingness to support the Catholic and Franciscan values of the university

Preferred Requirements - Master's degree in related field

Hours/Shift/Work Schedule - 40 hours/week, Monday through Friday, primarily days. Occasional evening and weekend work as needed for meetings and events.

Physical Requirements of Position - Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer. This is sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: sitting, walking, bending, stooping, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number - FP0804-16

Open Date - 09/14/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled - Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you willing to uphold the Catholic and Franciscan values of the University?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you meet or exceed the minimum requirements outlined in this job posting?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at time of application)
4. Mission Response at

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Recommendation 1 (you must upload something; letter writers may send directly to View email address on click.appcast.io)
2. Letter of Recommendation 2 (you must upload something; letter writers may send directly to View email address on click.appcast.io)