Community Relations & Development Specialist (Birmingham Area)

Community Relations & Development Specialist (Birmingham Area)

Purpose:

The Community Relations & Development Specialist plays a vital role in advancing Hope Inspired Ministries’ (HIM) mission by engaging prospective students, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners. This position focuses on increasing HIM’s visibility, cultivating financial supporters, strengthening community partnerships, coordinating fundraising initiatives, and enhancing branding efforts across digital and traditional media.

The Community Relations & Development Specialist will work collaboratively with the Community Relations & Development Director and Site Directors to increase student recruitment, donor engagement, volunteer involvement, sponsorship opportunities, and community support throughout the Birmingham area.

This role requires a proactive approach to relationship-building, donor development, fundraising, marketing, networking, and community outreach. The ideal candidate is highly relational, self-motivated, comfortable making direct asks for support, and passionate about representing HIM in a variety of public settings.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement & Outreach:

Act as a key representative of HIM, fostering strong relationships with local leaders, businesses, churches, civic organizations, foundations, and community partners.

Inspire and motivate students, volunteers, alumni, donors, sponsors, and community advocates to engage in HIM’s mission.

Represent HIM at speaking engagements, networking events, chamber meetings, civic clubs, church gatherings, and fundraising initiatives to increase awareness and community support.

Actively recruit students through strategic partnerships, community outreach efforts, and referral networks.

Develop and maintain partnerships that generate volunteers, financial support, student referrals, and community engagement opportunities.

Marketing & Communications:

Manage and update all social media platforms, creating engaging content, impactful posts, targeted ads, and stories that promote HIM's mission and impact.

Maintain and update the HIM website to ensure engaging, professional, and current content.

Develop and distribute newsletters, email campaigns, donor communications, and community updates using platforms such as Constant Contact.

Act as the primary contact for media relations, responding to requests and securing coverage for HIM programs, graduates, events, and success stories.

Ensure all marketing materials are professionally branded, readily available, and distributed effectively throughout the community.

Organize and coordinate marketing, branding, recruitment, and awareness campaigns that support organizational growth.

Fundraising & Donor Development:

Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, corporate sponsors, churches, foundations, and community partners.

Support HIM’s fundraising efforts by building relationships that result in financial investments, sponsorships, in-kind gifts, volunteer support, and long-term partnerships.

Conduct donor visits, sponsorship presentations, and community meetings to communicate the impact and needs of Hope Inspired Ministries.

Assist in securing event sponsorships, table sponsors, corporate partnerships, and fundraising support for organizational initiatives.

Manage donor software (Eleo) to track donor activity, sponsorships, grants, communications, and contributions while ensuring accurate reporting.

Prepare donor acknowledgments, stewardship communications, and follow-up efforts that strengthen donor retention and engagement.

Assist with fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation strategies, and annual giving initiatives.

Event Coordination & Volunteer Management:

Plan and coordinate student events such as graduations, recruitment activities, and community outreach events in collaboration with Site Directors.

Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, donor appreciation events, volunteer engagement activities, and promotional events across all campuses.

Secure sponsors, volunteers, vendors, speakers, and community participation for fundraising and outreach initiatives.

Supervise and lead volunteers, ensuring they are well-trained, appreciated, and effectively engaged in HIM initiatives.

Coordinate event logistics, staffing, marketing, materials, and follow-up activities to maximize community engagement and financial outcomes.

Actively contribute to staff meetings, training programs, and organizational initiatives, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse populations and build lasting relationships.

Proven experience in fundraising, donor development, nonprofit advancement, sales, marketing, community relations, public relations, or business development.

Demonstrated ability to network effectively and confidently ask individuals, businesses, and organizations for financial support.

Organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, projects, events, and deadlines effectively.

Experience in branding, digital marketing, social media management, and community engagement.

Public speaking experience and confidence in representing HIM at community events and fundraising functions.

Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.

Self-starter mentality with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, take initiative, and produce measurable results.

A culturally sensitive approach, with an understanding of the challenges faced by those in poverty, substance abuse recovery, mental health treatment, or reentry after incarceration.

Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office platforms.

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Business, or a related discipline) is preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Key Performance Expectations:

Success in this role will be measured by:

Growth in donor and sponsor relationships.

Increased community partnerships and strategic collaborations.

Volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement.

Student referral generation and community outreach impact.

Successful planning and execution of fundraising, donor, volunteer, and community events.

Growth in social media engagement, website traffic, and overall community awareness.

Timely and accurate donor stewardship, acknowledgments, and communications.

Effective utilization of donor management systems and relationship tracking.

Advancement of Hope Inspired Ministries’ visibility, reputation, and mission throughout the communities we serve.

Demonstration of initiative, professionalism, teamwork, and alignment with HIM’s core values of Faith, Family, Passion, and Excellence.

Travel Requirements:

A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle insurance are required.

Occasional travel to various campuses, appointments, donor meetings, networking functions, and community events may be necessary.

A company vehicle is provided for most travel needs, but personal vehicle use may be required on rare occasions.

Work Hours & Compensation:

This is a full-time position with a competitive compensation package designed to support professional growth and well-being. Some evening and weekend hours will be required for fundraising events, networking functions, community engagement activities, and special events.

Salary Range: Up to $40,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits Include:

Health Coverage: HIM covers approximately 95% of individual employee health insurance premiums, with supplemental coverage options available. 

Retirement Savings: Access to a 401K plan with up to a 3% employer match.

Paid Time Off: 15 paid holidays, 80 hours of vacation, and 80 hours of sick leave accrued annually.

Life Insurance: Employer-paid $25,000 life insurance coverage available after a 90-day probationary period.

Mileage Reimbursement: For approved work-related travel expenses.

Why Join Our Team?

At Hope Inspired Ministries, you'll be part of a transformative mission that changes lives. Through relationship-building, community engagement, fundraising, volunteer development, and strategic partnerships, you'll help empower individuals to overcome obstacles, develop essential skills, and secure meaningful employment. If you're passionate about making a lasting impact while helping grow a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply.