Community Engagement Director

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Engagement Director leads CHEER, Inc.’s community engagement and development efforts to foster meaningful relationships, increase support for the organization’s operations and programs, and promote its mission. This key leadership role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive engagement and fundraising strategy that drives philanthropic support and strengthens connections with stakeholders. The Engagement Director will: Expand and Strengthen Relationships: Identify, cultivate, and nurture relationships with community stakeholders, corporate partners, individual donors, and sponsors. Lead Fundraising Efforts: Develop and execute innovative strategies to secure philanthropic support, including corporate sponsorships, major gifts, and individual contributions. Foster Donor Stewardship: Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and sponsors through personalized communication, recognition, and engagement. Grant Management: Identify, apply for, and manage grant funding opportunities to support organizational goals and initiatives. Event Planning and Production: Implement the planning, promotion, and execution of internal and external events, including fundraising events that align with CHEER’s mission and objectives. The Engagement Director serves as a key ambassador of CHEER, Inc., working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners to inspire involvement and ensure the sustainability of the organization’s programs and services.

ESSENTIALDUTIES &RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Engagement Director is responsible for fostering meaningful connections across all segments of the community to inspire involvement and financial support for CHEER’s programs and services. This leadership position oversees a team that includes the Communications & Marketing Specialist and the Public Relations Generalist to create and execute a holistic engagement strategy. Below is a representative, but not all-inclusive, list of duties and responsibilities for the position: This listing is representative of the duties and responsibilities of the position, but is not to be construed as all inclusive: Strategic Engagement and Funding Development: Design and implement a comprehensive Community Engagement and Development Plan annually, encompassing financial, and organizational involvement to support current operations and future growth. Oversee strategies for financial engagement, including grants, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, planned giving, and community-based campaigns. Team Leadership: Supervise and provide strategic direction to the Community Engagement Team, ensuring cohesive messaging and engagement efforts.Foster professional growth and collaboration within the team to achieve departmental goals. Community Engagement Initiatives: Build and nurture relationships with diverse community stakeholders, including businesses, civic groups, faith-based organizations, and individual supporters, to foster awareness, involvement, and financial backing.Collaborate with internal teams to identify and implement initiatives that drive deeper community involvement. Marketing and Public Relations Oversight: Guide the development of comprehensive marketing and public relations campaigns to raise CHEER’s visibility and align with engagement goals.Ensure all messaging adheres to brand standards and effectively communicates CHEER’s mission and impact. Grant Development and Management: Identify, prepare, and submit grant applications to secure funding for CHEER’s programs and services. Manage grant reporting and compliance, working closely with program staff to ensure alignment with funder requirements. Event Planning and Execution: Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of both internal and external events, including fundraising, and community outreach events.Oversee third-party fundraising activities to ensure they align with CHEER’s mission and brand. Donor and Sponsor Stewardship: Develop and implement strategies to cultivate, maintain, and grow relationships with donors and sponsors, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and continued support.Create systems to recognize and engage donors, including personalized communications and appreciation events. Data Management and Reporting: Oversee the collection, organization, and maintenance of accurate donor and engagement data. Regularly analyze engagement metrics and provide actionable insights to the Board, Leadership, and Finance Committee. Compliance and Accountability: Monitor and ensure compliance with all regulatory and administrative requirements related to funding, grants, and donations. Ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds raised. Community Representation: Serve as a primary spokesperson for CHEER in the community, delivering presentations and representing the organization at key events and meetings.Collaborate with local leaders and organizations to strengthen CHEER’s presence and impact within the community. Vision and Collaboration: Work closely with the Community Engagement team and CHEER leadership to align efforts with organizational goals and identify new opportunities for growth.Encourage innovative approaches to community involvement and philanthropy. Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as deemed necessary to support CHEER’s programs, services, and overall mission.

CONTACTS:

Primary contacts include: CHEER Staff CHEER Board Administrative staff associated with public and private sector funding sources Other service organizations and suppliers associated with CHEER. Everyone

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS& ABILITIES:

2-4 years management experience preferred; Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Power Point. Excellent personal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly express program and funding information to various audiences. Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines, prioritizing, and responding to evolving program needs. Experience in planning and executing events related to fundraising and increasing community awareness. Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with a broad range of individuals within the CHEER organization and throughout the community. Ability to interpret and comply with guidance as necessary to help secure funding through foundations and grants. Ability to identify opportunities and potential problems; and develop recommendations to constructively address these.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent years of experience.

REPORTING:

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer

PRIMARY WORK LOCATION:

Most duties and functions will be performed in the community, however, about 1/3 of the duties will be performed in an office environment within CHEER facilities. Routine travel throughout Sussex County and the State is required.

WORK HOURS:

Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a 30-minute mid-day break. Extended work hours may routinely be required for this position to participate in community activities. Must be able to work evenings and weekends as situations require.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Full-Time, Exempt (40 hrs./week).

BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY:

Regular full-time eligibility includes subsidized employee health insurance and a free primary healthcare program. 403(b) R etirement Plan with company match. P aid time off (P TO ), based on hours worked and years of service. 11 paid holidays. Optional coverage available: dental, vision, AFLAC insurance, short-term disability insurance, and legal shield insurance at cost. #J-18808-Ljbffr CHEER, Inc.