Director of Community Engagement

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the mission advancement of the YMCA of the Twin Tiers, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Director of Community Engagement is responsible for leading the Olean YMCA's community engagement, outreach, relationship development, and growth strategies. This position serves as the bridge between the YMCA and the community by cultivating meaningful partnerships, expanding awareness of the YMCA's mission and impact, strengthening member engagement, and creating pathways that increase membership, program participation, philanthropy, and community involvement.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Association Marketing Director, Membership Coordinator, and Olean Leaders, this position develops and executes strategic outreach initiatives that connect people to the YMCA through authentic relationships, effective storytelling, innovative engagement strategies, and intentional community presence.

This position is expected to spend a significant portion of work time actively engaging throughout the community, cultivating partnerships, attending events, networking, and creating opportunities that increase the YMCA's visibility, relevance, and long-term impact.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy that drives membership acquisition, member retention, program participation, and mission impact.

Represent the YMCA throughout the community by actively networking with businesses, schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, municipalities, civic organizations, and community leaders, building relationships that generate qualified membership prospects and increase community awareness of YMCA programs and services.

Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships that generate measurable opportunities for membership growth, corporate memberships, program participation, sponsorships, referrals, volunteerism, philanthropy, and community collaboration.

Serve as a connector for community outreach initiatives, ensuring the YMCA maintains a visible, active presence throughout the region.

1. Spend a minimum of approximately 50% of work hours engaged in community outreach, partnership development, networking, or off-site engagement activities.
2. Collaborate with the Executive Director, Association Marketing Director, and Olean Membership Team to develop strategic marketing campaigns that support membership, programs, events, fundraising, and strategic organizational priorities.

3. Perform all other duties assigned by the Executive Director in an efficient and timely manner.

   This job description may not be all-inclusive and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by the Executive Director, VP of Operations, and CEO. Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by the supervisors.
    
    
   YMCA COMPETENCIES:
   Mission Advancement : Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
   Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
   Operational Effectiveness : Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
   Personal Growth : Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
   QUALIFICATIONS:

4. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, marketing, recreation management, human services, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
5. Minimum of three to five years of experience in membership operations, sales, community engagement, or customer service leadership.
6. Demonstrated experience supervising staff and leading teams.
7. Experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and data-driven decision-making.
8. Ability to establish and grow relationships with community partners, businesses, and stakeholders.
9. Strong communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
10. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
11. Strong computer and technology skills, including membership management software and reporting tools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.Requires the ability to travel to community locations for events, meetings, partnership development, and outreach activities. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. The following training courses are required before beginning work: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention; Managing Your Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens; Preventing Member Slips, Trips, and Falls; Sexual Harassment Prevention for Employees.
2. Within 90 days of hire: CPR/AED/FA
3. YMCA business software training; Daxko, SGA, and ADP; within 60 days of employment.
4. YMCA Leader Certification within 30 days of hire and YMCA Team Leader Certification within first 12 months.

END RESULTS:

1. Olean YMCA members, participants, and guests experience a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging environment that reflects the YMCA’s mission, values, and commitment to exceptional service.
2. The position creates meaningful relationships and positive experiences for members, participants, volunteers, community partners, vendors, staff, and other stakeholders through consistent communication, engagement, and follow-through.
3. The Olean YMCA is recognized throughout the community as a trusted organization that builds strong partnerships, delivers valuable programs and services, and actively responds to community needs.
4. The Olean YMCA effectively expands community awareness, develops strategic partnerships, and creates opportunities that contribute to increased membership enrollment, member retention, program participation, and community impact.
5. Consistent relationship-building, outreach, and engagement strategies result in measurable growth in membership, programs, partnerships, and overall Olean YMCA sustainability.