Community Engagement Specialist

Job description:

2026, 2025, 2024, & 2021 Gold Winner for Best Place to Work in Owensboro!

Wendell Foster is interested in hiring an energetic Community Engagement Specialist to join our Development & Community Engagement team and become part of our family of #DifferenceMakers!

What matters to you:

• 8 paid holidays each year
• Earn Paid Time Off
• Full benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with automatic 2% company contribution plus company match up to 3% after one year of employment and 1,000 hours worked
• Life insurance equal to one times your annual salary at no cost to you
• Employee recognition give-aways throughout the year
• Tuition reimbursement available
• On-the-job training
• Opportunity to build meaningful community relationships and make a lasting impact

What matters to us:

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two or more years of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with community engagement, fundraising, events, volunteer coordination, or nonprofit development preferred.
• Ability to represent Wendell Foster professionally in the community.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and organizational technology.
• Commitment to Wendell Foster’s mission and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Essential Functions:

1. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, businesses, civic groups, volunteers, donors, referral sources, and other stakeholders.
2. Represent Wendell Foster at community events, networking opportunities, meetings, committees, and other public activities.
3. Identify opportunities to increase Wendell Foster’s visibility, strengthen partnerships, and expand community engagement.
4. Plan and coordinate community engagement initiatives and events that align with Wendell Foster’s mission and strategic priorities.
5. Present educational programs to civic organizations, businesses, schools, community groups, and other audiences.
6. Educate community members, service providers, and partners about Wendell Foster’s mission, programs, services, and opportunities to get involved.
7. Assist with major fundraising and community events, including the Forever a Difference Maker Gala & Auction, Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K , and other special events.
8. Support fundraising and donor engagement through stewardship, sponsorships, community partnerships, and campaigns.
9. Process gifts accurately and promptly by entering donations and donor information into the fundraising database and maintaining complete records.
10. Assist with grant research, writing, submission, reporting, and stewardship as needed.
11. Support volunteer engagement by identifying opportunities, cultivating volunteer groups, and coordinating participation in initiatives and events.
12. Work with the Development & Community Engagement team to promote programs, events, fundraising efforts, and community engagement opportunities.
13. Help develop and coordinate outreach materials, direct-mail projects, presentations, and other public communications.
14. Serve as a positive ambassador for Wendell Foster by consistently representing the organization’s mission, values, and brand.
15. Pursue new partnerships, sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and community collaborations that advance Wendell Foster’s mission.
16. Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Other important information: Wendell Foster is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other