Director of Community Engagement

$74,000 - $90,000 Description: The Director of Community Engagement advances the mission of Mujeres Latinas en Acción (MLEA) by leading the organization’s government relations, community mobilization, strategic communications, and board relations, in close partnership with the President & CEO.This role ensures that MLEA’s advocacy and public-facing initiatives are deeply inclusive, culturally responsive, and representative of the diverse communities we serve. The Director serves as a collaborative leader who connects people around shared goals, works effectively across internal teams, and is deeply committed to building long-term power, visibility, and wellbeing for Latinas and their families. Reports to: President and CEO FSLA Status: Exempt Key Responsibilities: Government Relations & Strategic Partnerships Legislative Advocacy: Lead government relations efforts by building and maintaining strong relationships with local, state, and federal legislators, government officials, and civic leaders to advance MLEA’s strategic priorities. Policy Monitoring: Monitor relevant policy developments, legislative sessions, and political shifts, keeping executive leadership informed to enable timely and strategic organizational responses. Coalition Building: Identify and pursue opportunities to align MLEA with strategic partners, coalitions, and community initiatives that support organizational priorities and systemic change. Public Representation: Represent MLEA in coalition spaces, public hearings, community task forces, and civic events to elevate the organization’s voice and mission. Community Engagement, Mobilization & Inclusiveness Grassroots Organizing: Collaborate on campaigns and strategies for grassroots mobilization that amplify community voice, civic participation, and leadership development. Team Leadership: Supervise and support the Senior Manager of Grassroots Leadership in executing community engagement initiatives and leadership programs (such as Líderes). Inclusiveness & Intersectionality: Ensure that community outreach and advocacy strategies are intersectional, welcoming, and accessible to all facets of the community, including immigrant, LGBTQ+, Afro-Latino, and diverse populations. Cross-Functional Alignment: Connect community organizing efforts directly with broader organizational priorities, including programs, development, and research. Board Relations & Executive Support Liaison to the Board: Support the CEO in managing board relations by serving as a key liaison, scheduling meetings, preparing high-quality materials, and tracking action items and commitments. Governance & Compliance: Maintain official board records, including meeting agendas, minutes, and onboarding materials. Reporting: Assist the CEO in preparing briefings, impact reports, and strategic updates to keep the Board of Directors fully informed and aligned. Special Projects & Program Specialist Support Program & Project Troubleshooting: Act as an internal consultant and troubleshooter across the organization. Diagnose bottlenecks, operational challenges, or implementation gaps in programmatic work and design actionable solutions to get initiatives back on track. Management Guidance: Provide hands‑on coaching, frameworks, and strategic guidance to program managers and department leads to strengthen their project and program management capacities. Special Projects Lead: Design, manage, and execute high‑priority organizational projects and cross‑functional initiatives as identified by the President & CEO. Inter‑Departmental Collaboration: Help program directors implement inclusive practices and community‑engagement frameworks within their respective departments. Qualifications & Skills: Experience: 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a non‑profit, advocacy, public policy, or community affairs environment. Program Management Expertise: Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and programs, with a demonstrated ability to diagnose operational issues, troubleshoot program delivery challenges, and guide other managers in best practices. Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Social Work, Communications, Non‑Profit Management, or a related field (or equivalent lived/professional experience). Master’s level preferred. Language Fluency: Bilingual written and oral proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred to effectively engage with MLEA’s primary constituents, media partners, and local stakeholders. Subject Matter Expertise: Proven track record in community organizing, government relations, coalition building, and managing strategic public communications. Equity‑Centered Leadership: Deep personal and professional alignment with MLEA’s mission, including a strong understanding of racial, gender, and economic justice, immigrant rights, and the unique challenges facing Latina communities. Interpersonal Savvy: Outstanding relationship‑building skills with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively with diverse audiences, from grassroots community members to elected officials and board trustees. Education & Certifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Social Work, Communications, Non‑Profit Management, or a related field (or equivalent lived/professional experience). Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Work Schedule: Chicago is the preferred location, though remote placement is open for consideration. Environment: Duties are performed in a standard office environment. Physical Demands: Must be able to occasionally lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. Travel: Ability to travel to other Mujeres office locations as required. Availability: Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events or programming. Benefits Summary: Regular full‑time employees are eligible for benefits Medical: Multiple PPO and HMO health plans. (employee contribution required). Dental & Vision: Optional plans. Life & Disability Insurance: Employer‑paid life insurance, short‑term disability, and Employee Assistance Program. Retirement: Optional 403(b) plan. Vacation: Based on years of service. Sick Leave: Accrual of 5.83 hours per month for all full‑time and part‑time employees. Personal Days: 5 paid personal days per year (accrued monthly). Winter Wellness Days: 3 additional paid days between December and March. Summer Hours: Early dismissal (1:00 p.m.) on alternating Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Paid Holidays: 14 paid holidays including Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Winter holidays. Mujeres Latinas en Acción is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, military status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. As part of Mujeres pay equity commitment, it’s our policy that upon offering employment, we do not negotiate salary or benefits. Explore More Opportnities Discover additional roles at Mujeres where your passion and purpose can help uplift and empower Latina communities. The Director of Community Engagement leads Mujeres Latinas en Acción's government relations, community mobilization, strategic communications, and board relations, driving inclusive, culturally responsive advocacy that builds long‑term power, visibility, and wellbeing for Latinas and their families. 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The Controller provides strategic oversight for all finance, accounting, and reporting activities, ensuring the fiscal integrity and long-term sustainability of Mujeres Latinas en Acción. In-Office Full-Time Stay Connected Get updates on events, stories of impact, and ways to support Mujeres in your inbox. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mujeres Latinas en Accion