Community Engagement Manager

IRC Background: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S., IRC provides assistance to refugees resettling here through 26 offices operating in 14 states. IRC resettles approximately 10,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship.

Scope: Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the Community Engagement Manager is responsible developing and maintaining strategic relationships with external partners, and management of the in-kind donations and volunteer programs for IRC’s Abilene office. The specific areas of responsibility and oversight include: proposal writing, donor tracking and reporting, special events, partnership management and outreach. The Community Engagement Manager supervises the Refugee Student Impact Grant, Community Sponsorship program, the Education department, and the Volunteer Coordinator. As an Abilene senior leadership team member, the Community Engagement Manager shares responsibility with other program and operations managers for providing effective oversight over office operations and good stewardship of resources.

Key Responsibilities:

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

• Oversee IRC Abilene’s in-kind donations program and volunteers, including the acquisition of hygiene items and furniture, winter clothing and gift cards, and other items. Work with volunteers and program staff to develop and maintain policies and procedures for the distribution and tracking of in-kind goods.

• Solicit sponsorships for IRC events and programs.

• Identify, cultivate and sustain individual donors through mailings, face-to-face visits, and other creative mechanisms.

• Collaborate with the Deputy Director on organizing annual fundraiser appeals and other special events as applicable.

• Participate in researching grant opportunities, writing letters of inquiry, grant proposals, budgets, and grant reports, in relationship to education programming

• Supervise Volunteer Coordinator to: effectively meet volunteer hour match requirements and maintain appropriate documentation for all volunteer time; ensure staff volunteer and internship needs are met; maintain relationships with volunteer program community partners.

• Utilize Salesforce database to enter and manage donor data, process gifts and acknowledgements, and supervise staff and / or volunteers doing the same.

Community Engagement

• Develop a community outreach plan with the Deputy Director
• Oversee production of the IRC’s electronic and print newsletters as well as social media including writing and editing content.
• Conduct outreach and networking activities to recruit and educate potential donors, volunteers and interns.
• Assist Deputy Director in raising awareness about IRC and representing the office at meetings, seminars, and forums.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT DUTIES

• Recruit and train volunteers and interns to support development functions.
• Meet regularly with program staff to create and review development goals.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Executive Director on status of resource development initiatives and provide timely reports on grant management issues and concerns.
• Participate actively in the IRC Abilene Supervisor Team meetings and liaise with other program managers to ensure efficient collaboration with all departments in the delivery of quality services.
• Other tasks as needed and assigned by the Executive Director.

Staff Supervision and Other Responsibilities

• Participate as an active member of the office leadership team and relevant internal and external groups.
• Lead the team members; formally evaluate team and individual performance to ensure objectives have been met.
• Ensure grant implementation for education programs
• Provide regular coaching and feedback to staff
• Facilitate interdepartmental communication and information sharing for monthly newsletters, program reports, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Four-year university degree required.
• Minimum 2 years prior professional experience in leadership roles in a nonprofit or social services environment.
• 1+ years prior supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience with all facets of the role, including: fundraising, public relations, proposal writing, special events; donor relations; multi-channel campaigns and appeals and volunteer management.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with grantors, volunteers, partner agencies, government officials, multi-cultural clients and colleagues on all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook; CRM platforms.
• Tech savvy and experienced using the Internet and social media as a Development tool.
• Outstanding organizational, leadership and team-building skills: the ability to promote productivity and efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment highly desirable.
• Ability to work nontraditional hours including weeknights and weekends as occasionally necessary.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the outlined responsibilities.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits! In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.