Community Engagement Officer [502840]

ETSU•Johnson City, TN

About The Position

The Community Engagement Officer supports the implementation, coordination, and ongoing success of Elevate Appalachia, a regional initiative funded through a Truist grant and designed to strengthen and support small businesses throughout the Tri-Cities region. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing recurring cohort-based programming for participating businesses, as well as developing and facilitating educational workshops and engagement opportunities focused on workplace enhancement, business growth, and community development. The role also leads the planning and execution of large-scale events and special initiatives that support the program’s strategic objectives and community impact. In addition, the Community Engagement Officer serves as a primary liaison for community and business engagement efforts related to the initiative, cultivating and maintaining collaborative partnerships with local businesses, community stakeholders, regional organizations, and external partners. The position plays a key role in promoting program participation, strengthening regional relationships, supporting grant deliverables, and advancing the overall visibility, effectiveness, and long-term impact of Elevate Appalachia.

Requirements

Knowledge of community engagement, business outreach, and program coordination principles and practices.
Knowledge of event planning and execution processes, including coordination of logistics, vendors, communications, and stakeholder participation.
Ability to develop, coordinate, and manage recurring cohort-based programs and educational initiatives.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with businesses, community organizations, regional partners, and external stakeholders.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences and facilitate engagement activities.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects, priorities, and timelines simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting established deadlines.
Ability to organize and facilitate workshops, meetings, networking opportunities, and community events.
Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to adapt to changing program needs and priorities.
Ability to analyze program needs, identify opportunities for engagement, and recommend strategies to enhance participation and program effectiveness.
Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other technology platforms used for communication, event coordination, scheduling, reporting, and program management.
Ability to represent the organization professionally and foster positive relationships within the community and regional business environment.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, community development, communications, or a related field and experience coordinating events, programs, or recurring meetings with external audiences.
OR A combination of education and work experience.

Responsibilities

Planning, coordinating, and managing recurring cohort-based programming for participating businesses.
Developing and facilitating educational workshops and engagement opportunities focused on workplace enhancement, business growth, and community development.
Leading the planning and execution of large-scale events and special initiatives that support the program’s strategic objectives and community impact.
Serving as a primary liaison for community and business engagement efforts related to the initiative.
Cultivating and maintaining collaborative partnerships with local businesses, community stakeholders, regional organizations, and external partners.
Promoting program participation, strengthening regional relationships, supporting grant deliverables, and advancing the overall visibility, effectiveness, and long-term impact of Elevate Appalachia.