Community Engagement Specialist

Wendell Foster • Owensboro, KY

21h

About The Position

Wendell Foster is seeking an energetic Community Engagement Specialist to join their Development & Community Engagement team. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with various community stakeholders, representing the organization at events, and coordinating initiatives to increase visibility and strengthen partnerships. The specialist will also support fundraising efforts, donor engagement, volunteer coordination, and assist with outreach materials. A commitment to Wendell Foster's mission and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities is essential.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with community engagement, fundraising, events, volunteer coordination, or nonprofit development preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED