Community Outreach Manager

Anixter Center•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Outreach Manager serves as Anixter Center’s representative to schools and agencies that support young people and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs. The role builds and sustains referral networks connecting individuals and families to transition and community-based services, and supports referrals through successful connection and enrollment. The manager is the primary contact for Special Education Teachers, Transition Schools, Integrated Community Supports agencies (ISCs), Community Service Organizations (CSOs), and Community Alternative Unlimited units (CAUs) across Chicagoland. The role partners with Intake, Case Management, program staff, and Marketing/Communications. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Chicago, with regular local travel throughout the Chicagoland area and a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Human Services, Public Health, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience (preferred).
Two or more years of experience in community outreach, community development, referral or care coordination, case management, special education, or transition services (preferred).
Working knowledge of Illinois IDD and/or mental health service systems, including ISCs, CSOs, and CAUs.
Familiarity with PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) and the IEP/transition planning process.
Strong relationship-building, networking, communication, and organizational skills, including confidence engaging school administrators, educators, and agency partners.
Experience using a CRM or referral-tracking database.
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel locally throughout Chicagoland.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Genuine commitment to nonprofit, mission-driven work.

Nice To Haves

An existing network in Chicagoland special education, transition schools, or DHS/DRS-affiliated service coordination agencies.
Experience working with individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing; ASL is a plus.
Experience with nonprofit, healthcare, or education-adjacent partnerships.

Responsibilities

Build and grow a referral pipeline by developing lasting relationships with Special Education Teachers, Transition Schools, ISCs, CSOs, and CAUs.
Conduct outreach through site visits, presentations, and one-on-one meetings with school staff, coordinators, and case managers.
Represent Anixter Center at IEP and transition planning meetings, school fairs, community events, and networking functions.
Provide partners with information about transition, IDD, mental health, and Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing services, including eligibility, intake, and program fit.
Establish and maintain referral pathways, documenting referral steps, contacts, and expectations.
Track referrals in the CRM from first contact through enrollment and follow up with partners and families.
Coordinate with Intake, Case Management, and program staff to ensure smooth handoffs.
Develop outreach materials with Marketing/Communications, monitor referral trends and outcomes, and share findings about service gaps, underserved communities, and partnership opportunities with leadership.