Community Relations Program Manager

Dairy Farmers of America•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

Lead the implementation of community relations and engagement activities and programs in partnership with human resources, communications, and leaders across the organization. Drive community engagement goal attainment through effective program management and project management, well designed and documented programs, clear communications, and relationships with internal and external partners. Act as a community engagement and relations subject matter expert by contributing perspective, insights, and knowledge to enable the organization to achieve measurable results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or closely related fields): Communications, Public Relations, Marketing Nonprofit Management/Public Administration Business Administration Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Public Policy)
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
8+ years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, corporate social responsibility (CSR), nonprofit program management, or public affairs
Demonstrated experience managing external partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations, including joint initiatives and multi-stakeholder coordination
Experience working in large, matrixed organizations
Fundraising exposure, such as annual campaigns, giving days, sponsorships, donor relations, or grants (even if not primary role)
Track record of cross-functional collaboration (e.g., with leadership, sales, HR/DEI, procurement, and field locations)
Ability to manage multiple complex projects, multiple requests, and competing priorities; able to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines; able to prioritize work
Ability to work autonomously
Ability to problem solve and work creatively in ambiguous, time-sensitive environments
Comfortable working with large groups, facilitating and leading presentations and sessions
Ability to build and maintain partnerships and networks with partners of all functions
Ability to influence multiple stakeholders across the organization
Ability to work in large, matrixed organizations
Passion for fostering an inclusive workplace culture
Solutions orientation and mindset
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Proficiency with CRM or donor management system such as Benevity, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, etc.
Experience with project management tools or platforms such as Asana
Ability to build dashboards, track KPIs and prepare impact reports
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Nice To Haves

Program management for a nonprofit or foundation (ideally 501(c)(3)), including planning, execution, measurement, and reporting
Event/activation planning for community engagement (regional and/or national), including logistics, vendor/venue management, staffing, budgets, and post-event metrics
Hands-on experience with scholarship program administration (application cycles, eligibility and selection processes, communications, award tracking, and compliance)
Experience in cause marketing or integrated campaigns with Communications/Marketing/Events teams

Responsibilities

Partnership Relationship Management
Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including non-profits, educational institutions, and community organizations such as Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), FFA, American Red Cross, Society of Women Engineers, and others, that align with the Cooperative’s community relations, engagement and giving objectives
Oversee community engagement and relations events/activations by helping to plan and coordinate participation in relevant national and regional conferences, events, or activations that build the Cooperative’s brand, strengthen DFA’s reputation in communities, and/or contribute to the organization’s giving focus
Coordinate scholarship giving in collaboration with diverse external organizations and oversee candidate selection, communication, and award distribution
Help identify and initiate collaboration with external partners to supply development resources for Employee Resource Groups
DFA Cares Program Management
Manage DFA Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by a farmer-led board of directors, and its programs
Collaborate closely with Communications, Marketing, and Events teams to promote DFA Cares to our customers and vendors and manage DFA Cares online tool across all audiences
Analyze metrics and prepare reports
Identify volunteer and community engagement opportunities
Track monetary donations in an organized fashion to easily promote DFA’s giving goals
Track product donations in an organized fashion to easily promote how DFA is giving back
Track community engagement events in an organized fashion to easily promote our reach
Manage DFA Cares scholarship program, which includes applications campaign, tracking, and communication
Manage DFA Cares disaster assistance program, which includes reviewing applications and administering financial assistance in partnership with DFA’s finance team
Develop fundraising strategy and lead fundraising efforts for DFA Cares Foundation
Help organize and partner on volunteer and community engagement opportunities as requested by farmer-owners and DFA locations
Collaborate with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) on community engagement efforts
Manage DFA’s headquarters-based community engagement program by organizing events and volunteer opportunities, partnering with key internal and external stakeholders to promote DFA Cares, and leading major initiatives across community outreach