Director of Community Engagement

Special Olympics New York, Inc•Farmingdale, NY

1d•$85,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, health services, leadership opportunities, and inclusive programming for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We believe every athlete deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence, and experience the joy of belonging. We are seeking a mission-driven leader to join our team as Director, Community Engagement. This senior-level position plays a critical role in strengthening program operations, building strategic partnerships, engaging families and communities, and ensuring exceptional experiences for athletes throughout New York City and Long Island. JOB SUMMARY: The Director, Community Engagement serves as a strategic partner to the Senior Vice President of Operations, helping ensure that programs across New York City and Long Island operate with clarity, consistency, and purpose. This role is responsible for connecting teams across Schools, Community Training Clubs, Competition, Development, and statewide leadership. The Director will strengthen communication, drive cross-functional initiatives, develop and steward key external partnerships, support fundraising efforts, and serve as a trusted liaison to athletes and families. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, skilled relationship-builder, and strategic thinker with a passion for inclusion and community impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, program leadership, community engagement, development, or related field.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional projects and initiatives.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
High level of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and discretion.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with schools, community organizations, professional sports
Knowledge of fundraising, donor engagement, or corporate partnership development.
Familiarity with New York City and Long Island communities.
Passion for inclusive programming and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Partner closely with the SVP of Operations to establish priorities and advance strategic objectives.
Translate statewide goals into actionable plans for New York City and Long Island programs.
Strengthen alignment across Schools, Community Training Clubs, and Competition programs.
Support annual planning efforts, KPI development, and performance tracking.
Anticipate operational challenges and develop proactive solutions.
Foster collaboration across departments to ensure a consistent, high-quality athlete experience.
Lead cross-functional initiatives requiring coordination across boroughs, counties, and program areas.
Improve systems, processes, and communications related to scheduling, event execution, and data management.
Identify operational gaps and implement solutions that increase efficiency and sustainability.
Support planning and execution of high-profile regional events.
Ensure athlete safety, inclusion, and experience remain central to all decisions.
Assist in managing strategic priorities and initiatives for the SVP of Operations.
Represent organizational leadership in meetings with schools, community organizations, corporate partners, and Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) leadership when appropriate.
Facilitate communication between regional teams, statewide departments, and executive leadership.
Collaborate with the President & CEO on select strategic initiatives and special projects.
Work closely with the Development team to align program priorities with fundraising goals.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with professional sports organizations, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders.
Support donor stewardship through site visits, presentations, impact reporting, and engagement opportunities.
Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that enhance both program delivery and financial sustainability.
Equip program staff with tools and messaging to effectively communicate athlete impact and program outcomes.
Coordinate meaningful employee volunteer opportunities and athlete engagement experiences with corporate partners.
Strengthen communication channels to ensure families receive timely and accurate information about programs, events, and opportunities.
Develop and enhance family-facing resources, including onboarding materials, event guides, and communication tools.
Build strong relationships with parents, guardians, and family advocates.
Support family engagement in volunteerism, storytelling, and fundraising activities.
Represent Special Olympics New York at family meetings, orientations, community events, and outreach initiatives.