Director of Community Engagement

Community Action of Skagit County•Mount Vernon, WA

About The Position

We’re seeking a dynamic, community-connected leader to serve as our Director of Community Engagement. This is a unique opportunity to shape strategy, strengthen partnerships across Skagit County, and elevate the voices of the community in meaningful, lasting ways. As a key member of the core management team, you’ll lead Community Engagement and Donor Development efforts that advance our mission to break the cycle of poverty by walking alongside individuals and families building hope-filled futures. You’ll help tell the Community Action story, deepen local relationships, and drive innovative strategies that expand resources and impact. We’re not seeking a narrowly specialized expert, but someone with a broad, versatile skill set—able to connect efforts across initiatives, build strong relationships, and help lead meaningful, community-driven change. We’re especially looking for someone rooted in Skagit County who brings strong local connections, a passion for equity, and a commitment to collaborative, community-driven impact. This is a full-time, salaried-exempt position focused on creating lasting opportunity for all. POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Community Engagement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the agency’s Community Engagement and Donor Development functions. As a key member of the core management team, this role advances the organization’s mission by cultivating strong relationships across the county, fostering strategic partnerships, and amplifying the Community Action story. The Director ensures community voice is meaningfully reflected in governance and programs, guiding efforts that drive positive, lasting change.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field required.
Experience in developing strategic partnerships required.
Valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance required for work related travel.
Must have strong and effective communication skills (oral and written).
Ability to be an effective and positive ambassador for the agency.
Knowledge of local community.
Creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential.
Strong team management, strategic planning, and project management skills.
Strong organizational and time management skills required, with the ability to multitask and follow-through.
Ability to effectively present information to all staff, top management, public groups, and/or Board of Directors.
Competency of standard office procedures and equipment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational, and experiential backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Progressive Community Engagement experience highly preferred.
Experience in community organizing, non-profit management, or public relations desired.
Or a combination of education/experience meeting required job qualifications.
Additional languages are helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead the community engagement strategy in all facets of the agency’s work through internal and external relationships. (Learn, Volunteer, Advocate, Give, Organize)
Cultivate partnerships with community leaders, nonprofits, government officials, and stakeholders that align with organizational goals.
Provide strategic leadership to Development staff, consultants, contractors, and committees, ensuring alignment with the agency’s overall fundraising strategy. Manage key partnerships and contracts while advancing diversified revenue through grants, donor engagement, sponsorships, fee-for-service opportunities, and other fund development efforts.
Lead agency communications, presentations, community trainings and events, government relations, and participation in community coalitions and public policy advocacy efforts.
Assist in facilitating and supporting board and board committee activities, as well as volunteer engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
Acts as the primary media liaison and first point of contact for media and press. Coach and support other staff on media engagement. Serve as “chief storyteller” gathering stories and photos from programs.
Help lead agency and community IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) strategies with staff, board, and community partners, and ensure leadership and participation of people with lived experience in all community engagement strategies.
Support the agency’s Community Needs Assessment project, ensuring community voice and participation.
Supervise and train staff; provide adequate support to each staff member, including evaluating staff performance. Conduct routinely scheduled staff meetings and 1-on-1’s.
Assist or manage strategic initiatives and internal committees as needed and assigned.
Promote a healthy, transparent, professional, and kind work environment.
Participate in state, regional, and national planning and advocacy groups.
Participate in agency, community and coalition meetings and trainings as required.
Other duties assigned by management.