Director of Engagement

SOAR•Pikeville, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Engagement will lead SOAR’s regional engagement strategy by overseeing all organizational events while building and sustaining strategic partnerships across Eastern Kentucky. This role expands beyond event coordination to ensure that SOAR maintains consistent, year-round engagement with communities, educational institutions, workforce partners, and regional development organizations. This individual will serve as the lead for SOAR’s signature event, the SOAR Summit, and will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to execute and continuously strengthen its regional impact. In addition, the Director of Engagement will integrate SOAR’s programmatic initiatives, particularly the EKY Talent Network and Innovation programming, into high schools, Area Technology Centers, colleges, universities, and key regional institutions. The Director of Engagement plays a central role in positioning SOAR as a regional convener, connector, and catalyst for workforce and economic development. This is an in-office position reporting to one of SOAR's main or satellite offices within the region. Significant travel throughout Eastern Kentucky is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in event leadership, partnership development, community engagement, or related roles
Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale events and complex projects
Strong relationship building and stakeholder engagement skills
Experience working with educational institutions, workforce development initiatives, or economic development organizations preferred
Excellent communication, organizational and leadership skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; CRM experience preferred
Demonstrate measurable growth in year-round regional engagement
Successfully execute the SOAR Summit and other major events within budget and strategic goals
Maintain strong internal collaboration across program units
Improve integration between events and ongoing program participation
Strengthen institutional partnerships across education and economic development sectors
Regular and reliable attendance required
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
Must be able to handle prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or standing at an event
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time when necessary

Nice To Haves

Experience working with educational institutions, workforce development initiatives, or economic development organizations preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; CRM experience preferred

Responsibilities

Strategic Event Leadership:
Lead planning, coordination, and execution of all SOAR-hosted events, including the annual SOAR Summit, in collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer
Ensure events align with SOAR’s strategic priorities and advance measurable workforce and innovation outcomes
Integrate EKY Talent Network and Innovation programming into event design and follow-up strategy
Develop post-event engagement pathways that convert participants into active program participants
Oversee event logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, sponsorship coordination, production, and on-site execution
Manage event budgets and provide regular financial reporting and performance analysis
Regional Educational Engagement:
Build and maintain active relationships with:
High Schools
Area Technology Centers
Community and Technical Colleges
Colleges and Universities
Identify and develop opportunities to integrate SOAR programming into educational pipelines
Coordinate student engagement opportunities connected to workforce and innovation initiatives
Support alignment between educational partners and regional workforce needs
Cross-Program Integration:
Work across SOAR programmatic units to ensure coordinated outreach, messaging, and community presence
Identify opportunities to deepen engagement between workforce, innovation, and regional development efforts
Support internal collaboration to prevent silos and strengthen program alignment
Ensure community engagement efforts contribute to measurable program growth and impact
Regional Educational Engagement:
Maintain consistent engagement with:
Area Development Districts
Chambers of Commerce
Local and regional economic development organizations
Community partners and civic organizations
Represent SOAR at regional meetings, convenings, and partner events
Strengthen SOAR’s role as a regional connector and trusted partner
Vendor + Operational Management:
Establish and manage relationships with vendors, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners
Negotiate contracts and ensure vendor alignment with organizational expectations
Oversee day-of-event operations and troubleshoot issues in real time
Collect and analyze post-event feedback to inform continuous improvement