Community Engagement Specialist

OUR MISSION: The YWCA of Lewiston–Clarkston is dedicated to empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. It is committed to building a strong community by actively promoting the value of diversity and the right to a life free from violence, poverty, and oppression.

POSITION SUMMARY:  Provide program development and support as part of a comprehensive social services agency working toward social change. Sustain and build donor and sponsor relations with YWCA Lewiston-Clarkston by being active throughout the community. The Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for overseeing key fund development events and campaigns that will attract, retain and motivate donors.

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of YWCA.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications or related field and two years relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated success in coordinating highly effective fundraising activities and large-scale event management.
  • Ability to be self-directed and work as part of a team.
  • Hold valid driver’s license and insurance.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development 70%

  • Under the supervision of the Co-Directors, create annual and 5-year fundraising plan in support of YWCA strategic goals with measurable outcomes that include identification, cultivation and solicitation strategies, fundraising goals and implementation timelines.
  • Research prospective donors and sponsors to gain insight into community donation habits.
  • Create strong fundraising message and proposals that appeals to potential donors and sponsors.
  • Cultivate and sustain relationships with current and potential donors, corporate and foundation sponsors, and individual donors throughout the community to promote the YWCA mission and programs.
  • Assist with YWCA events and logistics, including securing sponsorships, in collaboration with staff and board.
  • Oversee donor/sponsor database and ensure that all transactions are captured and acknowledged in a timely, accurate manner and that information is secure and easily retrievable.
  • Contribute to YWCA website and social media accounts to maintain current information to appeal to donors and other supporters. Make arrangements for publicity and press coverage for fundraising events.
  • Lead the production and mailing of all fundraising appeals, annual reports, and other donor correspondence.
  • Ensure that all association materials reflect the YWCA mission and properly incorporate YWCA branding.
  • Evaluate the performance of events and fundraising activities to determine what is successful and where funds may be saved.

 

Community Engagement 30%

  • Promote positive public relations and community understanding of YWCA programs and philosophies, including media outlets.
    • Secure and maintain community participation in and support of programs.
    • Represents YWCA while attending community meetings, as part of other community organizations, and conducts community presentations.
  • Provide support to the Board of Directors, as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator to plan and implement events.

 

Organization

  • Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the YWCA
  • Cross train in all aspects of YWCA services.
  • Other duties as assigned to ensure agency success.
  • Attend staff meetings, committee meetings, and designated training events.

 

Key Competencies

  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, board members, and volunteers.
  • Exemplary communication/interpersonal skills – effective communication, both verbal and written.
  • Strategic thinking and problem solving skills – must be able to think quickly under pressure and be adaptable.
  • Detail-oriented – ability to track and understand fiscal data/reporting. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.