Executive Director- Community Engagement & Public Relations
Position Summary
The Executive Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and promoting community initiatives, stakeholder engagement, public relations efforts, and organizational programs. This role serves as the primary liaison between the organization, businesses, community partners, government agencies, volunteers, and the public while helping advance strategic initiatives that strengthen the community and organization. The ideal candidate is an organized, relationship-focused professional who enjoys bringing people together, managing projects, coordinating events, and communicating a compelling vision. This position requires strong leadership, collaboration, marketing, and organizational skills while working independently and as part of a team.
Essential Responsibilities
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, elected officials, and stakeholders.
- Coordinate collaborative initiatives that strengthen community engagement and organizational goals.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for community partners and key constituents.
- Foster productive relationships that encourage collaboration, participation, and long-term partnerships.
Program & Project Management
- Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate community programs, events, initiatives, and special projects.
- Assist leadership and committees in developing annual goals, priorities, and strategic action plans.
- Coordinate committee meetings, agendas, project timelines, and follow-up activities.
- Monitor project progress and recommend improvements to enhance effectiveness.
Public Relations & Communications
- Develop and implement public awareness campaigns that promote organizational initiatives and community programs.
- Create marketing materials, newsletters, press releases, presentations, website content, and social media communications.
- Serve as a spokesperson for the organization through public presentations, media interviews, networking events, and community meetings.
- Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication channels.
Business & Community Support
- Develop relationships with local businesses and organizations to better understand community needs and opportunities.
- Provide information, resources, and referrals that support organizational initiatives and community development.
- Encourage collaboration among businesses, organizations, and public partners.
- Assist in identifying opportunities that improve community vitality and economic growth.
Administrative & Financial Management
- Manage day-to-day administrative operations of assigned programs.
- Maintain program records, databases, documentation, and reporting systems.
- Assist with budget preparation, expense tracking, purchasing, and financial reporting.
- Coordinate grant reporting and compliance documentation when applicable.
- Supervise interns, volunteers, temporary staff, or consultants as assigned.
Data & Reporting
- Develop systems to monitor program performance and community impact.
- Track key performance indicators, participation metrics, community engagement, and project outcomes.
- Prepare reports for leadership, boards, funding partners, and stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation of organizational initiatives.
Organizational Leadership
- Represent the organization at community meetings, conferences, networking events, and public functions.
- Participate in strategic planning initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and organizational growth.
- Support leadership with special projects and emerging initiatives
Qualifications
Preferred education and experience include one or more of the following:
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
- Community Development
- Economic Development
- Nonprofit Management
- Event Management
- Planning
- Related field or equivalent professional experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
- Strong relationship-building and networking abilities
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Event planning and coordination experience
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Marketing, branding, and social media knowledge
- Budget management and administrative experience
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common communication platforms
- Professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach
Interested in learning more? Apply today!