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Guide Dogs of the Desert
Community Engagement Manager
Career Insights for Community Relations Manager
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What they do
A Community Relations Manager works for a business or organization to develop strategies and programs that represent the business favorably and which create a positive relationship with its community and customers. Manages community relations programs that are in alignment with business strategies. May direct or administer the charitable contributions, grants and volunteer programs.
$94,270 / year median in California
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Community Engagement Manager Guide Dogs of the Desert Palm Springs / Whitewater, California Full-Time | Exempt | Primarily on-site Guide Dogs of the Desert is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to lead our community engagement and volunteer programs and help strengthen our relationships throughout the Coachella Valley. This is a hands-on management role for someone who enjoys building relationships, engaging volunteers, representing an organization in the community, and turning ideas into successful programs and events. The Community Engagement Manager will oversee volunteer program activities, develop community partnerships, support fundraising and special events, and serve as a key public representative of Guide Dogs of the Desert. The position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and supervises the Community Engagement Coordinator. What You'll Do Develop and implement community engagement strategies and outreach initiatives that increase organizational visibility, volunteer participation, and mission awareness. Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, service clubs, businesses, donors, volunteers, and other community partners. Represent Guide Dogs of the Desert at community events, speaking engagements, volunteer fairs, civic meetings, networking opportunities, and other public functions. Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, engagement, retention, and recognition activities. Supervise and provide direction, coaching, and support to the Community Engagement Coordinator. Work with department leaders to identify volunteer needs and effectively deploy volunteer resources throughout the organization. Plan and support community outreach activities, volunteer appreciation programs, fundraising initiatives, and organizational events. Coordinate volunteer support and logistics for fundraising events, community outreach initiatives, and public engagement activities. Track community engagement and volunteer program activity, results, and other key metrics and recommend opportunities for improvement. Support departmental planning, budget tracking, vendor coordination, and related administrative activities. What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, business administration, marketing, human services, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered. At least five years of progressively responsible experience in community outreach, volunteer management, nonprofit operations, public engagement, fundraising support, or a related area. Supervisory, team lead, or demonstrated experience providing work direction to employees or volunteers. Experience coordinating community events, volunteer activities, or other public-facing programs. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with employees, volunteers, donors, community partners, and the public. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and presentations. Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database or volunteer-management systems; experience with Bloomerang or a similar platform is a plus.