Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Community Engagement Manager
Region: Santa Barbara County
Job Summary
The Community Engagement Specialist I supports the Development Team by helping implement Mercy House's fundraising plan, community outreach efforts, volunteer services, and donation coordination. This role assists with strengthening community partnerships, coordinating volunteer engagement, supporting fundraising events, and helping ensure donation-related activities are organized, tracked, and communicated effectively.
Community Outreach
Coordinate and support community outreach opportunities with congregations, service groups, corporations, and other community partners.
Represent Mercy House at community outreach events.
Identify and build relationships with community partners who can support Mercy House programs and fundraising efforts.
Meet regularly with community organizations to maintain strong and collaborative relationships.
Support fundraising events, including the Spring Gala, Living with Heart, the Golf Tournament, and other agency events as assigned.
Identify community members and partners who may be appropriate for participation on the Regional Advisory Council.
Build and maintain relationships with city staff, community organizers, local business leaders, faith-based partners, and other stakeholders to support the assigned region's fundraising and engagement plan.
Volunteer Coordination
Oversee the recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training of volunteers.
Coordinate volunteer placement and monitor volunteer performance and engagement.
Track and report volunteer and donation hours to management.
Recognize volunteer contributions and achievements.
Create marketing and public relations content related to volunteer groups and service projects.
Provide creative input and support the development of new volunteer programs.
Coordinate holiday events, adopt-a-resident programs, and special volunteer projects.
Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the volunteer platform.
Lead volunteer orientations and participate in other volunteer recruitment events.
Donation Coordination
Secure larger in-kind donations, including maintenance work, painting, holiday baskets, adopt-a-resident gifts, and other program needs.
Manage in-kind donation allocation and related budget tracking.
Track and coordinate donor acknowledgments for in-kind donations.
Communicate with programs to identify major donation needs and help coordinate appropriate support.
Additional Responsibilities
Attend staff meetings and training workshops as needed.
Maintain job knowledge by attending seminars and conferences, reviewing professional publications, and applying current professional and technical knowledge to the role.
Complete additional projects and duties as assigned by the supervisor.
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Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
One to three years of experience in community outreach, volunteer coordination, event planning, fundraising, or nonprofit services preferred.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with community organizations, businesses, and public agencies.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and community presentations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience maintaining records, reports, or databases.
Valid California Driver's License, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the service area and attend occasional evening or weekend events.
