Community Engagement Coordinator
Part time staff position, hourly: Approximately 30 hours/week
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Reports to: Executive Director
Start date: Immediate
About The Folk School
The Folk School’s mission is to perpetuate the joy of hands-on learning, with an emphasis on place and community. We work with community instructors to offer classes and programs for all ages in traditional crafts, woodworking, outdoor skills, and hands-on arts and sciences. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization primarily serving the greater Fairbanks community and the Tanana Valley.
As a folk school we are part of a 200-year-old tradition of Danish and German folk schooling. The folk school movement provided alternative learning opportunities through popular education. Through the confidence that comes from learning new skills, students are challenged to discover their unique identity and how they can contribute to strengthening and supporting their place & community. Our approach focuses on inspiring and empowering students through learning by doing and learning in community in a way that serves to build personal and community resilience in a changing world.
The Folk School in Fairbanks started over 30 years ago as a small, grassroots movement, originally teaching classes out of instructors’ homes, and formally became a nonprofit organization in 2011.
As a small organization, we value collaboration, self-motivation, and adaptability. Our work culture is built on transparency in communication, strong relationships, and mutual trust, creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone contributes to our shared mission.
Please visit https://folk.school/ or find us on Instagram and Facebook to learn more!
Position Overview
The Community Engagement Coordinator is a holistic, community relations and communications role that encompasses digital, print, and in-person communications; event coordination; volunteer engagement; and development. The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for developing strong relationships across The Folk School community and beyond as well as creating clear and impactful communications that strengthen and illuminate the mission and vision of The Folk School.
The Community Engagement Coordinator reports to the Executive Director and will work closely with The Folk School’s Storytelling & Communications Fellow (an Alaska Fellows Program position running September 2026–May 2027). The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for community engagement strategy and is accountable for it long-term; the Fellow contributes to storytelling and communications for the duration of the fellowship. The Community Engagement Coordinator will also work collaboratively with folks across the community including instructors, board members, volunteers, community partners, funders, donors, and students.
Key Responsibilities
The Folk School has a long and vibrant history serving the Fairbanks community and we want to share more of our story. We are seeking an individual who is adaptable and excited about developing and improving organizational systems and processes for the betterment of the whole as we grow and evolve. This position is dynamic and will shift week to week depending on what is happening at The Folk School (events, classes, etc.). The following percentages are an estimate of the average time per focus area.
Communications & Outreach (45% – 13.5 hrs/wk)
- In collaboration with the Executive Director and Board, develop overarching narratives as well as marketing and communications strategies that improve engagement, reach, and impact
- Foster collaborative, positive relationships with The Folk School community, including staff, instructors, board members, volunteers, community partners, funders, donors, and students, as well as expand the organization’s reach with new audiences
- Manage and develop The Folk School’s mass email communications, including preparing a biweekly newsletter (4.5k subscribers) with support from the Alaska Fellow
- Manage and curate the organization’s social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
- Design and create digital and print materials for recurring and special events, as well as web and general promotional and informational materials in collaboration with the Alaska Fellow
- Lead the website redesign process in collaboration with the Alaska Fellow (negotiable for the right candidate)
- Engage visitors at outreach events and onsite at The Folk School
Volunteer Engagement (15% – 4.5 hrs/wk)
- Manage volunteer communications and engagement pre, post, and during events
- Develop a sustainable volunteer engagement strategy and approach
- Cultivate a reliable and positive volunteer community at The Folk School
Event Coordination (15% – 4.5 hrs/wk)
- Lead event coordination for annual and special events such as Mardi Gras Coffeeshop, Yarn Swap, and The Folk School Frolic
- Lead setup, day-of, and breakdown logistics
- Coordinate participants, including staff, volunteers, and event partners
- Assist with event planning and evaluation
Development & Fundraising (15% – 4.5 hrs/wk)
- Support the Executive Director in grant prospecting, applications, and award management
- Develop fundraising communications in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board
- Support funder relations and donor stewardship efforts by helping to develop donor communications pipelines and materials, as well as maintaining sponsor and partner visibility
- Help maintain the constituent relationship management database (CRM) for maximum usability and sustainability
General Organizational Support (10% – 3 hrs/wk)
- Support instructors and classes, as needed
- Maintain a friendly, welcoming office presence
- Participate in facilities maintenance
- Other duties as assigned
QualificationsRequired
- Enthusiasm for mission-based storytelling
- Ability to build trusting and diverse relationships
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience in communications, marketing, or social media
- Event coordination or project management experience
- Volunteer coordination and management skills or volunteer experience
- Familiarity with the following tools (or ability to learn):
- Google Workspace
- Canva
- Mailchimp
- WordPress
- Keela (CRM)
- Photography & photo editing skills
- Reliable transportation
- Passion for community, community education, and lifelong learning
Preferred
- Experience managing or recruiting volunteers
- Familiarity with nonprofit operations
- Experience in adult education or community programming
- Grant writing and research experience
- Fundraising or donor relations experience
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Video & editing skills (CapCut or similar)
Work Environment & Schedule
- Somewhat flexible schedule with an emphasis on afternoon, evening, and weekend work to support classes & events
- Mix of in-person, on-site, hybrid, and remote work
- Mix of office work, community engagement, and class support
- Collaborative, mission-driven nonprofit environment
- Please note: The buildings The Folk School currently occupies are historic buildings and are not ADA compliant
Compensation & Benefits
Rate: $22/hr
Benefits: 5 Paid holidays; Staff discount for TFS classes; Sick leave
To Apply:
Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning 6/1/2026
Please send the following in PDF format to [email protected]
- A one-page letter expressing your interest in and alignment with the role
- Resume with relevant experience
- Three professional references (may include volunteer or academic references)
- Include a link to a portfolio, website, social media account, or 2-3 work samples
The Folk School is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members.
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
