Director of Community Engagement
Description
The Director of Community Engagement leads strategies that connect people to the YMCA’s mission, programs and charitable
impact through marketing and relationship building. As a member of the Leadership Team, this position integrates community
partnerships, philanthropy, volunteer engagement, communications and audience development to strengthen awareness, participation, belonging and support for the Bedell Family YMCA and Camp Foster.
Responsibilities
MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & STORYTELLING
- Guide integrated communications that increase awareness, participation, philanthropy and community understanding of the Y.
- Develop audience-centered stories and campaigns for web, email, social media, print, presentations, earned media and
community outreach. - Serve as association brand steward, ensuring communications follow YMCA standards and use a consistent, welcoming
voice. - Partner with program and leadership staff to promote membership, camp, programs, events, volunteerism and charitable impact.
- Support media relations, talking points and timely organizational communications in partnership with the CEO.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS
- Build and sustain relationships with schools, businesses, civic organizations, health partners, media, donors, alumni and
other community stakeholders. - Represent the YMCA at community meetings, events and presentations; identify opportunities for collaboration, outreach and shared impact.
- Create an annual community engagement plan informed by organizational priorities, audience needs and measurable goals.
- Engage volunteers and board members in outreach, cultivation, stewardship and mission advancement.
PHILANTHROPY & DONOR ENGAGEMENT
- Lead annual and multi-year fundraising strategies, including annual giving, capital and endowment initiatives, planned
giving, grants and sponsorships in partnership with CEO and Leadership Staff. - Identify, research and cultivate donors and prospects across member, alumni, business and community networks.
- Coordinate timely donor stewardship, recognition, impact reporting and meaningful engagement opportunities.
- Partner with the CEO, CFO, staff and volunteers on fundraising events, campaign goals, budgets and progress reporting.
- Maintain accurate donor and prospect records, gift documentation, reports and stewardship plans.
STRATEGY, INSIGHTS & LEADERSHIP
- Manage engagement, development and communications priorities, budgets, calendars, vendors and project timelines.
- Use donor, member and community feedback along with campaign and channel data to improve outreach and results.
- Equip staff and volunteers with clear messages, tools and training to represent the YMCA effectively.
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive and mission-centered culture and perform other duties that advance association
priorities. - Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Preferred bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, human services or a related
field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Three or more years of progressive experience in community engagement, fundraising, marketing, communications,
partnerships or related work preferred. - Demonstrated success building relationships, managing projects and translating mission impact into compelling messages
and opportunities for involvement. - Strong writing, presentation, facilitation, organization and interpersonal skills.
- Experience with donor stewardship, volunteer engagement, grants, sponsorships or fundraising campaigns preferred.
- Ability to complete all necessary training compliance pieces.
YMCA of the Okobojis | Director of Community Engagement | Updated 2026 - Proficiency with Microsoft 365, digital communications, content tools, analytics and donor or customer relationship
management systems. - Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Commitment to the YMCA mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
This role operates in office, program, camp and community settings and requires regular use of computers and mobile devices. Occasional evening, weekend and extended hours may be required for events, meetings or organizational needs. The role may include standing, walking, sitting, bending and moving supplies weighing up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.
YMCA of the Okobojis
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
US
