Director of Community Development and Engagement

Primary Purpose

The Director of Community Development and Engagement provides strategic leadership to build and sustain strong relationships between the school district and its parents, community members, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities. This role advances student success and district goals through partnerships, community initiatives, business engagement, sponsorships, fundraising, and alternative funding opportunities. The Director works collaboratively across departments to strengthen the district's brand, public trust, and community support.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in education, public administration, communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in community engagement, partnerships, development, communications, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading projects and initiatives across multiple departments.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience working in a public school district, government, or nonprofit organization.
• Grant writing and grant management experience.
• Experience with sponsorships, fundraising, or alternative revenue generation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
• Strategic planning and project management abilities.
• Ability to represent the district professionally and effectively with internal and external audiences.
• Knowledge of fundraising, grating writing, and development practices.
• Knowledge of marketing, branding, and public relations principles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Business Partnerships, Sponsorships & Advertising

• Lead all district business partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising initiatives in alignment with district policies and ethical standards.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses and organizations.
• Negotiate sponsorship agreements and ensure proper recognition, compliance, and stewardship.
• Track and report partnership outcomes and impact.

Grants & Alternative Funding

• Lead, coordinate, and facilitate the district's pursuit of federal, state, and local grants, as well as other alternative funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with district leadership and departments to identify funding needs and opportunities.
• Oversee grant development, submission, compliance, reporting, and stewardship in partnership with finance and program staff.
• Maintain a grants calendar and database to support sustainability and long-term planning.

Community & Family Engagement

• Develop, lead, and implement district-wide strategies to strengthen partnerships with parents, families, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between the district and community organizations, civic groups, chambers of commerce, and local leaders.
• Design and oversee community initiatives, programs, and events that promote student success, district priorities, and community involvement.
• Support inclusive engagement practices that reflect the diversity of the district's students and families.

Communications, Marketing & Public Relations

• Work collaboratively with the Communications Department to align community engagement efforts with district marketing, branding, and public relations strategies.
• Support storytelling and messaging that highlights partnerships, initiatives, and community impact.
• Represent the district at community meetings, events, and public forums.
  
   
• Assist with crisis or issue communication related to community engagement as needed.

Leadership & Administration

• Develop goals, metrics, and evaluation processes to measure the effectiveness of community engagement and partnership initiatives.
• Prepare reports and presentations for district leadership and the Board of Trustees as requested.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, legal requirements, and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
  
   

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds)

Environment: Office and community-based work environment; frequent attendance at evening and weekend meeting and events; ability to travel locally to district campuses and community locations

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Pay Grade: Administrative/Professional Pay Grade 5 (12 months)