Community Relations Manager

Position Summary

The Community Relations Manager will play a key role in advancing CISSC’s mission by increasing community engagement, enhancing brand visibility, and securing partnerships in rural communities across South Carolina. This role will lead efforts to cultivate advocates and stakeholders while building a revenue portfolio of $250,000 annually through corporate partnerships, grants, sponsorships, and individual giving.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Statewide Partnerships, the Community Relations Manager will work closely with internal teams, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to strengthen CISSC’s footprint and deepen its impact. The position will primarily cover Fairfield County, Hampton County, and the Hollywood area. This is a hybrid role that includes remote work and frequent travel to community events, schools, and partner meetings.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Brand Awareness (25%)

• Build and maintain relationships with local leaders, businesses, civic groups, partnering schools, and other stakeholders in rural communities.
• Representing CISSC at community events, conferences, and district events, to raise awareness of the organization’s work.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase the number of community advocates and champions for CISSC’s mission.
• Engage in community initiatives and events with the intention of gathering community and stakeholder feedback that can be used to inform CISSC strategy

Communications & Marketing Support (25%)

• Collaborate with the communications team to amplify CISSC’s brand presence through social media, press releases, and other marketing efforts.
• Attend community events designed to highlight CIS's presence in the community
• Capture stories from your local CISSC communities that can highlight program impact to support fundraising and communication efforts

Fund Development (40%)

• Build a fundraising portfolio with a goal of generating $250,000 annually through events, monthly giving donors, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and donor engagement.
• Identify and cultivate prospective donors and partners
• Support the development of funding proposals, sponsorship packets, and donor communications.

Organizational Collaboration and Administration (10%)

• Work closely with statewide partnerships, development, and program teams to ensure alignment of outreach and fundraising efforts.
• Maintain accurate donor and partner records using CRM software.
• Contribute to organizational planning, reporting, and team initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 3 years of experience in community engagement, development, fundraising, or partnership management.
• Proven ability to cultivate relationships, generate consistent revenue, and close funding opportunities.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience working in rural communities and an understanding of rural economic landscapes are preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM or donor database software a plus.
• Passion for CISSC’s mission and commitment to supporting students’ success.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Up to 50% of time, Fairfield County, Hampton County, Hollywood
• Work Environment: Hybrid, with remote work and frequent travel to community events, schools, and partner meetings.
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation required.

About Communities In Schools of South Carolina

At Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC), we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We believe every child has unlimited potential, and we work hand-in-hand with schools, families, and local partners to ensure that all students can thrive.

Note: The above information is intended to describe the most important aspects of the job. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required to perform the work. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status"). This nondiscrimination policy extends to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as well as the use of all company facilities, participation in all company-sponsored activities, and all employment actions such as promotions, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.