Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist

Job Summary

The Community Engagement and Support Specialist is a relationship-oriented, community-based, outreach-focused position that is responsible for helping secure community relationships and financial support for our programs and general operations, including outreach to potential foster families interested in fostering with Pathways. The territory is primarily in the region where the Specialist resides. This position will be responsible for identifying and nurturing community support that may include individual and corporate donors to support the organization’s programs and operations. This position will also spend a small portion of their liaising with businesses to secure volunteers in support of Pathways’ General Residential Operation, as well as the Child Placing Agency (CPA).  This position is a part of the Child Placing Agency and reports to the Director of Performance Improvement & Strategic Initiatives.

Essential Duties:

• Identify and pursue opportunities to attract, inform, and engage potential foster parent applicants and other community supporters.
• Represent Pathways at DFPS/SSCC events, community fairs, and other outreach activities to increase awareness, recruit foster parents, and build organizational support.
• Work closely with the Director of Home Development and Recruitment to identify recruitment and community outreach opportunities strategies related to foster parent recruitment and onboarding.
• Support and organize informational sessions, open houses, meet-and-greets, and appreciation events for foster parents and prospective applicants.
• Collaborate with and assist leadership and Development staff in identifying and cultivating relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations interested in supporting Pathways to broaden funding base.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to create necessary materials for outreach and engagement activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and partners to advance Pathways’ mission and expand programs, services, and referrals.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities, including strategic partnerships and new markets, to enhance revenue and secure business.
• Coordinate volunteer events, occasional outings, and donations for General Residential Operation, while maintaining connections with all Pathways offices.
• Meet with leadership regularly to discuss trends, opportunities, and progress toward goals.
• Partner with the Communications Department to coordinate marketing and outreach in various geographical areas where and when appropriate.
• Develop strong working relationships with staff to understand programs and their needs.
• Collaborate with local leadership to grow relationships with DFPS, SSCCs, and other child welfare organizations.
• Visit Pathways offices as needed to strengthen connections and support operations.
• Ensure organizational goals and objectives are met as agreed upon with leadership.

Supervisor:                Director of Performance Improvement & Strategic Initiatives.

Supervises:               N/A.

Work Hours:              Full-time, working a minimum of 40 hours per week (including late hours and/or weekends as needed).

Classification:           Exempt.

Education & Experience

• Four-year degree or equivalent work experience.
• Previous business development, sales, fundraising, community engagement, communications, and marketing experience.
• Previous experience in or knowledge of similar programs and services is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Quantifiable success in business development, sales, and/or fundraising.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Pathways’ staff, foster-adopt parents, caregivers, support providers, external agencies, and professional service providers via phone, in person, and through written correspondence.
• Exceptional oral/written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and training to others.

• Ability to support the agency’s culture, growth, and success through communication, accountability, and positivity.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to appropriately accept feedback through the supervision process.
• Possess a willingness to learn, grow, and improve.
• Competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, the Internet, and other software applications.

Additional Requirements

• Proof of valid Texas Driver’s License (Type C) and at least three years of driving experience.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Proof of valid/current auto insurance.
• Cleared motor vehicle driving record.
• Three employment references.
• Cleared background check and signed affidavit.
• Cleared drug test.
• Working cellular telephone at all times. 

Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job may include the following: seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly. Occasional reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, frequent sitting, standing and walking, may be required for long periods of time and may involve climbing stairs, walking up inclines, and on uneven terrain. Additional physical requirements may include, frequent lifting and or moving up to 25 pounds.

Salary : $53,000 - $66,000