Community Engagement Coordinator (55746)

At Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC), we believe every young person deserves safety, stability, and a place to belong. YSS is looking for a relationship-builder, connector, and community champion to join our team as a Community Engagement Coordinator.

In this role, you'll help inspire community involvement that directly supports youth and families experiencing homelessness. From recruiting and engaging volunteers to managing events, cultivating partnerships, coordinating donations, and sharing our mission with the community, you'll play a key role in expanding IHYC's impact throughout Central Iowa.

If you're energized by building meaningful relationships, creating memorable experiences, and bringing people together around a mission that matters, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do...

• Develop and implement community engagement and volunteer strategies.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and retain volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteer assignments and recognition efforts.
• Build partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and civic groups.
• Plan and manage fundraising, awareness, and community engagement events.
• Oversee outreach activities, presentations, and tabling events.
• Manage in-kind donations and community drives.
• Create newsletters, email campaigns, and social media content.
• Secure sponsorships and assist with grant opportunities.
• Maintain volunteer, donor, and community partner records.
• Collaborate with program leadership to support operational needs.
• Support YSS and IHYC special events and community engagement initiatives.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You are a natural relationship-builder who enjoys connecting people to meaningful causes. You thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and bring strong organizational skills to everything you do. Most importantly, you're passionate about creating opportunities for community members to make a difference in the lives of youth and families.

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources
• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

• Bachelor's degree
  • All majors considered. Degrees in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Human Services, or a related field are preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in volunteer management, community engagement, event coordination, fundraising, public relations, or a related field.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage diverse groups of volunteers, donors, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and database or CRM systems.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for community events and volunteer activities.

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and events simultaneously.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers.
• Experience planning and managing community events, fundraisers, or outreach activities.
• Experience creating newsletters, social media content, or other community-facing communications.
• Experience securing sponsorships, cultivating community partnerships, or supporting grant applications.
• Familiarity with volunteer management software, donor databases, or CRM platforms.
• Passion for supporting youth, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness..

The IDEAL Candidate

• Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative
• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...

We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our Hiring Process - Here’s What to Expect...

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3 professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom