Develop and implement an organizational engagement strategy for corporate and individual stakeholders with an emphasis on planning and executing special events and volunteer activation to support United Way Suncoast’s community impact model.
The Director of Community Engagement and Events is responsible for partnering with Resource Development and Community Impact teams to innovate, lead and manage United Way Suncoast’s volunteer and events programs across the five-county footprint. These programs will align with the organization’s strategic vision to activate and empower individuals to join our fight in ending the cycle of poverty. Building on relationships with both corporate and community volunteers, the Director will provide strategic leadership for the volunteer engagement team and directly plan and execute key program and fundraising events, including communications, promotion and direct event management.
Organizational Event Management:
- In partnership with the Resource Development, Community Impact and Operations teams, develop and manage an integrated organizational engagement strategy and implementation plan for key stakeholder events and community volunteerism activation.
- Lead or co-lead United Way organizational special events and marketing communications projects such as the annual Kickoff, GradNation, donor and affinity group events, galas, volunteer recognition events, sports team ticket sales and other projects identified in the implementation plan to include communications, promotion/community outreach, resource development and volunteerism.
- Provide direction and copywriting in support of marketing priorities and special events to include collateral/promotional print and digital materials, advertising, media relations materials, proposals, scripts/run of show, work plans, creative briefs, research and analysis documents and reports.
- In partnership with Resource Development, develop sponsorship plans and documentation to support key events.
- Participate in developing systems for gathering, analyzing and improving data management as related to marketing projects and event planning execution.
- Manage the scheduling, promotion and execution of ticket sale nights and engagement events with local sports team partners: Lightning, Buccaneers, Rays and Rowdies.
- Manage the Character Playbook initiative and events with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Maintain a current understanding of and be able to articulate United Way Suncoast’s community impact model, focus activities, programs and results.
- Directly manage event budgets and work closely with internal partners to ensure proper documentation, reporting, contracts, and legal requirements specific to event production.
- Oversee both internal and external event volunteers.
Volunteer Activation:
- With the Director of Volunteer Engagement Strategies, develop a regional volunteer engagement plan, aligned with the integrated engagement implementation plan, developed with Resource Development, that advances United Way’s strategies to increase engagement and deepen relationships with individuals, new target audiences, and affiliated organizations.
- Leverage volunteerism to bring new supporters to our organization and to improve our relevancy with current supporters.
- Using an event production lens, ensure volunteers have a positive experience with United Way and utilize relationship building efforts to maximize retention.
- Ensure effective communication with volunteers and community partners.
- Ensure accurate mechanisms to track, measure and report on the impact of volunteer events.
The following requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the essential job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years management experience
- 5-7 years event management experience
- Experience in volunteer management and recruiting highly preferred
- Personal volunteer experience
Language Skills:
- Superior writing and editing expertise. Strong administrative, operational, and organizational skills are essential. Excellent coordination and communication (oral and written) skills, active listening, problem solving, and relationship skills are necessary.
Presentations Skills:
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills needed.
Computer Skills:
- Requires advanced knowledge of MS office software (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) and some knowledge of database management, project management and event management software.
Other Skills and Abilities:
- Understanding of, and direct experience with volunteer programs, relationship management, budget management and events production.
- Proven ability to supervise volunteer and paid staff.
- Ability to analyze and exercise sound judgment, balancing a variety of perspectives to affect a positive outcome.
- Demonstrated skills in building smart strategies as well as analyzing data and trends around mobilization and engagement. Must be able to set and achieve goals and objectives.
- Knowledge of the community.
- Must be innovative, flexible and able to work independently.
- Exceptionally well organized, with follow-up and attention to detail.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize. Self-starter and independent initiative. Able to work a flexible schedule -- including after 5 pm and weekends -- as required by United Way Suncoast events and activities.