CARITAS creates a safe space to heal and time to rebuild. Our five programs provide solutions for shelter, recovery services, workforce development, and the furniture bank.
This exciting role will place you in contact with generous people each day, including our longstanding congregational partners, corporate teams looking to give back, and individuals and families striving to be part of the solution to homelessness and addiction. This work is fast-paced, requiring flexibility, problem-solving, and grace under pressure every day.
Position Summary
The Community Engagement Manager interacts daily with community members donating their time or in-kind goods to CARITAS. CARITAS is supported by more than 1,000 volunteers each year and receives more than $1 Million in in-kind donations to support our programs.
The Community Engagement Manager must possess a global understanding of how people and supplies support the life-saving work of our recovery and housing programs in order to direct help when and where it is needed most.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain active relationships with the local faith community, nearby colleges and universities, retired citizens, employers, and other members of the community.
- Manage Volunteer Local database, including scheduling, reporting, and automated communications with volunteers.
- Serve as a welcoming point of contact for all scheduled volunteer activities and tours.
- Maintain a spirit of hospitality for those who engage with CARITAS both onsite and in the community.
- Provide back up at the reception desk, directing phone calls and visitors as needed.
- Support marketing & communications by collecting photos and stories of volunteer experiences for social media and other platforms.
- Create monthly Volunteer’s Voice newsletter content to recognize volunteers and communicate the organization’s greatest needs.
- Collaborate with program staff on a weekly basis to understand what supplies and support are needed.
- Direct and manage the large volume of inquiries and incoming in-kind donations to match the organization’s most critical needs in a timely manner.
- Track donor information, manage inventory of program supplies, and record distribution of donated items to the appropriate CARITAS program.
- Manage volunteers involved with sorting and organizing in-kind donations.
- Conduct weekly volunteer orientation to match their skills with available service opportunities.
- Serve as the first point of contact for all engagement opportunities and questions.
- Serve as an active member of the Development team, making connections to meet critical program needs as well as recognizing opportunities for expanded relationships.
- Support the planning and execution of events such as fundraisers, recovery and participant celebrations, and volunteer recognition events. Includes some evening and weekend hours.
Qualifications
- Must have reliable transportation and have knowledge of all federal, state and local compliance and safety regulations. The ability to work with contractors and outside suppliers and work well with CARITAS’ client population are necessary.
- An interest and desire to work in human services to help lift people beyond their current circumstances. An understanding of the underlying causes of homelessness and addiction is preferred.
- Flexibility to work evening or weekend hours to accommodate events and volunteer availability.
- Natural ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects with grace and patience.
- Demonstrates strong ethics, proactive problem-solving, and a high level of professional integrity. Utilizes sound judgment to make independent decisions quickly when needed.
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with public speaking.
- Enthusiasm for using technology such as websites and social media to proficiently collect and share information.
- Experience managing and working with volunteers is a plus.
- Ability to lift boxes and objects weighing up to 20 pounds and regularly walk around a 150,000 sf physical campus.
- Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
- Full vaccination against COVID-19 or regular testing is a condition of employment.
- Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years professional experience is strongly preferred. Proficiency with computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and social media will be crucial to success in this role.
CARITAS is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that individuals bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.
We require all staff members to show proof of vaccination.
The unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or marijuana is prohibited in the CARITAS workplace. As such, while on CARITAS’ premises, performing CARITAS-related duties, or operating any CARITAS equipment, whether during work time or non-work time, employees are prohibited from being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and are strictly prohibited from possessing illegal drugs, marijuana, or excessive quantities of prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
- Bachelor's Degree and at least 5 years professional experience is strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and social media will be crucial to success in this role.