External & Community Relations Specialist

About the role

The External & Community Relations Specialist plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the foundation by executing peer-to-peer fundraising programs, branded walk events, third-party partnerships, and community outreach campaigns. This position bridges strategic planning with on-the-ground implementation, serving as a key driver of marketing, volunteer engagement, sponsor development, and participant stewardship.

Success in this role is defined by growing participation and returning walk teams, delivering exceptional events on time and within budget, expanding sponsor and community partnerships, maintaining accurate and compliant financial reporting and creating an engaging volunteer experience that drives a 70% or higher retention rate.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning and execution of peer-to-peer fundraising events, branded walks, and community partnerships, ensuring seamless logistics, vendor management, and day-of operations.
• Support and coach fundraisers, volunteers, and community partners by providing resources, engagement strategies, and ongoing stewardship to drive participation and fundraising success.
• Recruit, onboard, and manage volunteers while fostering a positive volunteer experience through training, recognition, and re-engagement initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with local sponsors, corporate partners, and community organizations to expand outreach, strengthen partnerships, and increase financial support.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to implement localized promotional campaigns, customize event collateral, and increase community awareness through digital, print, and earned media.
• Maintain accurate event, fundraising, financial, and participant data across multiple platforms, while tracking budgets, expenses, sponsorships, and performance metrics to support operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies by managing contracts, permits, insurance documentation, invoices, and post-event reporting to support continuous improvement and future planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, event coordination, marketing, or fundraising.
• 4–6 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, event planning, community outreach, or peer-to-peer fundraising, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Canva, and CRM or fundraising platforms; experience with Virtuous, Funraisin, and Asana is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends to support events, community engagement, and regional outreach activities.

Benefits

Our client values their employees’ time and effort, offering competitive compensation of $70,000-$80,000 annually, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package to enhance their commitment to your success.

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
• Robust retirement planning: Retirement plan available with employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
• Well-being and work-life balance: Hybrid work provided