Community Engagement Manager in Chicago, Illinois at Equip For Equality Inc.

The Community Engagement Manager is primarily responsible for expanding philanthropic investment in Equip for Equality’s mission across Illinois. This position drives sponsorship growth, major donor engagement, and event-based giving by positioning EFE not only as the high achieving Protection and Advocacy System, but as a leader, convener, and educator in disability rights. The position is also responsible for managing Equip for Equality’s social media presence.

Core Responsibilities

• Fundraising

o Grow and steward corporate, law firm, and individual sponsorships

o Cultivate and deepen relationships with major donors and strategic partners

o Lead fundraising strategy for signature events and campaigns

o Develop clear engagement pathways that convert participation into philanthropy

o Work with CEO, Board of Directors, and others to research and cultivate major gifts

o Propose new initiatives and work with CEO to seek financial support for creating and sustaining them

• Communications

o Lead EFE’s social media strategy to elevate brand presence, advocacy impact, and donor engagement

o Oversee stakeholder communications, including newsletters, digital updates, and campaign messaging

o Align communications with fundraising priorities and organizational strategy

o Strengthen EFE’s public voice as a trusted authority in disability rights

o Convene and facilitate an advisory group of external experts in the area of media relations and marketing of Equip for Equality

• Community & Pro Bono Engagement

o Deepen pro bono relationships and broaden attorney support by creating newsletters, managing portals, and helping to develop new training materials and videos with subject matter experts

Outcomes

• Increased sponsorship and philanthropic revenue

• Expanded and diversified donor pipeline

• Stronger cross-sector partnerships statewide

• Elevated visibility and influence for EFE and its leadership

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, outreach, public relations, partnership development, nonprofit management, or stakeholder relations.

• Experience developing and maintaining strategic partnerships.

• Experience planning and executing community events and educational programs.

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience working with diverse communities and underserved populations preferred.