Community Engagement Coordinator in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania at South Hills Interfaith Movement

South Hills Interfaith Movement’s (SHIM) mission is to mobilize community resources and implement sustainable programs that compassionately help neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. SHIM provides food, clothing, financial aid, education, family support, and a host of other services to 9,000 people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods. In response to the unique challenges faced by the local refugee and immigrant population, SHIM operates programming designed to support children and families in this demographic.

The Development and Engagement team is expanding due to growth. As part of this growth, the Community Engagement Coordinator has been created. This role expands SHIM’s visibility, partnerships, and community presence across the South Hills and into emerging geographic areas. This role is responsible for proactive outreach—identifying new schools, congregations, civic groups, and corporate partners, initiating relationships, and bringing new organizations into SHIM’s network.

This position focuses on building the top of SHIM’s engagement funnel: generating awareness, coordinating volunteer and drive initiatives, and creating entry points for long-term partnership. As relationships deepen—particularly corporate sponsorship or strategic partnership opportunities—the Coordinator collaborates with the Director and development team to transition those relationships into formal cultivation and revenue opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on being out in the community, making connections, following up persistently, and expanding SHIM’s footprint through intentional relationship-building.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with SHIM’s Remote & Flexible Work Policy, once a probationary period has been satisfied. Hybrid eligibility and schedule are determined based on organizational needs, position requirements, and supervisory approval.

Essential Functions

• Proactively identify and cultivate new partnerships with schools, faith communities, civic organizations, and corporate groups, including outreach into new geographic areas within SHIM’s service region.
• Initiate and manage early-stage engagement (volunteer groups, food drives, networking connections), preparing opportunities for deeper cultivation.
• Serve as a public-facing ambassador for SHIM through presentations, tours, networking events, and community meetings.
• Coordinate food drives, supply drives, and community-led fundraising initiatives that increase engagement and awareness.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to host cultivation events such as family volunteering, corporate volunteering, and fundraising events with local businesses.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to convert community groups into sustained donor relationships.
• Partner with the Director to transition high-potential corporate and community relationships into sponsorship, EITC, or strategic partnerships.
• Identify opportunities to move engaged individuals and organizations into SHIM’s donor pipeline in coordination with the development team.
• Track partnership activity, geographic expansion, and engagement metrics in coordination with Development and Grants Specialist.
• Maintain strong internal communication to align outreach efforts with programmatic and fundraising priorities.
• Stay informed about local trends, new developments, and community growth opportunities to continually expand SHIM’s reach.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proactive, outgoing connector who actively builds and expands partnerships with schools, congregations, civic groups, and corporate partners.
• Persistent and self-motivated in outreach and follow-up, ensuring consistent engagement and long-term relationships.
• Confident public speaker and clear communicator who inspires action and represents SHIM effectively.
• Proven ability to work effectively across diverse communities, demonstrating cultural competency, sensitivity, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Innovative thinker who identifies creative ways to grow awareness, partnerships, and participation.
• Highly organized and collaborative, maintaining clear, well-structured communication while aligning community engagement efforts with fundraising and program goals.
• Willingness to bring innovative ideas to the work
• Adaptable and resourceful, able to adjust strategies based on community needs and emerging opportunities.
• Comfortable using CRM systems and tools to track engagement and measure impact
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required
• Reliable transportation required
• Ability to travel locally as needed

Education and Experience

A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business, Education, or a related field OR a minimum of 2 years of experience in community engagement, outreach, volunteer coordination, fundraising support, or partnership development within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization—is preferred.

Experience working with schools, faith communities, corporate groups, or civic organizations is beneficial. Familiarity with the South Hills community or similar regions, and an understanding of local philanthropic and civic networks, is a plus. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Supervisory Responsibility

• N/A

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear.
• The employee may occasionally lift or move items up to 25 lbs. (e.g., event materials or drive collections).
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The position requires regular travel within SHIM’s service area.

Clearance Requirements:

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint); requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI and have the background check run through the PA State Police’s designated agencies
• NSOR
• Mandated Reporter Training

SHIM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or employment process, please contact jchristopher@shimcares.org