Community Engagement Manager

Position Overview

The Community Engagement Manager will lead a multi-year initiative to establish a Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Consortium, develop a continuum of care, and create a comprehensive SUD Plan for the Austin/Travis County community. This role is central to fostering engagement, gathering feedback, and building meaningful connections that guide the development and implementation of these transformative efforts.

Reporting directly to the Project Director, the Community Engagement Manager will oversee communication strategies, including managing website and social media content to keep stakeholders informed about the SUD Consortium’s progress. As the key point of contact for stakeholders and partners, this full-time hybrid position requires a collaborative and proactive leader who can:

• Build and nurture partnerships with community members, organizations, leaders, and advocates.
• Serve as a liaison between diverse stakeholders and the SUD Consortium initiative.
• Organize, facilitate, and manage outreach events and communication strategies that align with the initiative’s objectives.

This position emphasizes relationship-building, fostering a collaborative environment, and delivering timely, accessible communication to achieve the long-term goals of the community engagement process.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, nurture, and maintain relationships and partnerships with community members, community organizations, leaders, and advocates.
• Create strategies for outreach, event organization, communications, and fostering a positive, collaborative environment.
• Collaborate with internal and project teams to execute programs and initiatives that increase community engagement.
• Act as the primary point of contact for community stakeholders, ensuring they feel connected, valued, and aligned with the initiative’s goals and mission.
• Organize, plan, and facilitate community events, workshops, and meetings to foster engagement and gather feedback.
• Inform agenda development for meetings and convenings, ensuring materials are accessible and distributed with sufficient time for participant review.
• Create and manage content for social media, newsletters, and other communications to keep the community informed and engaged.
• Respond to community inquiries and feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Represent the initiative at public events, meetings, and forums.
• Track engagement metrics and create performance reports to assess the effectiveness of outreach and engagement efforts.
• Disseminate surveys to gather feedback on community engagement, inclusion, and perceptions.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and Ambassadors to support community outreach activities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, social work, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in community engagement, communications, coalition-building, and/or program coordination.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience working with diverse partners, including public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.
• Proven track record in community outreach, public relations, or similar roles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience in event planning and coordination.
• Proficiency in social media management and other communication tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Demonstrated independence, initiative, and the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a focus on timely and clear correspondence.
• Familiarity with Travis County’s substance use landscape and its specific needs.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom.

• Experience with nonprofits, government agencies, or advocacy groups is a plus.

Knowledge of:

• Project management principles.
• Recovery-oriented systems of care approaches.
• Person-centered and strength-based services.
• Integration of substance use and mental health services.

License/Certificate:

• Texas Driver’s License

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid position with a combination of remote and in-person engagements.
• Work will be conducted in both community and office environments.
• Some periods of extended work at a desk and computer.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as required.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Local travel.

Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general duties and responsibilities of the position and is not an exhaustive list of all tasks. This position may be assigned additional duties as required.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(K) retirement, and life and disability insurance.

Communities for Recovery is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience, to apply.