Community Engagement Specialist

The Community Engagement Specialist will leverage a global brand and strong local presence in planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive fundraising program with an emphasis on building philanthropic relationships. This position will be responsible for careful stewardship of the organization’s brand and telling “the Habitat story” with creativity, thought, and intention. This position serves as a member of a comprehensive programmatic team, effectively communicating the goals, impact, and the importance of donor contributions.

Key Responsibilities:

Development:

· Develop and implement metrics with timelines for fundraising strategies and set outcome measurements. Responsible for preparing strategy documents and solicitation proposals to support the organization’s fundraising goals and mission.

· Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, community groups, and others ensuring sustained support for the mission. Implement personalized acknowledgment strategies to express gratitude for specific contributions and demonstrate the organization's appreciation. Schedule and conduct meetings with potential and existing donors to build relationships, share updates, and discuss philanthropic opportunities. Acknowledge all gifts in a timely and appropriate fashion, with high-touch approaches for major donors.

· Work with programmatic staff to develop and implement targeted communication campaigns, including mailings, newsletters, emails, and personalized updates, to keep donors informed about the organization's impact and upcoming initiatives. Closely monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities and programs to ensure all communications with current and potential donors and/or stakeholders and the processes set meet established guidelines and partner agreements.

· Plan and organize events to express gratitude and appreciation to donors, fostering a sense of community and connection with the organization. Establish and maintain donor recognition programs to publicly acknowledge and honor contributors, both online and through physical displays at organizational events and facilities.

· Organize and execute fundraising events; take lead on securing event sponsorship, fostering donor engagement and participation.

· Assist in managing donor databases, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to enhance communication and stewardship efforts.

Lead Fundraising for Carter Rural Build Project:

· Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the Carter Rural Build, set to break ground in 2025 - 2026.

· Cultivate donor relationships, secure sponsorships, and pursue grant opportunities to ensure project success.

· Engage community stakeholders, businesses, and foundations in supporting this transformative rural housing initiative.

Outreach:

· Assist with outreach initiatives to enhance Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity's visibility and impact in Northwest Wisconsin. Attend community events to raise awareness about the organization, engage with the public, identify potential supporters, program participants and volunteers.

· Host events to engage potential partners, sharing insights about the organization's mission, ongoing projects, and how they can get involved. Foster new and existing partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to expand the organization's network and reach a broader audience for both fundraising and programmatic purposes.

· Work closely with local churches to grow partnerships and build campaigns to fund builds. Assist in developing and facilitating mission focused events, workshops and Skills Labs related to housing and homeownership, contributing to the organization's educational outreach efforts.

· Develop and implement ways to receive more corporate material donations including finding ways to cultivate these donors to move them into the financial donor pool.

Qualifications:

· Excellent relationship-building skills to cultivate and sustain partnerships. Professional and comfortable with a variety of people and audiences.

· Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey the unique impact of Habitat for Humanity.

· Familiarity with the communities that Wild Rivers serves, including the community at large.

· Excellent problem solving skills, research skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities well under tight deadlines.

The position requires a physical presence at the office in Spooner with travel (up to 25% of the time) throughout Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Polk, Price, Rusk, Taylor, and Washburn Counties. Some evenings and weekends are required.

Our Work:

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity has been a cornerstone in the community, addressing housing needs and creating lasting change. Since our inception in 1997, we've built over 52 homes and repaired over 450, providing stable and affordable housing for households in need. Our commitment extends beyond construction; we actively engage in community development initiatives, empowering households to build a better future.

We are more than just a nonprofit—we are a hardworking, mission-driven team that takes pride in making a tangible difference in Northwest Wisconsin. We believe in finding the right person for this role, not just filling a position. If you are passionate about community impact, fundraising, and outreach, and you thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment, this is the place for you. While a degree is valued, relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or community engagement can substitute for formal education.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, organized, adaptable, and ready to commit to our mission—a person who can build relationships, manage multiple projects, and genuinely connect with our mission and the people we serve. If you're excited to be part of a team that works hard, has fun, and changes lives, we encourage you to apply!

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18