Community Engagement Manager

Position Title: LETR and Community Engagement Manager

Department: Development

Location: Seattle, WA (HQ) and/or remote

Reports to: Vice President of Development

We are a catalyst for inclusion! Special Olympics Washington is the leader in sports, inclusive health and community building, empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities to be valued on and off the playing field.

Summary:

Special Olympics Washington (SOWA) seeks a dynamic, organized, effective leader to champion the organization’s partnership with law enforcement personnel through the Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign (LETR), as well as provide robust support to area directors and volunteers in their fundraising initiatives.  

The LETR and Community Engagement Manager will collaborate directly with the VP of Development to create and implement strategies to leverage Special Olympics’ partnership with law enforcement to raise funds and public awareness through fundraising events such as the Polar Plunges, Torch Run, and other events. The Manager will also work closely with the Director of Program Development and area volunteers to support their fundraising outreach efforts to meet annual goals.

Department:

Advancement/Development

Key Responsibilities:

·       Establish and manage annual fundraising goals, budgets, and plans for meeting those goals

·       Develop, implement and manage statewide fundraising events such as Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cops, Run with the Cops, statewide Torch Run, and related activities to successfully meet organizational goals and objectives.

·       Directly support local programs across the state in meeting revenue goals through peer-to-peer fundraising, community events, and other revenue producing sources.

·       Manage and train local volunteer fundraising managers. Assist Area Services department in the recruitment and retention of community fundraising volunteers.

·       Lead in the creation and development of community fundraising policies and procedures, along with safety management and brand adherence.   

·       Identify, cultivate and secure corporate sponsors for both LETR and local programs across the state.

·       Lead partnership with LETR State Council and local law enforcement agencies to support year-round fundraising and awareness building efforts.

·       Oversee the recruitment, retention, and renewal of law enforcement agency participation, including training and education about Special Olympics programs partnership with LETR.

·       In partnership with Marketing & Communications team, develop marketing objective, plans, and tactics to achieve growth in revenue and participation. Oversee and assist in creation of marketing materials including posters, fliers, fact sheets, online fundraising platforms, social media outreach, etc.

·       Utilize donor database to track event activity and provide reporting and analysis to review progress. Manage LETR agency database, volunteer hours, agency involvement and dollar raised by law enforcement

·       Identify and implement best practices for continued follow-up with event sponsors and guests that will maintain and increase engagement. Special emphasis for higher level donors.

·       Provide leadership, guidance, training, and coaching for assistant as well as volunteers.

·       Represent SOWA at community events and in professional networking events with local peers.

·       Serve as the primary liaison for Special Olympics Washington with Region VIII, LETR International and Special Olympics, Inc.

·       Complete annual LETR International survey and submit to Special Olympics, Inc.

·       Promote and coordinate Final Leg participation for USA Games and World Games

·       Oversee, plan, coordinate and attend annual State and International LETR Conferences to include travel arrangements, rooms, meals, etc.

·       Provide support to other department and organization activities and programs as directed

Required Skills:

·       Experience managing strategic relationships with a professional demeanor and customer service focus

·       Foundational knowledge of fundraising methods and best practices; enthusiastic willingness to learn is required.

·       Excellent interpersonal skills; poised manner; ability to exercise discretionary judgment and professionally handle sensitive situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

·       Superior organizational and time management skills; ability to oversee multiple projects and quickly discern priorities among competing interests; flexibility and adaptability to changing needs; proven ability to work independently and collaborating as a member of team.

·       Familiarity with development databases, or willingness and ability to learn how to use proprietary software products.  

·       Ability to write routine correspondence, e-mail and promotional materials

·       Strong interpersonal skills and successful track record of collaboratively working with a wide range of constituencies, both internal and external

·       A high degree of integrity that garners trust and respect of others

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, and other productivity tools

·       Experience using Classy, Salesforce and Constant Contact preferred

·       Ability to walk and lift boxed material – up to 20 pounds

·       Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as projects require

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or

• 4 - 6 years non-profit fundraising and/or, communications, sales, marketing, event planning experience

• Preference to those with strong relationships within the law enforcement community.

• Experience with public speaking, group moderation and serving on committees

Additional Traits and Attributes

• Aptitude for taking on difficult challenges and complex situations with positive energy, sound judgment, and utmost integrity

• Must be able to prioritize, multi-task, and operate in a fast-paced environment

• A shared passion and commitment for Special Olympics athletes, families, volunteers and donors

About Special Olympics Washington:

Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics WA is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics WA can remove barriers and stigmas that people with intellectual disabilities face, and to share with the community the gifts and talents they possess. Everyone who comes in touch with Special Olympics Washington is impacted in a way that helps them strive to achieve their personal best.