Manager of Strategic Events and Community Outreach

Reports To: Director of Fund DevelopmentLocation: Hybrid (Remote and DESC's Rainier House, Seattle, WA)Days Off: Saturday and SundayShift: Office Day

Insurance Benefits: Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage), Dental, Life, Long-term Disability

Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), ORCA card subsidy, Paid Time Off (34 days per year), Retirement Plan

About DESC:

DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a nonprofit organization working to help people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing. Our vision is a community where no person is abandoned, ignored, or experiencing homelessness.

As the region's leading provider of services to multiply disabled adults who have experienced chronic homelessness, DESC serves almost 3,000 people each day. Our integrated service model is designed to help people secure and maintain appropriate, safe and affordable housing. DESC is recognized nationally and regionally as an innovator in developing solutions to homelessness.

Position Summary

The Manager of Strategic Events and Community Outreach is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive events and outreach strategy that maximizes fundraising potential, fosters robust community engagement, and strengthens DESC's relationships with diverse stakeholders. This position leverages Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles to ensure equity, inclusivity, and collaboration are at the heart of all outreach and event activities.

The Manager supervises two Community Resources Assistants, who administer DESC's volunteer and in-kind donations programs, as well as a Community Engagement Coordinator, who is focused on strengthening neighborhood relations around DESC properties. The Manager is a key member of the Fund Development team, which requires a high degree of inter-collaboration to ensure strategic relationship management is maintained across all functions.

This position serves as the point person for executing our annual signature event, Gimme Shelter, as well as coordinating community outreach activities, speaking engagements, and other opportunities for DESC to engage current and potential donors and demonstrate leadership and expertise in Housing First, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), behavioral healthcare, and crisis response services.

Recruitment Timeline

• Position open until June 26.
• Screening process: June 30–July 2.
• Notification of request for first round interviews: July 3.
• First round interviews: July 7–10.
• Final interviews: July 14–18.

Please note: Dates are subject to change.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise Community Resources Assistants and the Community Engagement Coordinator; oversee volunteer and in-kind donation programs, ensuring equity and accessibility.
• Develop and execute an integrated annual events strategy—including fundraising and community-building events—that aligns with agency priorities, builds brand awareness, shifts narratives around Housing First, and creates meaningful community connections.
• Lead planning and management of all events, including DESC's signature event, Gimme Shelter; oversee logistics, sponsorships, marketing, and inclusive participation.
• Cultivate relationships with volunteers, partners, donors, and stakeholders; develop engagement opportunities and recognition programs.
• Coordinate community outreach activities, partnerships, and speaking engagements; design outreach programs that educate and inspire action.
• Track and analyze metrics for events, outreach, and volunteer programs; use data for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Fund Development, Communications, and other departments to ensure cohesive, community-centered relationship management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in events and relationship management.
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle to conduct agency related business. A current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record are required.
• Proven success in planning and executing a comprehensive annual events strategy that includes both fundraising and community-building events aligned with agency priorities.
• Demonstrated experience implementing outreach strategies that foster community engagement and advance organizational goals.
• Commitment to Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles.
• Strong relationship management, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with donor management databases and event tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend assignments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or total of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Seattle-King County organizations; knowledge of DESC programs.

Physical Demands

• Frequent use of computers and office equipment.
• Effective communication with staff, partners, and the public.
• Ability to move between work sites and transport objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to drive a box truck up to 20 ft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DESC is committed to diversity in the workplace, and promotes equal employment opportunities for all staff members and applicants. The Agency will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, caste, marital status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability in any employment practice, unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification. Minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

PI271777664