Community Engagement Manager

Help Us Build Connections That Advance Our Mission

Guide Dogs of the Desert is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to lead our community engagement and volunteer programs and strengthen the relationships that help advance our mission throughout the Coachella Valley.

This is an opportunity for an experienced community engagement professional who enjoys bringing people together around a meaningful cause. You’ll build partnerships with community organizations, schools, businesses, service groups, donors, and volunteers; create opportunities for people to become involved in our work; and help ensure our volunteers have a positive and rewarding experience.

The Community Engagement Manager is a highly visible, hands-on role that combines relationship building, volunteer program leadership, community outreach, events, and organizational representation.

The position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and supervises the Community Engagement Coordinator.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies and outreach initiatives that increase organizational visibility, volunteer participation, and awareness of our mission.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, schools, service clubs, businesses, donors, volunteers, and other community partners.
• Represent Guide Dogs of the Desert at community events, speaking engagements, volunteer fairs, civic meetings, networking opportunities, and other public functions.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, engagement, retention, and recognition.
• Supervise, coach, and support the Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Partner with department leaders to identify volunteer needs and effectively deploy volunteer resources throughout the organization.
• Plan and support community outreach activities, volunteer appreciation programs, fundraising initiatives, and organizational events.
• Coordinate volunteer support and logistics for fundraising events, outreach initiatives, and public engagement activities.
• Track volunteer and community engagement activity and results and identify opportunities to strengthen our programs.
• Support departmental planning, budget tracking, vendor coordination, and related administrative activities.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is comfortable moving between strategy and execution — someone who can develop relationships in the community while also managing the day-to-day details that make successful volunteer and engagement programs possible.

Ideal candidates will bring:

• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in community outreach, volunteer management, nonprofit operations, public engagement, fundraising support, or a related area.
• A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, business administration, marketing, human services, or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Supervisory, team-lead, or demonstrated experience providing work direction to employees or volunteers.
• Experience coordinating community events, volunteer activities, or other public-facing programs.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with employees, volunteers, donors, community partners, and the public.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and presentations.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database or volunteer-management systems. Experience with Bloomerang or a similar platform is a plus.

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people, believes in the value of community involvement, and can translate enthusiasm for our mission into meaningful relationships and engagement.

Guide Dogs of the Desert offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Medical and dental coverage with low employee premiums
• Employer-paid vision coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage
• Voluntary supplemental insurance options
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Schedule & Work Environment

This is a full-time, primarily on-site position based at Guide Dogs of the Desert. The position generally works a weekday schedule but requires flexibility to participate in evening, weekend, and occasional holiday events and activities.

Regular local travel throughout the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas is required. Candidates must have a valid California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and reliable transportation for local travel.

Current First Aid and CPR certification is required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire; training will be made available if needed.

The position combines office work, community events, public engagement, and local travel and may require occasional lifting and carrying of event or program materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

English — Professional working proficiency