Community Engagement Manager

Job Purpose
The goal of SYRCL’s River People program is to unite the community for effective advocacy on behalf of the Yuba watershed.  The Community Engagement Manager implements SYRCL’s River People program’s goals of community engagement, volunteerism, outreach, and information exchange. The CEM is the primary point-person for volunteer recruitment, retention, recognition, and management for SYRCL programs and events that rely on volunteer participation. The Community Engagement Manager (CEM) reports to the Communications & Engagement Director.  The CEM is expected to exercise judgement and provide management for a range of activities and programs promoting community engagement. These include direct outreach, recruitment, and management of SYRCL’s volunteers, production of annual events (River Cleanup, State of the Yuba, and Quiz Night), and supporting other events such as the Wild and Scenic Film Festival.

The CEM is responsible for:

1) Engaging volunteers to participate in many of SYRCL’s work, including SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

2) Ensuring that SYRCL engages in regular communication with the community in conjunction with the Education and Outreach Coordinator.

3) Organizing the annual River Cleanup, State of the Yuba, and Quiz Night.

4) Managing event and volunteer budgets in coordination with the Communications & Engagement Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Management:

• Volunteer recruitment, training, management and being the primary point-of-contact for SYRCL events including: the River Cleanup, Quiz Night, Wild for the Yuba, State of the Yuba, and the annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. The CEM may assist in volunteer recruitment in SYRCL’s River Ambassador and River Monitoring programs, as well as other restoration programs.
• Maintain, promote, and develop a wide range of volunteer opportunities within the organization.
• Collaborate with staff regularly to assess the need for volunteer assistance.
• Develop and implement a written plan for volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition.
• Conduct and/or arrange for volunteer orientation and training and ensure that volunteers are sufficiently trained in the duties of the assignment.
  • Schedule all volunteer activity (through online platform).
  • Develop and manage volunteer policies, procedures, and standards of volunteer service.
  • Evaluate all aspects of volunteer programs to ensure effectiveness and to recommend/implement changes as appropriate.
  • Organize and participate in volunteer appreciation and recognition programs and special events.
• Maintain accurate records and provide timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer participation. Collect and organize data to help increase engagement.
  • Provide ongoing support and guidance for volunteers and provide opportunities to resolve grievances and promote cooperation and interest.
• Assist in keeping volunteer pages and events on the SYRCL website updated.
• Work with Communications & Engagement Director to identify successes and shortcomings regarding volunteer recruitment and retention.

Event Coordination and Support:

• Serve as the primary event manager for the annual River Cleanup Day, Quiz Night, and the State of the Yuba
• Assist the Communications & Engagement Director in developing and implementing a detailed event plan and budget.
• Provide direct support to the Development Director for the organization of volunteer participation in SYRCL’s community building and fundraising events.
• Develop debriefs after major events and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Supervise the PR/Marketing of events in conjunction with the Communications & Engagement Director, the Development Director, and the Education & Outreach Coordinator.
• Create outreach, media, and communications materials to recruit and appreciate volunteers as needed.
• Design community engagement materials as needed.
• Assist with fundraising efforts for volunteer-based events.
• Support the Education and Outreach Coordinator with identifying and staffing tabling opportunities at community events
• Support the coordination of activities with other SYRCL staff and departments as is necessary to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• The CEM will assist with grant writing and seek sponsorships for the River People programs in coordination with the Development Director and the Communications & Engagement Director.
• The CEM will have a weekly collaboration/coordination meeting with the Communications & Engagement Director.
• The CEM will help prepare a monthly staff report for the Board.
• The CEM will assist the Communications & Engagement Director in the creation and management of the following budgets: Outreach, Volunteers, River Cleanup, Quiz Night, and State of the Yuba.

Qualifications

• A “people person” with a warm, friendly, outgoing personality.
• Proven skills in volunteer management, event planning and coordination, and public outreach.
• Requires experience and proficiency in the following areas: project management including volunteer supervision, verbal and written communications, critical thinking, judgement, dependability, and the ability to demonstrate goal development and attainment.
• Demonstrated capability to conduct oneself in a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with SYRCL staff, the public, and/or difficult situations.
• Self-starter able to work independently and successfully manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and planning skills and ability to handle competing priorities.
• Experience working in a high energy office setting, able to focus on assigned tasks in a busy environment. Non-profit work experience a plus.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and volunteers in a team environment.
• Demonstrates initiative and provides follow-through on areas of responsibility.
• Experience with grassroots campaign organizing and mobilizing.
• Computer skills required including proficiency with Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with basic graphic design programs like Canva, MS Publisher, and Photoshop a plus.
• Experience with digital media outreach including social media platforms, e-newsletters, etc. a plus.
• Experience with managing and maintaining websites; WordPress a plus.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Periodic evening and weekend work is required for several events throughout the year.
• Travel is occasionally required for this position.
• Able to work on a computer for up to 8 hours a day and sit at a desk for extended periods; to read a computer screen and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
• Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
• Able to occasionally lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Compensation:

An hourly rate of $28-$30 per hour depending on experience. Starting paid vacation of 14 days per year earned on an accrual basis, 10 paid holidays, 5 paid sick days, 100% employer paid health/dental/vision insurance, and 2% 401(k) retirement match (fully vested after 3 years).