US - Community Engagement Specialist
Church World Service, Inc.

Elkhart, Indiana

Posted in Not for Profit and Charities


This job has expired.

Job Info


Church World Service, Inc.

Position Title: Community Engagement Specialist
Reports To: Community Engagement Manager

Team: Funds Development and Marketing

Location: Kansas City, MO

Grade: 6

Status: Exempt

Primary Purpose:

Working with an assigned portfolio in the Kansas City area, this position assists in accomplishing the fundraising goals of the Funds Development team of Church World Service. She/he implements a national strategy for resource development activities in support of the overall work of the agency. Primary responsibilities carried out by the position will vary based on the constituent populations and donor make-up within the portfolio.

The Community Engagement Specialist carries responsibility for a variety of fund-raising activities from two major funding streams: community events and congregations. Primary activities include the organization of peer-to-peer and community-based fund-raising events—i.e., CROP Hunger Walks—through volunteer networks; building relationships to secure donations of funds from congregations, women’s groups, and other organizations in support of CROP Programs/CWS. She/he will enhance the fund-raising efforts through appropriate education of various constituencies about the issues of hunger, poverty, and its related causes and interpreting CWS/CROP’s response.

The exempt position requires an average of 80% time allocated to relationship building and direct fundraising with volunteers and various other constituencies, including intentional travel within the assigned area as defined by one’s portfolio. Other activities will include event leadership capacity building and consultation and as well as donor relationship cultivation and maintenance. The remaining 20% time on average is allocated to strategic planning, collaboration with team members, office administration, constituent services, and reporting. Occasional travel to national management and training meetings is expected. The ability to work a typical work week including evenings and weekends, is required.

Essential Duties:

CROP Hunger Events Fund Raising:

  • Consult and interact with congregational and community leaders (clergy groups, local hunger agencies, congregations, schools, civic groups, etc.) to identify, recruit and equip key volunteers to plan, and promote CROP Hunger Walks, set goals, and evaluate results.
  • As informed by overall Walk fund raising priorities, focus a designated percentage of time for direct Walk fund raising—with most of that time allocated to on-site presence—in counties and communities identified as having the greatest potential for enhanced and/or new participation and income generation.
  • Plan and lead Walk leadership training sessions to equip and enhance volunteers’ capacity for community organizing, public speaking, fundraising and program interpretation skills as a way of maximizing outreach efforts.
  • Participate in the ongoing stewardship and cultivation of high value volunteers, fundraisers and donors to increase giving and develop deeper commitment to CWS
Peer to Peer Fundraising:
  • Promote and support other peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives and virtual challenges.
  • Identify and cultivate donors to create their own unique fundraising initiatives such as hikes, donating birthdays, bike challenges, etc.
Congregational Giving:
  • Interpret and promote the CWS/CROP Congregational partnership opportunities throughout the region especially during focused campaign seasons.
  • Build relationships with existing and new Congregational Partners to increase their involvement in financially supporting CWS programs as determined by a national strategy.
  • Provide on-site appreciation and program interpretation for top giving congregations.


Integrated Fundraising:
  • Identify opportunities to introduce supporters to enhanced ways to partner in the mission – ie. Sustaining Partner Prospecting, Planned Giving, Best Gift etc.


Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 2+ years of donor fundraising experience in multiple fundraising methods, constituent engagement, program management, office administration, and volunteer management.
  • Previous employment and/or volunteer experience with a faith-based organization.
  • Experience working and/or volunteering in a multi-cultural, ecumenical or interfaith environment.


Required Skills/Abilities
  • Must possess ability to think creatively and strategically.
  • Demonstrate initiative, be self-motivated and function independently.
  • Work within a team environment; and be flexible.
  • Demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
  • Experience and proficiency using a CRM system.
  • Acute attention to detail and ability to stay on top of critical deadlines.
  • Understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in non-profit peer to peer fundraising.
  • Strong relational and facilitation skills
  • Ability to travel domestically and have valid driver's licenses
  • Demonstrate initiative, be self-motivated and function independently in a home office setting. Ability to thrive in non-traditional work settings


CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

•403 (b) Retirement Plan

•Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

•Paid Time Off

•Life Insurance and AD&D

•Long Term and Short Term Disability

•Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

•Health Savings Account

•Flexible Spending Accounts

• Commuter Benefits


This job has expired.

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