Director, Community Engagement

SOME (So Others Might Eat) provides material aid and comfort to our vulnerable neighbors in the District of Columbia, helping them to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness through programs and services that save lives, improve lives, and help to transform the lives of individuals and families, their communities, and the systems and structures that affect them. We meet immediate needs with food, clothing, and healthcare, and offer the tools one needs to live with hope, dignity, and greater independence.

Compensation:

We offer our employees a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our organizational culture, mission, and core values. The salary range for this position is $86,507.00 to $91,484.10 and is commensurate with experience.

Position Description: The Director of Community Engagement will play a pivotal role in advancing SOME�s mission by strengthening connections with the broader community and expanding public support. As a senior leader, the Director will be responsible for cultivating and sustaining strategic partnerships with faith-based institutions, schools, colleges, civic groups, and community organizations.

This work will drive deeper engagement, boost volunteer participation, and enhance philanthropic giving. Serving as a key public ambassador for SOME, the Director will represent the organization at events, deliver public remarks, and participate on local boards. They will also lead efforts to activate community members through service initiatives and fundraising campaigns. A particular focus will be placed on youth engagement and education outreach to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.

Qualifications:

Required: Associate's degree; 2 yrs. in community engagement, development, education outreach, or faith-based organizing.

Preferred: Bachelor�s degree preferred; Degree in nonprofit management, communications, public affairs, or related field preferred. 5+ years of experience in community engagement, development, education outreach, or faith-based organizing.

Required License/Certification: N/A

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30 pm (40 hours per week); Some nights and weekends are required

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required:

• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proven ability to build cross-sector partnerships with faith-based, educational, civic, and youth-serving organizations.
• Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills, with comfort in delivering speeches and facilitating community conversations.
• Strong coaching and team development abilities to mentor staff and foster professional growth.
• Effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, adaptable across various team and community settings.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, able to balance strategic goals with daily operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Cultural fluency and the ability to engage effectively across diverse populations and communities.
• Agility and flexibility to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, with the ability to mediate issues constructively and maintain positive team dynamics.
• Demonstrated project management expertise, including planning, execution, and evaluation of multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Expected Contributions: Strategic Community/Volunteer & Group Engagement

• Develop and lead a comprehensive strategy for community outreach that aligns with SOME�s mission, with a focus on youth, schools, colleges/universities, faith-based institutions, and grassroots organizations.
• Build and nurture meaningful partnerships with local congregations, educational institutions, businesses, and civic leaders.
• Serve as a public ambassador for SOME by representing the organization at events, giving public talks, and maintaining a presence on advisory boards, community coalitions, and interfaith councils.
• Identify and act on opportunities for public speaking, media engagement, and other community-facing appearances that raise awareness of SOME�s work.
• Engage middle schools, high schools, and colleges in volunteerism, service learning, and educational partnerships.
• Facilitate mission-aligned programming for student groups and youth ministries.
• Build long-term partnerships with local religious institutions and interfaith networks, ensuring consistent outreach and collaboration.
• Partner with the Volunteer Services team to recruit and coordinate service opportunities for schools, congregations, community groups, and corporate partners.
• Help design and execute impactful service events that promote long-term engagement and community ownership.
• Encourage service groups and individuals to transition into advocates, ambassadors, or donors.

Donor Cultivation & Development Support:

• Work with the Development team to identify and cultivate new donor pipelines from schools, congregations, and community organizations.
• Solicit financial and in-kind support from community partners engaged in service or programming.
• Support stewardship through recognition, events, and consistent relationship management.

Reports to: Vice President, Volunteer Services

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds. Requires looking at a computer screen for several hours a day. May be required to sit for long periods.

To Apply: Go to our career page at click on the search icon to locate this position. Follow the instructions to complete your online application profile to be considered. No phone calls, please.

SOME, Inc. is a proactive equal-opportunity employer. We ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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To read our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. To view our notices to employees and applicants for employment, click on their corresponding link: EEOC Know Your Rights Notice and E-Verify Program Notice.