Community Engagement Specialist I

Donor Network West’s mission is to save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation and research.

At Donor Network West, we're looking for people who embody our core values: passion, excellence, equity and inclusion, and relationships. We welcome diverse perspectives and foster an environment of collaboration and service.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Engagement Specialist I plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates community and corporate relations activities to positively predispose the public to organ and tissue donation and transplantation, with an emphasis on increasing donor designation rates within the DNWest donation service area, develops a culture of donation in their regional area and maintains a favorable public image for DNWest. The individual works with volunteers called Donate Life Ambassadors (DLAs) and are responsible for utilizing and developing their regional DLAs.

This individual will actively participate in industry organizations to keep abreast of national efforts, effect change as opportunities present themselves, increase knowledge of best practices, maintain relationships, and develop collaborative opportunities. This role will ensure that regional goals are in alignment with departmental, organizational, and national goals for donor designation. This position seek and implement creative and innovative ideas to further DNWest’s mission and positively impact the culture of donation in the diverse communities served by DNWest.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Outreach

• Participates in educational activities to build their understanding of DNWest, the organ procurement organization industry, the organ, eye, and tissue donation process, transplantation and research opportunities.
• Works with the Director of Community Engagement to develop and execute strategic community outreach marketing programs to increase organ and tissue donation in target communities.
• Conducts research to develop a relationship target list for their assigned territory, including community based organizations, faith based organizations, healthcare associations, school-based organizations, government officials, and others.
• Plans, coordinates, and attends meetings, cultural programs and events in assigned territory to promote organ and tissue donation in target communities.
• Identifies and cultivates new relationships with local businesses, organizations, associations, faith-based organizations, school based organizations, and community groups to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.
• Stays abreast of community events, attending as appropriate to continue to build trust and DNWest’s brand within assigned territory.
• Builds relationships with community leaders and government officials in assigned territory to increase their involvement and advocacy around organ and tissue donation.
• Conducts focus groups and surveys to identify the assets, needs, issues and concerns of the residents in their assigned territory to help develop culturally relevant and engaging marketing materials.
• Supports the preparation of written drafts and assists in the development of event invitations, flyers, programs, webinars, social media posts, email marketing, blog articles, long form byline articles, press materials, speaking engagements, and other items as needed.
• Researches and coordinates appropriate speaking opportunities for DNWest executives and staff at professional associations, business organizations, Chamber of Commerce events, community events, and other events to promote organ and tissue donation.
• Negotiates contracts, proposals and/or agreements with vendors, outside partners and organizations for community outreach events.
• Manages assigned territory annual budget and individual event budgets throughout the year.
• Coordinates public speaking opportunities to promote organ and tissue donation in target communities including various ethnic and religious communities.
• Develops competency in running campaigns with different affinity groups including the Department of Motor Vehicles, health clinics, hospitals, high schools, faith organizations, and more.
• Identifies and establishes relationships with community influencers who can positively impact the culture of donation in assigned region.
• Works with VP of Marketing and Communications to utilize data and identify regional needs to develop community education strategic plan for assigned region.
• Collects feedback from community partners to provide recommendations for continual improvement of DNWest programs and events.
• Provides a weekly update of activities in assigned territory to the VP of Marketing and Communications.

Donate Life Ambassador Program

• Works with the Director of Community Engagement to develop and implement volunteer recruitment plan.
• Supports the recruitment of new DLAs.
• Supports the execution of DLA trainings.
• Helps prepare materials for volunteer outreach, onboarding, training, and mentorship.
• Develops strong relationships with DLAs through mentorship and recognition.
• Assesses volunteers’ skills and abilities and provides pertinent information to the Marketing and Communications team as needed.
• Coordinates the schedule of volunteers in assigned territory to ensure coverage of community outreach events.
• Provides onsite support to volunteers in assigned territory.
• Sends weekly updates to DLAs for staffing needs, DNWest news, and new opportunities.
• Effectively utilizes DLAs skills and time.
• Collects feedback from DLAs to provide recommendations for continual improvement to the DLA program.
• Maintains and updates DLAs records within Salesforce.

Media

• Participates in media events.
• Helps identify media stories to the Marketing & Communications leadership team.
• Supports DNWest social media channels

Internal and External Committee Involvement

• Participates in internal committees and/or regional/state/national organizations within the field of donation/transplantation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate and present information effectively and concisely within a team environment.
• Understands the community education needs of the organization and formulates a plan of response.
• Implements campaigns, programs, and events.
• Ability to manage emotions and reactions to difference situations. Stays calm and clear under pressure.
• Ability to engage with diverse communities.
• Proactive team player who can multitask easily and must uphold the core values of the organization.
• Possesses strong interpersonal, priority-setting, and strategic skills.
• Strong social skills and experience in community building.
• Strong attention to detail, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced dynamic environment and to adjust to new priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include some evenings and/or weekends.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably with concentrated study in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, and/or Event Planning.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in community relations working with community-based organizations, healthcare agencies, school based organizations volunteers, and civic and faith leaders.
• Knowledge of public education, marketing, media relations, business development, and project management.
• Some experience with recruitment of volunteers.
• Bilingual ability both written and spoken highly desirable, particularly in Spanish and English.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Suite products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must have ability to travel within the DNWest’s service area by car. Must maintain a valid California driver’s license and current vehicle insurance based on California minimum insurance coverage standards.

Provided compensation data is subject to change based on location and work status. Salary data provided by third party sites do not accurately reflect our pay structure.