Community Relations Manager

Are you looking to make a real difference in the lives of others? Join the Catholic Charities team! For the last 100 years, we have had the distinct honor to provide help and hope for those in need. At Catholic Charities, our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen families. We do this through our vital programs including a food pantry, counseling services, emergency family shelter, domestic violence and sexual assault programming. We care for the dignity of the person, regardless of background and strive to provide unparalleled support for those in need. 

The Community Relations Manager engages with the community and parishes in the Diocese of Des Moines to educate about Catholic Charities’ programs, services, and opportunities for engagement. This role manages all aspects of the volunteer program, offering education and service opportunities. In addition, the Community Relations Manager coordinates and executes Catholic Charities events and attends relevant events and activities to represent the organization, building strong relationships with key community members. Under the direction of the Director of Development and Marketing, this role facilitates community engagement in support of the mission, vision, and strategic initiatives of Catholic Charities. 

We Offer

• Competitive pay
• 35-hour workweek
• Generous vacation and sick pay*
• 14 paid holidays*
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Tuition Reimbursement*
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flex Spending Plans*
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance*
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• A supportive and uplifting working environment 

This position is eligible for hybrid working arrangement.

*Benefits are available for full-time employees and may be subject to waiting period.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s volunteer management efforts, including the development and execution of a strategic volunteer plan, volunteer recruitment efforts, identification and advertisement of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, management of volunteer orientation and training, maintenance of volunteer handbook, compliance with policies and standards, generation of reports, coordination of recognition events, and other volunteer-related duties as they arise.
• Develop and foster relationships with corporations, colleges, non-profit organizations, and other community entities to communicate and educate about Catholic Charities and coordinate volunteer opportunities. 
• Plan, coordinate and execute Catholic Charities events in order to achieve desired outcomes identified in collaboration with the Director of Development and Marketing. Collaborate with Marketing Manager for event promotion. Coordinate post-event evaluation analyses to ensure continued improvement and success.
• Collaborate with the Social Justice office to ensure parishes and other community/civic organizations are well-informed about the opportunities to actively engage with Catholic Charities programs, such as service, in-kind donation, events, and other special projects.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to facilitate the relevant and timely promotion of Catholic Charities events and engagement opportunities to various audiences.
• Assist the Development and Social Justice offices with the coordination of disaster relief efforts as they arise. Serve as the primary contact for community disaster relief inquiries.
• Represent Catholic Charities as a United Way agency and make presentations to businesses in collaboration with United Way during the annual fall campaign.
• In collaboration with the Director of Development and Marketing, monitor expenses and analyze budget reports to forecast revenue and expenses and recommend possible revisions as part of the annual budgeting process.  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of relevant experience preferred.
• Proficiency in developing positive relationships and interactions. 
• Public relations and communications background are strongly desired.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills including public speaking before large groups. Ability to produce written materials. 
• Knowledge of volunteer coordination helpful.
• Prior experience working with parishes and understanding of parish structure preferred.
• Demonstrated organization and planning skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software. Ability to learn program specific software applications.  

Additional Expectations

• Travel to our service area sites required on a limited basis. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully pass Motor Vehicle Record check. Must provide own transportation, meeting auto insurance coverage requirements, with mileage reimbursement provided.
• Ability to pass a criminal background screening, including Child and Dependent Adult Abuse registry check is required. Compliance with Safe Environment training and monthly bulletins.
• Must maintain absolute confidentiality of information, written or verbal, according to policy and legal requirements. 
• Attend staff meetings, community meetings, approved seminars, agency trainings/retreats, and professional conferences.
• Possess a strong commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities including the understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and ability to demonstrate the philosophy and values of the agency. Employees are expected to support the Catholic Social Teaching principles in public forum. Fulfillment of the employee’s job responsibilities should be consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.