Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist - Dallas

Job Summary

The Community Engagement and Support Specialist is a relationship-oriented, community-based, outreach-focused position responsible for building community partnerships, increasing awareness of Pathways' services, securing financial and in-kind support, and engaging prospective foster families interested in fostering with Pathways. This position supports outreach efforts throughout theDallas-Fort Worth (DFW) service area, including Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant Counties. Regular travel within the assigned territory is required to attend community meetings, recruitment events, presentations, and partnership-building activities. The Community Engagement and Support Specialist is responsible for identifying and cultivating relationships with community organizations, businesses, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders who support Pathways' mission. The position also assists with volunteer engagement efforts that benefit our Child Placing Agency (CPA).

This position is part of the Child Placing Agency and reports to the Director of Performance Improvement & Strategic Initiatives.

Essential Duties:

• Identify and pursue opportunities to attract, inform, and engage potential foster parent applicants and other community supporters.
• Represent Pathways at DFPS/SSCC events, community fairs, and other outreach activities to increase awareness, recruit foster parents, and build organizational support.
• Maintain, track, and report on outcomes, recruitment funnel metrics, and engagement effectiveness. 
• Maintain accurate records of leads, contacts, partner interactions, event results, and follow-up activities.
• Use data to recommend changes or improvements to outreach strategies.
• Communicate community needs, partner feedback, and public sentiment back to regional leadership to drive improvements.
• Work closely with the Director of Home Development and Recruitment to identify recruitment and community outreach opportunities strategies related to foster parent recruitment and onboarding.
• Support and organize informational sessions, open houses, meet-and-greets, and appreciation events for foster parents and prospective applicants.
• Collaborate with and assist leadership and Development staff in identifying and cultivating relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations interested in supporting Pathways to broaden funding base.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to create necessary materials for outreach and engagement activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and partners to advance Pathways’ mission and expand programs, services, and referrals.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities, including strategic partnerships and new markets, to enhance revenue and secure business.
• Coordinate volunteer events, occasional outings, and donations for the CPA, while maintaining connections with all Pathways offices.
• Meet with leadership regularly to discuss trends, opportunities, and progress toward goals.
• Partner with the Communications Department to coordinate marketing and outreach in various geographical areas where and when appropriate.
• Work with the Development and Communications team to track and manage outreach budgets, procure and manage materials and vendor relationships, and ensure compliance with approved financial guidelines.
• Develop strong working relationships with staff to understand programs and their needs.
• Collaborate with local leadership to grow relationships with DFPS, SSCCs, and other child welfare organizations.
• Visit Pathways offices as needed to strengthen connections and support operations.
• Participate in internal meetings where insights from the field shape recruitment strategy.
• Ensure organizational goals and objectives are met as agreed upon with leadership.

Supervisor:                Director of Performance Improvement & Strategic Initiatives.

Supervises:               N/A.

Work Hours:              Full-time, working a minimum of 40 hours per week (including late hours and/or weekends as needed).

Classification:           Exempt.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Four-year degree or equivalent work experience.
• Previous business development, sales, fundraising, community engagement, communications, and marketing experience.
• Previous experience in or knowledge of similar programs andservices is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Quantifiable success in business development, sales, and/or fundraising.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Pathways’ staff, foster-adopt parents, caregivers, support providers, external agencies, and professional service providers via phone, in person, and through written correspondence.
• Exceptional oral/written communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and training to others.

• Ability to support the agency’s culture, growth, and success through communication, accountability, and positivity.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to appropriately accept feedback through the supervision process.
• Possess a willingness to learn, grow, and improve.
• Competent in using Microsoft Word, Excel, the Internet, and other software applications.

Additional Requirements

• Proof of valid Texas Driver’s License (Type C) and at least three years of driving experience.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Proof of valid/current auto insurance.
• Cleared motor vehicle driving record.
• Three employment references.
• Cleared background check and signed affidavit.
• Cleared drug test.
• Working cellular telephone at all times.

Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job may include the following: seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly. Occasional reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, frequent sitting, standing and walking, may be required for long periods of time and may involve climbing stairs, walking up inclines, and on uneven terrain. Additional physical requirements may include, frequent lifting and or moving up to 25 pounds.

Pathways is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. Pathways is committed to a diverse and inclusive working environment and to providing an environment free of abuse, neglect, harassment or exploitation for employees and for children, youth and families we serve.