Community Engagement Director

Job Description

Job Title: Community Engagement Director
Organization: Mary's Shelter
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Reports To: Executive Director
Background
Mary's Shelter is a non-profit based in Fredericksburg, VA that supports women facing a crisis during pregnancy, and all their children, by providing safe housing and a Christ-centered program of support, guidance, and encouragement, so they can grow, flourish, and ultimately succeed at living independently.
Mary's Shelter provides expectant mothers, and any additional children they may have, with housing for up to three years to further education and secure employment to achieve independent living. The mothers we serve will receive counseling, in-house parenting and life-skill classes, and adhere to the program covenants which offer structure, self-discipline and guidance.
Our staff and volunteers offer hands-on support, compassion and encouragement. This provides the mothers we serve to have the necessary time and resources to work toward their goals to thrive as mothers and members to the community.

Position Summary
Mary's Shelter is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Community Engagement Director to lead outreach, fundraising, communications, and volunteer engagement efforts.

This role is essential to building a strong network of support by cultivating donor relationships, coordinating volunteers, planning events, and expanding community partnerships. The Community Engagement Director will help ensure Mary's Shelter has the resources and visibility needed to fulfill its Christ-centered mission of supporting pregnant women and mothers in crisis.

The ideal candidate is strategic, personable, and passionate about inspiring others to support meaningful work.
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Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy targeting individuals, churches, foundations, and corporate sponsors
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to set and achieve fundraising goals
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities, including proposal writing and reporting
• Lead annual campaigns, appeals, and fundraising events to meet revenue targets

Donor Relations & Stewardship
• Maintain and manage donor database and records
• Develop and implement donor stewardship programs, including thank-you communications and impact reporting
• Plan donor appreciation initiatives and events to strengthen long-term relationships
Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers aligned with organizational needs
• Develop volunteer onboarding and training programs
• Coordinate volunteer schedules with program and operations staff
• Create recognition and appreciation programs to honor volunteer contributions

Community Outreach & Partnerships
• Serve as a public representative of Mary's Shelter through presentations and networking
• Build and maintain partnerships with churches, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups
• Organize outreach events to increase awareness and support
• Identify new collaboration opportunities that enhance mission impact

Event Planning & Management
• Plan and execute key events such as fundraising galas, open houses, and volunteer appreciation events
• Manage event logistics including budgeting, promotion, and vendor coordination
• Evaluate event success and implement improvements for future initiatives

Marketing & Communications
• Develop and implement a communications strategy to increase visibility and engagement
• Create content for website, social media, newsletters, and print materials
• Manage and grow social media presence and online community
• Track engagement metrics and refine outreach strategies
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Qualifications

Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field preferred

Experience:
• Minimum 5 years in community engagement, fundraising, or nonprofit development
• Experience in a social services or faith-based organization preferred

Skills:
• Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Experience with donor management systems and social media platforms
• Demonstrated event planning and execution experience
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Personal Characteristics
• Mission-Driven: Strong commitment to the Christ-centered mission of Mary's Shelter
• Relationship-Oriented: Enjoys connecting with donors, volunteers, and community partners
• Strategic Thinker: Able to develop and execute long-term engagement strategies
• Adaptable: Thrives in a dynamic environment and responds well to challenges
• Integrity: Demonstrates professionalism, honesty, and accountability
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Compensation
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and aligned with nonprofit industry standards.
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How to Apply
Please submit your resume and any other supporting documentation outlining your interest and alignment with Mary's Shelter's mission to our Board Secretary at secretary@marysshelterva.org by May 30th, 2026.

About the Employer

Mary's Shelter provides an expectant mother, and any additional children she may have, with housing for up to three years in order to further her education and/or secure employment. She must receive counseling, attend in-house parenting and life-skill classes and adhere to the program covenants which offer structure, self-discipline and guidance.

Each resident is blessed with a mentor who provides hands-on support, compassion and encouragement. This foundation ensures that our mothers have the necessary time and tools to work toward their goals and provide for their children, making the possibility of independent living a reality.