Manager of Community Engagement

This is a Full Time Job

Position Summary:

This role operates at the intersection of community engagement and philanthropy, working closely with the Director of Community Engagement to design and execute initiatives that deepen trust, expand civic participation, and strengthen relationships with communities and partners. The Specialist serves as a strategic partner in advancing enterprise engagement efforts through partnerships, programs, volunteer networks, and public facing initiatives that contribute to audience growth, community impact, and philanthropic opportunity.

This position plays a key role in advancing MPR Cares, an enterprise-wide volunteer and civic engagement platform, while supporting collaboration across News, Music Services, Membership, Network Stations, Events, and Institutional Giving. Success in this role will be measured through participation growth, partnership development, audience engagement, and operational excellence.

Location: Hybrid, St. Paul, MN

Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Position Responsibilities:

Strategic Engagement and Implementation
• Partner with the Director to implement community engagement strategies across the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota
• Translate organizational priorities into community-based initiatives that support audience development and public participation
• Manage timelines, logistics, and implementation for engagement initiatives, advisory efforts, and community programs
• Develop sustainable workflows and engagement practices that support long term relationship building and participation

Community and Philanthropic Partnership Development
• Build and steward relationships with community organizations, cultural leaders, educators, and institutions
• Identify opportunities that connect engagement activity with donor cultivation, sponsorship, and philanthropic priorities
• Support partnership outreach, stewardship, and collaboration efforts connected to enterprise initiatives

Volunteer and Civic Engagement Leadership (MPR Cares)
• Lead volunteer and ambassador engagement efforts connected to MPR Cares
• Support recruitment, communication, scheduling, and relationship management for
• volunteers and advisory participants
• Strengthen community participation pathways through ongoing outreach and partner collaboration

Program and Event Execution
• Lead planning and execution of community events, public programs, and engagement activations
• Coordinate event operations including scheduling, communications, materials, staffing, and follow up
• Ensure high quality experiences across both in person and virtual engagement opportunities

Cross Organizational Collaboration
• Work closely with internal teams across News, Music Services, Membership, Development, Events, and Network Stations
• Support shared planning efforts and maintain strong communication across projects and initiatives
• Contribute updates, presentations, and engagement materials for leadership and external partners

Operations, Data, and Impact Measurement
• Track partnerships, participation, audience engagement, and event activity across initiatives
• Collect and synthesize community feedback and engagement insights to support strategic planning
• Maintain reporting systems and contribute evaluation data that demonstrates organizational impact

Required Education and Experience
• Professional experience in humanities, social sciences, communications, nonprofit leadership, or related field
• Experience engaging diverse communities and stakeholders
• Strong project management, organizational, and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
• Commitment to civic participation, public engagement, or public media
• Experience supporting projects, partnerships, programs, or events involving multiple stakeholders preferred

Preferred Experience
• Experience working across regions or within statewide initiatives
• Experience supporting volunteer, community, or public facing programs
• Familiarity with nonprofit, philanthropy, or mission driven environments
• Experience using CRM systems, engagement platforms, or participation tracking tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinker who connects day to day execution to broader organizational goals
• Self starter who takes initiative and drives work forward
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Effective communicator able to translate community insight into action
• Comfortable working in collaborative and evolving environments

Reporting to this Position: None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, and move throughout office and community environments
• Frequent use of hands for data entry and coordination tasks
• Occasional lifting of materials for events
• Travel within the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota, including occasional overnight travel
• Valid driver’s license required

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.