Impact and Engagement Manager -Education

We are searching for an Impact and Engagement Manager - Education to be part of our United Way team located in Hartford Connecticut. This position will contribute to progress toward United Way's impact goals around early childhood education and grade-level reading by developing, implementing, and managing the operations of United We Read programs, with an emphasis on United Way Readers., and occasional support for other programs such as the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, and other projects and initiatives in support of United Way’s literacy efforts.     

This position’s responsibilities include project management for volunteer recruitment and program participant enrollment; developing, monitoring, and participating in partnerships and collaborations to advance impact goals; planning and coordinating communications messaging and tactics among key partners; and providing content for grant applications, reports, and fundraising initiatives. 

What you will do:

• Understand local communities and develop and maintain effective relationships with community stakeholders and public/private partners to address United Way priorities.
• In partnership with leadership volunteers and community partners, identify needs, assets, partners, resources, and innovative approaches to achieve intended community goals. 
• Oversee management of a portfolio of initiatives, collaboratives, and projects; and ensure effective engagement of volunteers (individuals and teams) in support of these strategies.
• Develop knowledge of all United Way of Central and Northeastern CT programs and initiatives and represent United Way in the community as needed, both during and after regular business hours.
• Serve as liaison to selected funded partner agencies within the scope of United Way’s early grade literacy portfolio.
• Recruit/support volunteers in implementing United Way engagement opportunities. 
• Manage implementation of episodic group volunteer experiences that support community goals and the goals of corporate partners.
• Design and manage community engagement services, experiences, and initiatives.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional teamwork with internal and external partners.
• Responsible for managing assigned sites for the United Way Readers program, including but not limited to overseeing the recruitment, training, scheduling, recognition, and retention of volunteers; building relationships with school and community-based partnerships to support program expansion; providing technical assistance and capacity building support to school-based partners; and compiling and sharing data for use with funders and programmatic partners.
• Responsible for oversight and management of assigned sites for Read for the Record, Read Across America Day, and the Summer Reading Challenge. This includes participating in cross-functional teams to support volunteer recruitment and marketing of said events. Liaise to assigned participating school districts. Assist with book selection and ordering, as well as preparation of volunteer materials. Work with marketing to recruit local dignitaries, determine kickoff site locations, plan the run of shows and additional logistics. 
• Manage assigned tasks to support the Hartford Campaign for Grade-Level Reading; perform duties including convening communications staff/teams of CGLR partners; compiling content to inform messaging and support newsletter distribution and relationship building among key communities and early learning partners, and leading special projects that relate to efforts around early childhood education and grade level reading.
• Responsible for overall management of all United Way Readers communications such as content for email newsletters, ensuring volunteers are informed of timely information and training opportunities, etc. Serves as Education Team liaison to marketing department.
• Coordinate process for securing content for development of early literacy related grant applications; write copy for grant applications and provide support for the completion of grant-related reports.
• Work in tandem with the designated United Way field instructor to directly supervise and provide guidance to UConn MSW Interns.
• Performs other duties as needed.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, social impact design, development, marketing, communication, data management, social work, public policy, or related field and/or equivalent experience preferred.
• The ideal candidate is bilingual in Spanish and has familiarity with our local communities.
• Minimum two years’ experience in volunteer management, social impact design, corporate community relations, project management, community organizing, or other related areas required; three years’ experience preferred.
• Driver’s license and valid transportation required.
• Technology skills including expertise with Microsoft Office and database management; willingness to learn new applications and identify innovative ways for technology to support organizational objectives.
• Familiarity with asset-based and/or social impact design approaches to community development, volunteerism, corporate philanthropy, and tutoring/mentoring.
• Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, delegate, and to create systems and processes.
• Requires excellent knowledge, skills and abilities in data analysis and insight generation, translation of complex issues into actionable efforts.
• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally.
• Ability to keep his/her composure with the public and co-workers in everyday, stressful situations.
• Ability to perform job with integrity, mission, vision, and values consistent with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
• Solid relationship management skills enhancing internal organizational relations and external community interactions.
• Ability to relate well with people from diverse groups.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.
• Holds self and other team members accountable for achieving results.
• Top priority is to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives performance and professional motivations.
• Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good, creating, resourcing, scaling, and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
• Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.
• Some night and weekend hours required.