Community Engagement Coordinator

Description
Join Our Team and Make a Difference Every Day

Position: Community Engagement Coordinator

Pay: $24 – $25/hour

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, 37.5 hrs./week, additional availabilty as needed for events

The Summit Center is Western New York’s leading provider of evidence-based services for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. Our team is dedicated to helping every individual we serve achieve their highest level of independence. If you’re passionate about making lives better and in search of a good job with dedicated supervisors, great benefits, and a supportive environment become a #DifferenceMaker and join our team.

Why Work With Us?

Up to 32 days of paid time off
14–16 paid holidays annually
Potential for annual raises and profit sharing
Health, dental, and vision insurance/Medical opt-out payment (up to $1,000/year)
401K with up to 4% employer match

Employee Assistance Program:
Free mental health counseling
Free childcare referrals
Access to legal services
Grief/eldercare support
Financial planning resources

Your Impact as the Community Engagement Coordinator

The Community Engagement & Events Coordinator is the primary driver of The Summit Center’s event portfolio and community presence. This role leads the planning, coordination, and execution of signature fundraising events – including the Summit Autism Walk and Summit Gala – as well as donor appreciation events, third-party fundraising initiatives, and community outreach activities. The Coordinator manages event committees, develops event communications, produces event content in partnership with the Marketing Manager, and builds the community relationships that expand The Summit Center’s visibility and philanthropic support across Western New York.

Signature Events – Summit Autism Walk and Summit Gala

Lead end-to-end planning and execution of the Summit Autism Walk and Summit Gala, including timelines, logistics, vendor coordination, and production schedules
Develop comprehensive event communication plans and timelines, including audience segmentation and messaging strategy across email, social, and print
Write and coordinate all Walk and Gala email communications, from save-the-dates through post-event thank-you messages
Oversee sponsor benefit fulfillment and event-related stewardship activities in coordination with the Development Manager
Produce event scripts for the Walk ceremony and Gala/Hope Award program, collaborating with leadership and emcees
Coordinate all event signage, including banners, directional signage, and sponsor recognition displays
Partner with the Marketing Manager on event videos, slideshows, mission moments, and printed programs

Event Committee & Volunteer Leadership

Recruit, manage, and support Walk and Gala planning committee members and event leadership volunteers
Facilitate committee meetings, including scheduling, agendas, minutes, goal-setting, and accountability
Work with event chairs and committee members to establish fundraising goals, responsibilities, and timelines
Coordinate collaboration between committees, vendors, sponsors, and internal staff throughout the event planning cycle
Support committee stewardship and recognition to deepen volunteer engagement year over year

Donor Appreciation & Stewardship Events

Coordinate donor appreciation events from inception through execution, including venue logistics, invitations, programs, and follow-up communications
Partner with the Development Coordinator on vendor logistics, RSVPs, and event setup to ensure seamless execution
Ensure all donor-facing events reflect the organization’s brand standards and reinforce key stewardship messages
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Represent The Summit Center at community events, speaking opportunities, and presentations, building awareness and goodwill
Oversee and grow third-party event and cause-marketing initiatives, providing guidance, organizational materials, and support to external organizers
Manage ongoing community relations partnerships (e.g., Buffalo Bills ticket programs, Get Air, and similar arrangements), ensuring strong stewardship and mutual value
Support peer-to-peer fundraising and grassroots engagement initiatives that broaden the organization’s donor base

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in event management, communications, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field
2-4 years of experience in event planning or community engagement, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously with strong attention to logistics and detail.
Experience writing event copy, scripts, or donor communications
Experience recruiting, managing, and motivating volunteers and planning committees
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with event management tools, design platforms (e.g., Canva), or email marketing systems a plus
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, during event periods
Commitment to the mission of The Summit Center

At The Summit Center, you’ll be part of a compassionate, highly trained team committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Let your next job be the one that truly makes a difference.

Qualifications
Education
Required
Bachelors or better.

Learn more here