Community Engagement Manager

Community Engagement Manager (Independent Contractor)

Location: Waupaca, Wisconsin (Service Area-Based)

Classification: Independent Contractor (1099)

Organization: Catch a Ride Network

Estimated Hours: 5–20 hours per week (flexible)

Rate: $25-$50 per hour, based on experience and location

Position Overview

Catch a Ride Network is seeking a Waupaca, Wisconsin-based Community Engagement Manager (CEM) to serve as the primary community liaison within an assigned service area. This is an independent contractor role responsible for advancing transportation access initiatives, strengthening community partnerships, supporting program sustainability, and driving adoption of the Catch a Ride Network transportation assistance platform.

The ideal candidate is an established local professional with deep knowledge of the Waupaca community and demonstrated experience in community engagement, nonprofit partnerships, or cross-sector collaboration.

This role is outcomes-focused and relationship-driven, supporting both program implementation and long-term sustainability. The position includes a mix of remote work and onsite community engagement activities, with flexible hours averaging 5–25 hours per week depending on community needs and program initiatives.

Reporting Relationship

The Community Engagement Manager operates as an independent contractor and collaborates closely with the Director of Engagement and cross-functional Catch a Ride Network teams.

This position is not an employee role and does not include employee benefits.

Scope of Work & Key Responsibilities1. Community & Partner Engagement

Serve as Catch a Ride Network’s primary community-facing representative within the Waupaca, Wisconsin community.
Recruit, onboard, and support Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) to join the Catch a Ride Network.
Strengthen and sustain relationships with existing community partners to improve program consistency and outcomes.
Facilitate local stakeholder groups, advisory councils, and/or community task forces as applicable.
Represent Catch a Ride Network at local meetings, community events, and outreach activities (both in-person and virtual).
Support adoption and effective use of the Catch a Ride Network with partner organizations.
Support recruitment of volunteer drivers and identify local volunteer partner collaborating organizations.

2. Program Implementation & Performance

Collaborate with leadership to execute program deliverables tied to grants and sponsorships.
Support the preparation of sponsor and grant reports as required, including gathering stories, reviewing data, and drafting grant narrative content
Meet locally with nonprofit, social service agencies, local government partners, transportation providers, and other engaged community stakeholders to support continuous impact.

3. Fund Development & Resource Support

Support local fundraising initiatives in coordination with Catch a Ride Network enterprise and engagement teams.
Identify potential funding opportunities within Waupaca, Wisconsin and surrounding communities.
Assist with grant writing components and secure letters of support.
Support donor communications and relationship stewardship at the local level.

4. Technology & Systems Support

Support onboarding and technology adoption for CBOs and community partners.
Maintain working knowledge of Catch a Ride Network technology systems (e.g., Salesforce, SkedGo, and related tools).
Document issues, feedback, and community insights for internal teams.

5. Communications & Storytelling

Provide impact stories, testimonials, and community highlights to support organizational communications.
Participate in ride-alongs or community engagement activities to gather qualitative insights.
Support social media storytelling and outreach in coordination with the Communications team.

Deliverables & Performance Expectations

As an independent contractor, the Community Engagement Manager will be expected to:

Meet mutually agreed-upon engagement and recruitment goals.
Submit regular activity updates and impact reports.
Maintain a consistent community presence within the Waupaca, Wisconsin area
Demonstrate measurable growth in partner engagement, volunteer applications, and program participation within the community.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Associate’s degree required (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
Bachelor’s degree preferred (Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Communications, Business, Social Services, or related field).
5+ years of experience in community engagement, nonprofit leadership, partnership development, or fund development.
Experience supporting grants, donor communications, or sponsorship reporting preferred.
Demonstrated success building cross-sector partnerships.

Waupaca, Wisconsin Community Knowledge

Strong existing connections within Waupaca, Wisconsin and surrounding region.
Experience working alongside local nonprofits, coalitions, or community leaders.
Basic understanding of transportation barriers in Waupaca preferred.

Core Competencies

Exceptional relationship-building skills
Strong public speaking and facilitation skills
Self-directed and highly accountable
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision
Strong CRM and data tracking skills (Salesforce preferred)
Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets
Adaptable in evolving environments
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Ability to lift and transport 20+ lbs for outreach events

Work Structure

Flexible scheduling based on community needs.
Estimated 5–25 hours per week, depending on program activity.
Mix of remote work and onsite community engagement.
Evening and weekend engagement may occasionally be required.
Estimated local travel: up to 20%.
Compensation structure: contract-based (rate and structure to be discussed during the selection process).

This role does not qualify for employee benefits.

About Catch a Ride Network

Catch a Ride Network is committed to building a scalable, community-centered national transportation model that increases access and removes barriers for underserved populations.

The Community Engagement Manager plays a vital role in ensuring local programs remain aligned with network standards while remaining responsive to Kentucky’s unique community needs.

Pay: $25.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits: