Engagement Director Mobilizing Community and Philanthropy for Impact

Benefits:

• Incentive Plan
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

We’re Hiring! Engagement Director
Since 2006, Common Heart has been sparking a small revolution of kindness to end food insecurity and help families break the cycle of generational poverty in Union County, NC and surrounding areas. Each month, we serve more than 8,000 neighbors through 13 food pantries and partner with over 100 families annually to help them rise out of poverty and food insecurity And we’re not slowing down. But there’s one thing missing… YOU

We’re looking for an Engagement Director — a strategic, relational leader who can inspire generosity, grow donor engagement, and champion our grassroots mission to build a stronger community. If you love connecting people to a cause that matters, storytelling, and strategic fundraising, this may be the perfect role for you.

About the Role

The Engagement Director leads our Getting Engaged Focus — inspiring community generosity, growing grassroots giving, and building strong philanthropic partnerships through a donor-centric approach.

This senior leader is responsible for fundraising, donor development, signature fundraising events, grants, marketing, and communications This senior leader is responsible for fundraising, donor development,signature fundraising events, grants, marketing, and communications,. They’ll work closely with the Executive Director and Board to expand community partnerships, secure resources, and amplify the impact of Common Heart’s mission.

This position supervises the Community Engagement Leader, providing strategic direction for marketing, communications, and community engagement to align with donor engagement and fundraising goals.
What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic leadership for fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, and communications.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive engagement plan that grows major gifts, recurring donors, grants, sponsorships, and community partnerships.
• Lead our two signature fundraising events — Hunger Walk and Love in Action Gala — each raising more than $100,000 annually.
• Partner with the Board on their annual breakfast fundraiser.
• Oversee donor cultivation and stewardship efforts to deepen relationships and inspire generosity.
• Manage and grow the grants program in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Guide storytelling, branding, and communications strategy to build grassroots support and donor loyalty.
• Represent Common Heart in the community as a passionate ambassador of our mission.

What We’re Looking For

• A strategic and relational leader who can inspire generosity and drive fundraising results.
• Proven success in growing donor bases, cultivating major donors, and securing grants or sponsorships.
• Experience leading or strategizing major fundraising events such as galas, walks, or peer-to-peer campaigns.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills to connect people to a mission.
• Experience guiding marketing and communications strategies.
• A collaborative spirit — someone who loves working with staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, community engagement, or related work.
• Bachelor's degree required

Bonus Skills

• Knowledge of donor management systems or CRMs.
• Bilingual or multicultural communication skills.
• Familiarity with grassroots, faith-based, or community-driven nonprofit work.

Compensation
Base salary range of $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience, plus up to $3,000 in annual performance incentives tied to fundraising goals.

This is a primarily in-person role based at Common Heart’s Indian Trail office. The Engagement Director is expected to be actively engaged in the community through meetings, events, and donor visits. Limited remote work — typically up to one day per week — may be available depending on responsibilities and organizational needs.
Mileage reimbursement is provided for work-related travel.

Common Heart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more about us at CommonHeart.org. See Job Description for more details.