Community Engagement Manager

Community Engagement Manager at the PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch

The Community Engagement Manager is one of the first positions PAWS Chicago is hiring for its flagship Rescue Ranch location, currently beginning construction with an expected opening in summer/fall 2027. We are searching for a flexible, entrepreneurial, dynamic manager who can help develop and cultivate a robust PAWS community in the northwest suburbs, building upon PAWS’ subject‑matter and community engagement expertise in the city of Chicago.

The Community Engagement Manager is responsible for managing the Rescue Ranch’s community‑focused engagement efforts in support of the PAWS Chicago mission. This role manages initiatives that strengthen community connection, cultivate new relationships, increase supporter engagement and retention, support volunteer and foster experiences, and elevate awareness of lifesaving programs and services, focused in the surrounding areas of the Hawthorn Woods Rescue Ranch.

This position requires a hands‑on manager who can bridge development, event management, volunteer and foster program development and engagement, and community outreach. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative, mission‑driven, and comfortable supporting and executing leadership’s strategy and being the on‑site manager to support events, fosters, volunteers, and donor‑facing initiatives. They are equally comfortable building new relationships as they are strengthening existing ones.

The ideal candidate is a relationship‑builder with a proven ability to cultivate partnerships, engage stakeholders, and support the development and execution of impactful programs.

Execute community engagement strategies that deepen awareness of the organization’s mission, programs, and impact in the communities surrounding Hawthorn Woods.

Support outreach initiatives that strengthen relationships with adopters, fosters, volunteers, donors, and local community partners.

Serve as a visible on‑site presence at the Rescue Ranch, adoption events, supporter and community programs, and donor or volunteer activations.

Identify opportunities to expand community participation in lifesaving initiatives including fostering, adoption, volunteerism, and advocacy, bringing in new supporters, volunteers, fosters, and animal advocates.

Build partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and civic groups to increase mission visibility and support.

Support planning and execution of adoption events, donor events, volunteer recognition activities, foster cultivation, and community education initiatives.

Act as a liaison between marketing, development, operations, and program teams to ensure cohesive execution of events and campaigns.

Help create meaningful on‑site experiences that strengthen emotional connection to the mission.

Represent the organization at public‑facing events, speaking opportunities, and community partnerships.

Partner closely with the PAWS Chicago Development Team to create donor engagement strategies that strengthen retention, stewardship, and long‑term giving.

Support donor communications including impact storytelling, thank‑you campaigns, cultivation events, and stewardship touch‑points.

Support donor‑centered messaging that connects contributions to measurable animal welfare outcomes.

Help manage donor appreciation experiences, recognition opportunities, and mission‑based engagement events.

Collaborate on campaigns that convert community supporters into sustained donors and advocates.

Support and lead donor tours at the Rescue Ranch.

Cultivate and manage a donor portfolio, as assigned.

Partner with PAWS existing volunteer and foster teams to develop communication, recognition, and engagement strategies in the Hawthorn Woods community.

Support volunteer and foster recruitment campaigns through digital and community‑based outreach.

Maintain an active on‑site presence to support volunteer experiences, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Help create recognition programs that celebrate the impact of volunteers, fosters, and community advocates.