Director of Community Engagement

Water1st International Director of Community Engagement Seattle, WA

The Director of Community Engagement builds and sustains a vibrant, multigenerational community of Water1st supporters and partners. Through events, relationships, and shared experiences, this role invites people of all ages, particularly teens and young adults, into meaningful connection with Water1st’s mission as informed and engaged participants in a global movement for water justice. The Director creates opportunities for people to learn, volunteer, advocate, and give in ways that deepen their connection to Water1st and strengthen long-term support for its mission.

Water1st International is a Seattle-based nonprofit working to ensure families have reliable access to safe water and sanitation und the world, millions of women and girls spend hours each day collecting water for their households. Water1st works alongside local partner organizations and communities to bring water and sanitation directly to homes, reducing this burden and supporting health, education, dignity, and economic opportunity.

Our work centers long-term sustainability and local leadership:

-We support infrastructure designed to function reliably for decades.

-We measure success by ongoing service and system reliability, not just installation.

-We prioritize equitable participation so all households can benefit.

-We work through long-term partnerships with local organizations that lead implementation and stewardship. Water1st’s role is to support and invest in these partnerships while ensuring accountability, transparency, and long-term impact.

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Seattle, WA (hybrid; downtown office with some international travel required)

Reports to: Deputy Director

Direct Reports: None; recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who support community engagement activities.

Salary Range: $105,000–$115,000 annually, depending on experience

• Hybrid work schedule with flexibility for in-office and remote work.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer contribution.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Convenient access to public transportation, including light rail and major bus lines.
• Access to on-site amenities including a gym, showers, and shared recreation space.

Community & Audience Engagement

• Develops and leads programs and engagement strategies that connect people of all ages, especially teens and young adults, to Water1st through advocacy, volunteering, and philanthropy.
• Builds relationships with schools, youth organizations, businesses, faith communities, and civic groups to expand community engagement and support.
• Recruits, mentors, and cultivates volunteers, youth advocates, and community leaders who help grow awareness of Water1st and engage new supporters in its mission.
• Shares stories that highlight the leadership, expertise, and lived experiences of the communities Water1st serves.
• Gathers feedback from supporters and community partners to inform programs, strengthen relationships, and improve engagement efforts.

Events & Travel

• Produces at least 2 community events that raise funds, build awareness, and foster a sense of shared purpose around water justice; manages all logistics including budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, volunteer coordination, and post-event evaluation.
• Participates in and hosts workshops, tabling opportunities, and community gatherings that invite people into the mission in accessible, welcoming ways.
• Organizes 2 annual international trips for youth participants and supporter delegations with a justice-centered lens, preparing travelers to engage as respectful guests and curious learners.
• Develops and manages mission-aligned community partnerships and event-based fundraising opportunities that increase awareness, engagement, and financial support for Water1st’s mission, including the winery partnership program.

Organizational Collaboration

• Works across departments to align community engagement with fundraising and communications goals.
• Maintains a consistent and transparent presence through social media, email, storytelling, and personal…