Community Outreach & Engagement Manager

ALS United Ohio | Columbus, Ohio

ALS United Ohio is a 501(c)(3), non-profit and locally focused organization that provides free services and support to people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This is done through a network of licensed healthcare professionals in the Greater Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton areas, but reaches beyond these city-wide boundaries, in order to provide various levels of care throughout the state.

The organization also is involved in state and federal advocacy work and supports ALS research, both locally and across the country. The organization is funded through WalkALS in three cities, Farm to Table(Aux) in Columbus, “DIY” (Do-It-Yourself)/third party events, grants, workplace giving, individual donations and state funding.

Job Summary

The Community Outreach & Engagement Manager (COEM) is responsible for implementing all aspects of the WalkALS program – including meeting financial goals and implementing logistics for 1 Walk (Columbus), 1 Lou Gehrig Day event (Columbus) with Minor League Baseball, the Farm to Table(Aux) gala. The (CO&EM) also develops relationships with those holding 3rd party fundraising events, tracks and attends those events. Critical to the successful execution of this position is effective outreach and relationship development with our clients who have ALS and their family members to engage them in ALS United Ohio-sponsored activities and fundraisers, as well as the pursuit of new financial sponsors.

This position will build on and implement a comprehensive events fundraising plan which includes WalkALS income goals including corporate involvement (sponsorships, building corporate teams, corporate recruitment chair and committee), team-building and fundraising, communication and stewardship, marketing and outreach and event day objectives. The 2025 WalkALS program consists of three (3) walks with a $725,000 budgeted goal. (Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus). (The 2019 total for 3 Walks was $960,000.) The Greater Cincinnati Community Outreach & Engagement Manager is responsible for the Cincinnati & Dayton walks, Cincinnati & Dayton Lou Gehrig Day events, as well as supporting and tracking Cincinnati and Dayton Area DIY events.

Essential Functions

Secure and work to increase past sponsors, as well as recruit new businesses and corporations as sponsors.
Work with WalkALS walkers and Team Captains to determine potential relationships to bring new business supporters to the WalkALS program.
Responsible for the recruitment, stewardship and retention of strong Walk Committee Volunteers as well as building strong relationships with community partners.
Responsible for the recruitment, stewardship and retention of team captains and individual walkers; securing maximum income from each individual and team in assigned region. Year-round community engagement and relationship development is critical through attending support/education & exchange groups and communicating and meeting with patients, caregivers, WalkALS Team Captains, participants and event sponsors.
Meet weekly with the director of philanthropy, president & CEO for discussion, collaboration and direction on all details related to assigned events.
Responsible for working with the Columbus Clippers to plan and execute Lou Gehrig Day ALS Awareness event.
Secure sponsorships to cover costs for these awareness events.
Ensure all fundraising and awareness events operate within budgetary guidelines.
Actively look for and work to develop first time and smaller corporate and family donors into larger donors, incorporating “moves management” (cultivation, solicitation, renewed contributions and moving donor from lower level to higher level) as part of stewardship.
Actively work with Greater Cincinnati Area community outreach & engagement manager and director of philanthropy (Development Team) to support and learn from one another, as well as work to meet overall fundraising goals and other event goals.
Work with Care Services staff year-round to involve patients and families in awareness and fundraising activities.
Work to achieve marketing and public relations objectives.
Work in conjunction with director of philanthropy and president & CEO to prepare materials including: budgets, website copy, ad designs, press releases, reports, collateral materials, flyers and newsletter articles.
Work with local media: tv, radio, newspapers, social media sites related to publicizing events and engaging the public, will arrange and participate in interviews and help prepare patients and caregivers for interviews.
Lead contact, support and relationship builder with “DIY” Do-It-Yourself, third party fundraising event planners.
Recruit and manage volunteers.
Other duties as assigned.

Leadership Responsibilities

Maintain a working knowledge of ALS United Ohio programs and services.
Become familiar with organizational strategic plan and agree to work within the plan goals and objectives to move the organization forward.
Provide vision, strategy, leadership and execution of annual program goals and management for the WalkALS effort, with a goal to build corporate financial support, as well as Lou Gehrig Day and other fundraising and awareness events and “DIY” events.
Help develop all new initiatives, including collateral, budgeted expenses and new events.
Develop media relationships with local TV, radio and print media in order to further awareness of ALS United Ohio, ALS and organizational events and activities.
Report program progress to the president & CEO and board, as coordinated through the director of philanthropy.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Key Skills Required

Minimum of two-five (2-5) years’ experience in fundraising, event planning/management and marketing with proven track record in securing corporate sponsors and experience in peer-to-peer fundraising.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Experience with database management (Blackbaud/Luminate/TeamRaiser) or similar database programs, needed. Ability to enter information, run reports and analyze donor data and develop work plan around that information to help meet financial goals.
Comfort with initiating traditional fundraising techniques, (i.e. overcoming objections, soliciting sponsorships, asking for the gift) and enjoy making direct contact, both by phone and in-person with constituents and potential donors.
Experience with volunteer management.
Skilled communicator, with good interpersonal, verbal and written skills.
Team player who enjoys interaction with professionals, peers, volunteers and those served by the organization.
Physically fit and able to lift up to 35 lbs.
Some travel within territory to get to events, visit donors, potential donors, etc. Requires occasional travel outside of Ohio for regional or national meetings (once or twice/year).
Will require some weekend and evening work related to event dates.
Have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
Ability to drive rental truck to transport Walk Day materials to walk site and assist and direct loading and unloading with volunteers and committee members.
Maintain required insurance on automobile driven for business purposes.
Pass a satisfactory background check that includes drug testing and motor vehicle record check.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: efemposition@alsohio.org.

ALS United Ohio is an equal opportunity employer and believes that each team member makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities outlined in a job description. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each team member will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

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