Job Title: Community Engagement Manager

Job Summary

The Community Engagement Manager works in partnership with the Executive Director and Library Foundation staff and board to prepare, plan, and implement a community outreach strategy to expand awareness of and philanthropic support for the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) and the Library Foundation through the development and cultivation of relationships with local and state elected officials, donors, patrons, volunteers, partner organizations, community leaders, corporations, and foundations.

Duties & Responsibilities
• Lead and manage Café LOUIE, a Library Foundation program hosted at each library branch during the state legislative session. This includes coordinating with Library staff, elected officials, and community members to foster civic engagement and dialogue on local issues.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategy in collaboration with the Executive Director, Director of Communications, and Advocacy Committee Chair. Provide leadership in organizing committee meetings, tracking legislative priorities, and mobilizing supporters.
• Oversee the Thomas Fountain Blue Fund program, working closely with the committee chair, Library administration, and Foundation staff to solicit, review, and award proposals that uplift innovative library initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, Library Foundation donors, LFPL staff and patrons, Friends of the Library, and the Library Advisory Commission. Act as a liaison to promote the library’s mission and priorities.
• Serve as a public ambassador for the Library Foundation by actively participating in LFPL and community programs, giving presentations, and representing the organization in civic and community groups to elevate visibility and advocacy goals.
• Manage and maintain an outreach calendar to ensure the Foundation is represented at key community and library events—either personally or by organizing staff and volunteers to attend.
• Develop and manage volunteer pipelines, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and coordination for events, programs, and advocacy campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to develop compelling advocacy and outreach content, including social media posts, articles, e-news, and print collateral that engage the public and highlight funding priorities.
• Plan and execute outreach programs and events, working cross-functionally with Library Foundation and LFPL staff to engage new audiences and promote equitable access to library services.
• Respond promptly and professionally to stakeholder inquiries via phone, email, or in person.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in a related field / elevated level of responsibility
• Strong people skills with the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people within the organization and the community across all organizational levels.
• Able to use diplomacy in sensitive situations.
• Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize projects to meet deadlines.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and database applications
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Outstanding organizational skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to attend meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with state and local leaders.
• Prior experience as an event coordinator is a plus, however not required.
• Three years of non-profit community engagement experience is a plus.
• Understanding of nonprofit practices and culture.

Salary and Benefits
Salary: $45,000 to $50,000, commensurate with experience.
Generous benefits package including health insurance and a SEP IRA retirement account with 100% immediate vesting.

Note: This position description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does
not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Interested parties are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to Danah Zimmerlee: Danah.Zimmerlee@LFPLFoundation.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Louisville Free Public Library Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, was founded for the purpose of benefiting, promoting, supporting, and enhancing the programs and services of the Louisville Free Public Library. The position described above is not a Louisville Metro Government position.