Community Engagement and Events Specialist
Overview: The Community Engagement and Events Specialist plans and executes events and community initiatives that support the mission of the Louisiana Association for the Blind (L.A.B.). This role blends event management, marketing, and relationship building to strengthen L.A.B.’s visibility, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.
The Specialist manages all internal and external events from start to finish and develops outreach strategies that connect the community to L.A.B.’s products, services, and programs. The position helps promote awareness of L.A.B.’s mission to create opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, training, and advocacy.
Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to:
Event Planning and Execution
- Plan, coordinate, and execute all aspects of internal events and external fundraisers, including community outreach programs, volunteer appreciation events, and awareness campaigns.
- Manage event logistics such as budgeting, vendor management, venue selection, catering, and on-site execution.
- Oversee setup, staffing, and event timelines to ensure smooth and professional delivery.
- Track event performance metrics and prepare post-event evaluations and reports for leadership.
Community Engagement and Relationship Building
- Serve as an ambassador for L.A.B. at community events, business functions, and networking opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with community members, donors, corporate partners, and other nonprofits to strengthen collaboration and visibility.
- Coordinate volunteer recruitment, engagement, and recognition programs.
- Support donor cultivation and stewardship through meaningful communication, outreach, and event experiences.
Marketing and Communications
- Collaborate with the Vice President of Development and Marketing to create and implement promotional campaigns that raise awareness of L.A.B.’s mission, services, and events.
- Manage social media strategies and content for platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Develop creative marketing materials such as newsletters, press releases, digital campaigns, and event invitations.
- Ensure consistent and accessible branding across all materials and outreach efforts.
Administration and Reporting
- Manage event budgets, track expenses, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Provide regular reports and updates to internal stakeholders.
- Support the Development and Marketing department with special projects and initiatives as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, or related field.
- Minimum of three to five years of experience in event planning, marketing, community relations, or nonprofit development.
- Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or donor management systems, and social media management tools.
- Experience with graphic design or marketing platforms preferred.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for events as needed.
- Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and proof of auto insurance.