Community Engagement & Initiatives Manager

The City of Durham’s Community Partnerships & Engagement Department leads inclusive, coordinated, and data-driven community engagement across all departments. By centralizing efforts, we streamline communication, maximize resources, and ensure consistent, high-quality outreach. Equity is at the core of our mission—centering the voices of historically marginalized communities through integrated Digital Inclusion, Language Access, and ADA programs. We serve as the hub for all engagement initiatives, helping the City connect more effectively with residents and make better, more inclusive decisions.

The Community Engagement & Initiatives Manager leads a team of Engagement Analysts responsible for advancing citywide community engagement efforts and special initiatives aligned with City priorities. This role provides direct supervision, guidance, and support to staff who manage engagement across assigned City departments and lead key initiatives such as Neighborhood Spotlight, Community Conversations & Connections, and Community Capacity Building.

This is a hands-on, community-facing leadership role that requires a strong and consistent presence in neighborhoods. The Manager actively engages with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders, modeling best practices in outreach, relationship-building, and service delivery while supporting staff in the field.

As part of anew and evolving department, this position will play a critical role in shaping and building engagement initiatives from the ground up. The Manager is responsible for developing the scope of work, defining program goals, establishing performance and evaluation metrics, and setting clear staff performance expectations. These initiatives include engagement efforts across priority focus areas such as Durham Housing Authority communities, immigrant and refugee populations, neighborhood associations, and other community groups.

The ideal candidate brings experience leading community-based initiatives and designing programs that strengthen community capacity, build relationships, and deliver meaningful impact. This role requires a strong leader who can inspire and develop staff, ensure accountability, and deliver high-quality programs in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

The Manager uses data to track performance, measure outcomes, and guide continuous improvement, and prepares reports, presentations, and memos for leadership. This position requires a highly organized, dependable leader who can manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and ensure work is completed effectively and on time.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and support Engagement Analysts, providing direction, coaching, and performance management
• Establish clear goals, work plans, and performance expectations; monitor progress and ensure accountability
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture and model excellence in community engagement

Program & Initiative Development

• Lead the design and development of new engagement initiatives, including defining scope of work, goals, and implementation plans
• Establish program evaluation metrics and staff performance measures to track effectiveness and impact
• Ensure initiatives align with City priorities and advance equitable community outcomes

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Maintain a strong presence in the community; build and sustain relationships with residents, organizations, and stakeholders
• Ensure engagement strategies are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs

Program Oversight & Implementation

• Oversee execution of engagement initiatives, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Use data to monitor performance, measure outcomes, and guide program improvements
• Develop reports, presentations, and memos for leadership and stakeholders
• Ensure consistent tracking, documentation, and evaluation of engagement activities

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report and memo writing and presentations
• Ability to design and implement programs that are meaningful, inclusive, and impactful
• Experience using data to inform decisions, track performance, and evaluate outcomes
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to engage effectively with diverse communities

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Community Development, Social Work, or a related field.
• Five years of professional program administration and/or analytical experience in area of assignment.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• A valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License is required, or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire.

• Master’s degree (MPA, MPP, or related).
• Experience leading community-based initiatives and developing programs that support community capacity building.
• Experience supervising staff and managing team performance.
• Experience designing engagement strategies for diverse populations, including historically underrepresented communities.
• Strong facilitation skills, including leading meetings, trainings, and community conversations.
• Experience developing evaluation frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ability to create high-quality presentations, reports, and communication materials.