Regional Community Engagement Manager - Rio Grande Valley (26-27)

Regional Community Engagement Manager

Mission:

The Regional Community Engagement Manager advances IDEA Public Schools’ mission by leading regional community engagement and partnership strategy across a multi-city footprint, serving as IDEA’s primary external representative to civic, nonprofit, and business stakeholders. Through this work, the role strengthens IDEA’s connection to the broader community and deepens understanding of and support for its schools and students. This role takes a proactive approach to community engagement—designing and managing a portfolio of external partnerships and cultivating relationships that strengthen IDEA’s presence, credibility, and long-term support across the region.

Reporting directly to Regional leadership, the Regional Manager serves as a primary external representative between IDEA and the broader community. The role spends significant time in the community building and advancing strategic relationships, determining partnership priorities, and representing IDEA across civic and community forums—while also designing engagement opportunities that connect external stakeholders to IDEA’s schools, scholars, and mission.

In close partnership with the IDEA Foundation Development team, the Regional Manager ensures that regional external and community engagement efforts are aligned with IDEA’s policies, processes, and standards. The role identifies and develops community-based opportunities that support IDEA’s broader philanthropic and student outcome goals, while partnering with Development leadership to transition prospective supporters into formal fundraising pathways.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Location:

This is a full-time hybrid (remote/on-site) position located in the RGV. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the region, or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

The ideal candidate is expected to meet with community leaders and partners within the regional area and will travel to in-person meetings frequently.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Serve as a primary, visible representative of IDEA Public Schools across a multi-city region, building trust-based relationships with community leaders, civic organizations, and stakeholders and positioning IDEA as a key partner within the regional ecosystem.

• Develop and execute a regional partnership strategy, including ownership of a portfolio of approximately 25+ community partnerships across public, nonprofit, and private sectors, and determination of tiered engagement approaches based on strategic value, impact, and regional priorities.

• Own and advance IDEA’s relationships with municipal governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and key regional stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions, representing IDEA’s interests and identifying opportunities for collaboration and alignment.

• Lead the full lifecycle of regional advisory board strategy, including member identification, recruitment, engagement model design, and ongoing stewardship to ensure an effective and high-impact board.

• Manage and execute grassroots, regionally-based fundraising initiatives and partnership-driven support opportunities in coordination with the IDEA Foundation Development team, ensuring alignment with organizational policies, thresholds, and regional priorities, while identifying and transitioning prospects for deeper philanthropic engagement.

• Synthesize community insights, partnership performance, and regional trends to inform regional leadership and Development strategy, contributing to more coordinated and effective external engagement and philanthropic efforts.

• Design and oversee regional external engagement experiences—including campus visits, student-facing partnership opportunities, and stakeholder events—that deepen connection to IDEA’s mission and advance regional priorities.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

· Collaborate with IDEA’s National Communications and Foundation Development teams to ensure external messaging, materials, and regional engagement efforts are brand-aligned, approved, and consistent with organizational standards.

· Utilize Salesforce to document community and fundraising-related interactions, maintain accurate records of external partners and engagement activity, and support coordinated relationship management in alignment with the IDEA Foundation Development team practices.

· Drive execution of advisory board engagement strategy, including planning, facilitation, and communication to ensure strong participation and alignment with regional priorities.

· Prepare and advise regional leadership for external engagements, including community events, speaking opportunities, and stakeholder interactions.

· Represent IDEA at select community, education, and civic events to support visibility, relationship-building, and regional engagement goals.

· Partner with Communications and Development teams to ensure coordinated, strategic external engagement across the region.

· Support the identification of potential risks or sensitivities related to external partnerships or community engagement efforts and escalate appropriately to Regional or Foundation Development leadership.

· Facilitate the transition of prospective partners into formal Development portfolios when readiness for philanthropic engagement is identified, and contribute to the ongoing stewardship and engagement of select partners as part of the relationship management team.

· Participate in a regular alignment cadence with IDEA’s Foundation Development team to review regional engagement activity, ensure adherence to organizational policies and processes, and maintain shared visibility into development-related work.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member makes informed decisions by gathering reliable information, asking clarifying questions, and evaluating multiple options. They thoughtfully align their choices with team objectives, current responsibilities, and the broader mission of the organization.

• Manage Work and Teams: This team member sets clear, measurable goals and regularly reflects on progress, adjusting actions as needed. They prioritize work aligned with their goals using a task management system and consistently meet deadlines through effective time management.

• Grow Self and Others: This team member demonstrates self-awareness by actively seeking and thoughtfully responding to feedback with curiosity and a growth mindset. They identify development areas, implement feedback when appropriate, and pursue opportunities to build their knowledge and skills.

• Build a Culture of Trust: This team member proactively builds strong personal and professional relationships with individual stakeholders and regularly seeks feedback to improve their work experience. They create a supportive environment where others feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of retribution.

• Communicate Deliberately: This team member communicates clearly and professionally, delivering concise messages tailored to their audience. They actively listen, engage in dialogue by asking and clarifying questions, and follow up to ensure shared understanding in both individual and group settings.

Additional Skills:

· Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish credibility and influence with diverse community stakeholders and represent IDEA’s mission clearly and compellingly in written, verbal, and presentation settings.

· Sound judgment and discretion in navigating sensitive conversations, community dynamics, and philanthropic interest, with the ability to assess risk and elevate appropriately.

· Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and external commitments, and stakeholder expectations effectively.

· Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed environment, collaborating across Regional and Campus leadership, IDEA Foundation Development, Communications, and other HQ teams.

· Ability to document and manage relationship activity using Salesforce or similar CRM systems.

· Adaptability and problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond thoughtfully to changing priorities, evolving community needs, and dynamic external environments.

· Ability to influence and collaborate without formal authority, engaging in respectful disagreement and leading with empathy and accountability.

· Ability to operate independently in-region without day-to-day oversight, with accountability for setting and executing community engagement and partnership strategy.

· Ability to assess and prioritize partnership opportunities based on strategic value, community impact, and alignment with regional and organizational goals.

Required Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

· 5+ years of relevant experience in community engagement, external relations, partnerships, or a related field, with demonstrated ownership of external relationships or regional initiatives

· Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, community partners, or constituents in a professional setting

· Experience working in a matrixed organization, collaborating with multiple leaders or teams without direct authority

· Experience leading or managing community engagement efforts, partnerships, advisory groups, or regional initiatives.

· Experience working with or alongside fundraising, development, or advancement teams, with an understanding of appropriate alignment, coordination, and role boundaries

· Experience using a CRM system (Salesforce preferred) to document relationships, track engagement, and support coordinated work

· Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and a strong belief in the potential of all students to succeed in college and life

Preferred Education and Experience:

· Experience working in community engagement, partnerships, external relations, or development within a nonprofit, education, civic, or mission-driven organization

· Familiarity with the region’s philanthropic, civic, or business landscape, including local nonprofit, corporate, or community-based organizations

· Experience supporting grassroots fundraising efforts, community-based campaigns, or regional engagement initiatives

· Experience working closely with senior leaders, advisory boards, or external stakeholders in a support or coordination capacity

· Experience collaborating with communications or marketing teams to support brand-aligned external messaging, engagement materials, or public-facing initiatives

· Experience in K–12 education, higher education, or organizations focused on educational equity, youth development, or economic mobility

· Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to the region

Physical Requirements:

· Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends for community events, and to travel locally within the region as needed

· Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, including during meetings, events, and while working at a computer

· Ability to lift, transport, and set up light materials or equipment (up to 20 pounds) in support of meetings, events, or community engagement activities

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $70,500 and $82,100, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values