Strategic Engagement & Programs 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.

Position Overview

The Strategic Engagement & Programs Manager leads the development and implementation of high-impact programs aligned with City Council and City leadership priorities. This role oversees the full lifecycle of key initiatives—including Participatory Budgeting (PB)—from idea collection and proposal development through community voting and project implementation.

Serving as both a strategic leader and hands-on manager, this position is responsible for designing new programs and initiatives while actively supporting day-to-day operations. Working within a small team, the Manager translates community input and leadership priorities into actionable, equitable programs that deliver measurable outcomes, including initiatives that support justice-involved individuals and other priority populations.

This role operates in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment with multiple concurrent projects and firm deadlines. The Manager must be highly organized and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities, coordinate across stakeholders and departments, and respond to challenges with strong problem-solving and sound judgment—while maintaining accountability during peak periods of program delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Implementation

• Lead and manage all phases of the Participatory Budgeting process, ensuring successful execution from idea collection through project implementation
• Design, launch, and oversee programs aligned with City priorities, including initiatives supporting justice-involved individuals and underserved populations.
• Translate community input and strategic goals into actionable program plans with clear timelines, deliverables, and outcomes.

Program Design, Research & Strategy

• Conduct research and analysis to identify best practices, emerging models, and opportunities for innovation.
• Develop program frameworks, tools, and content that build skills, expand access to resources, and strengthen community connections.
• Use data, community feedback, and evaluation findings to refine programs and inform future strategy.

Data, Evaluation & Performance Management

• Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess program effectiveness and community impact.
• Track performance, analyze data, and produce reports to inform decision-making and communicate outcomes to leadership and stakeholders.

Community Engagement & Capacity Building

• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, community organizations, and key stakeholders.
• Support community members in participating meaningfully in City processes, including serving as budget delegates or program participants.
• Develop and facilitate trainings, workshops, and engagement opportunities that strengthen community capacity.

CORE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Program Management & Design: Proven ability to develop, implement, and manage complex programs from concept to execution.
• Research & Analysis: Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information and apply insights to program strategy.
• Data & Evaluation: Experience using data to measure impact, inform decisions, and improve outcomes
• Community Capacity Building: Ability to engage, empower, and collaborate with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Leadership & Execution: Hands-on leader who can both think strategically and deliver operationally in high-pressure environments.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Planning, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in program management, community engagement, or related work, including experience designing and implementing programs or initiatives.
• 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).
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects from concept through implementation, including developing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, and delivering results.
• Experience working with diverse communities and building partnerships with residents, community-based organizations, and/or public sector partners.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience conducting research, using data to inform decision-making, and evaluating program outcomes.
• Experience developing evaluation frameworks and performance metrics.
• Ability to create high-quality presentations, reports, and communication materials.
• Strong facilitation skills, including leading meetings, trainings, and community conversations.