Job Description

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Salaried, $66,300-$75,000/year

About Brightway Living & Learning: Brightway Living & Learning is a premier non-profit provider of human services on Long Island, including educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65-year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), Brightway supports over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities through a full continuum of care. By employing persistence, adaptability, and the power of behavioral science, Brightway’s dedicated professionals enable individuals to grow, learn, and meet milestones at their own pace. Discover more about our mission and our "All Ways Forward" approach at brightwayny.org.

The Role: The Community Engagement Coordinator plays a vital role in building vibrant networks and deep connections both inside and outside of Brightway Living & Learning. This role manages the day-to-day operational execution of signature fundraising and community events while serving as a bridge to Brightway families and local civic groups. The position ensures that community engagement efforts seamlessly feed into fundraising and that grass-roots impact stories are captured and elevated to support the organization's broader brand strategy (under the Director of Marketing & Communications).

What You'll Do:

Family & Community Relationship Building

• Actively partner with program staff to create meaningful, supportive connections with Brightway families, fostering a deep sense of community and inclusion.
• Serve as the frontline ambassador to regional civic organizations, actively building and maintaining relationships with local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, and other community groups.
• Coordinate community and volunteer networks to support signature events and grass-roots organizational initiatives.

Impact Storytelling & Brand Alignment

• Partner with the Marketing Communications Specialists to identify and capture community impact stories that showcase the achievements of program participants and families.
• Coordinate with the fundraising and marketing teams to turn these narratives into compelling content for the website, social media, and external channels.
• Ensure all public-facing community engagement efforts maintain a cohesive, unified message that aligns with the Brightway brand framework.
• Other duties as assigned.

Signature Event Operations

• Manage the day-to-day logistics, planning, and execution of major signature events, including the annual Walk, Golf Classic, and Cornhole Tournament.
• Coordinate vendor relations, event timelines, supply inventories, and on-site logistics to ensure high-quality, seamless event experiences.
• Collaborate closely with development staff to align event operations with overall fundraising, sponsorship, and donor stewardship goals.

What You Bring to Brightway:

• Associate’s degree
• 3 years of experience in event coordination, community outreach, or public relations (nonprofit experience preferred)
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with a natural ability to connect with families, program participants, and civic leaders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for identifying and crafting compelling human-interest stories
• Highly organized with the ability to manage the logistics of multiple fast-moving projects simultaneously
• Experience working with CRM/database software and digital communication tools is a plus

Why You'll Love This Job:

• Build Meaningful Relationships: Develop strong connections with individuals and their families.
• Learn and Grow: Benefit from ongoing training and professional development.
• Be Part of a Supportive Team: Work with passionate and dedicated colleagues.
• Experience Job Satisfaction: Feel a deep sense of accomplishment knowing your work matters.

Here’s How We Support You:

• Comprehensive Paid Training: Get the skills you need to succeed.
• Exceptional Benefits: Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and EAP.
• Retirement Security: 403(b) retirement plan.
• Invest in Your Future: Tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within Brightway Living & Learning.
• And More: Paid time off for school breaks!

If You Are:

• Empathic, compassionate, and patient
• Positive, energetic, and enthusiastic
• A good communicator and team player
• Passionate about making a difference
• Then, we encourage you to apply and join the Brightway Living & Learning team!
• When you join our team, you become part of the Brightway Living & Learning Family! Click here to watch our video to find out more about the Brightway Living & Learning Family.

Brightway Living & Learning is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to actual or perceived race, color, sex, pregnancy, reproductive decision making, gender expression or identity, national origin, disability, military status, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other group protected by federal, state or local law. We are committed to creating a deep sense of belonging and a culture where all applicants and employees feel welcomed, valued and respected. We are people inspired by purpose.