Director of Community Engagement - Inclusion, Education and Community Engagement

Job Function:  The Director of Community Engagement serves as a member of NCAA Inclusion, Education and Community Engagement (IECE). This position is responsible for the development, directing, planning and execution of community-focused events for the national office and for selected NCAA championship events. These community centric events are the national office’s philanthropic efforts for Indianapolis, select national activities and community service efforts in selected championship host cities. This position must effectively foster relationships between the organization and the community, facilitate community engagement activities, and ensure that the national office is actively contributing to the local community.

 Job Responsibilities   

• Manage the development and implementation of national office and IECE department community engagement goals, service objectives, and Community Champions priorities; recommend and administer policies and procedures related to community engagement.
• Develop, recommend, and implement a community service strategic plan with programs and initiatives that align with IECE, the national office and NCAA objectives.
• Identify community needs, causes and civic projects and develop appropriate responses and/or initiatives.
• Manage, market, recruit and coordinate the opportunities for NCAA staff to participate in local community initiatives, service projects and supervision of volunteers for community service activities.
• Establish, develop, implement, and maintain partnerships with a wide range of community groups, organizations, and agencies to enhance services to the community and maximize community alliances.
• Ensure that operating plans are in place for appropriate use of website, social media, technology, and other necessary infrastructure to meet goals and objectives of NCAA Community Champions program and IECE outcomes.
• Collaborate with NCAA internal groups (i.e., IECE, championships operations, communications, public relations, office of legal affairs, executive office) to manage the execution of NCAA Community Champions programs, activities, and events.
• Manage and maintain annual operational budget.

• Analyze and assess community engagement programs, policies, and operational issues, concerns, and needs; Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of community service programs and make necessary adjustments.

• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with internal staff, membership schools, vendors, strategic partners, and the public.
• Responsible for collaborating with procurement and other approved entities on signage, trophies, books, and other ancillary supplies for assigned service projects and community engagement specifics.
• Assist in the planning, directing, delegation and coordinating work of assigned staff, volunteers, etc.
• Provide and deliver excellent presentations and responsive customer service, often to multiple stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively (written and oral) with diverse groups of individuals utilizing tact and diplomacy.
• Conduct yearly RFP with assistance of procurement to assure we maximize pricing for program incentives and awards.

• Managing all logistical details, administrative and operational needs of all service projects, community meetings and community engagement specifics.
• Responsible for oversight of Readers Become Leaders/Read to the Final Four and the Team Works Challenge community initiatives for selected championships and Indianapolis market.

• Provide leadership and guidance to the local organizing committees (LOC) on meetings with the school districts to customize the literacy programs to maximize opportunities for collaborations to best impact the children.
• Coordinate with LOC and local stakeholders to plan and organize RBL events for children at selected championships to recognize and celebrate their reading accomplishments.
• Planning topics include transportation logistics, security, food, and beverage, creating a program run of show, awards, tickets, credentials, fan fest activities where applicable, speakers and press coverage.
• Manage the annual NCAA Community Service Challenge every fall with approved vendor and internal team members (communications and governance reps).
• Initiate and provide guidance for the local organizing committee in identifying legacy courts and local community programs that will sustain our efforts in the host city.
• Prepare or review and approve any materials created that is sent to the membership to inform and recruit them to enter the community service competition.
• Monitor weekly updates and look for compelling community service stories to share with NCAA communications provided by the member schools for features and highlights.
• Collaborate with communications to produce the media advisories and post press releases that are sent out to announce each divisional winner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements      

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred. 
• Five-eight years’ progressive experience in community relations, strategic partnerships or related experience with sports or cultural property/attraction, agency, or an NCAA member institution.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in sales, activation and evaluation as specifically related to business relationships between properties, media, and sponsors.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Association's governmental structure and functions.
• Estimated Travel Required <60%
• This position will be based out of the national office in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Current work environment is hybrid; 3 days in the office and 2 days are remote.

Key Competencies

• Effective Communication: Can exchange ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is understood with clarity and purpose.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.
• Strategic Partnering: Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
• Stakeholder Focus: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders, gets first-hand stakeholder information and uses it for improvements in products and services, acts with stakeholders in mind, establishes and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and gains their trust and respect through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and inclusivity.
• Resourcefulness: The ability to creatively cope with difficult situations, or unusual problems. It is about problem-solving and getting things done in the face of obstacles and constraints.

Core Values    

• LEADERSHIP| We actively listen and continually strive to provide vital solutions, counsel and advocacy for student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics.
• INCLUSION| We seek and incorporate different perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and impact.
• COMMUNICATION| We commit to an environment of openness to build trust and make timely decisions.
• COLLABORATION| We work together, based on mutual respect, to lead and serve our stakeholders.
• ACCOUNTABILITY| We take ownership for our actions and results to add value every day.