Community Engagement Director
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States, 50501
About the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance exists to unify and coordinate accountable economic and community development efforts
that enhance the quality of life in the Fort Dodge region. Through strong partnerships, strategic leadership, and intentional collaboration, we work to ensure our region is a great place to live, work, grow a business, and raise a family.
Position Summary
The
Community Engagement Director
plays a vital leadership role in advancing membership development, quality-of-life initiatives, and signature Growth Alliance programming. This position is responsible for cultivating strong relationships across the business community, nonprofit sector, local governments, educational institutions, legislators, and Growth Alliance investors. With a focus on collaboration and connection, the Community Engagement Director helps align stakeholders around a shared vision for the region’s future—strengthening community engagement, supporting workforce and leadership development, and enhancing the overall vitality of the Fort Dodge area.
Represent the Growth Alliance on quality-of-life initiatives, programs, and events, serving as a lead or supporting role to ensure successful project completion.
Lead membership engagement efforts, including recruitment, retention, and relationship-building with current and prospective members, ensuring strong value and connectivity for investors.
Provide leadership and staff support to Growth Alliance committees and programs, including but not limited to:
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Leadership Program
FOD Walk Community Clean-Up Day
Eggs & Issues program (in partnership with Iowa Central Community College)
Work collaboratively with city, county, school district, and regional partners to strengthen communication, alignment, and community collaboration.
Engage and advocate for Growth Alliance members by connecting them to resources, partners, and opportunities that support their success.
Develop, implement, and sustain programs that promote civic engagement, volunteerism, leadership development, educational advancement, and positive community involvement.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key community stakeholders to support inclusive participation and long-term program success.
Represent the Growth Alliance through regional and statewide associations (such as the Iowa Chamber Alliance and others as assigned) to advance organizational priorities and legislative advocacy efforts.
Examples of Work (Engagement Focus)
Serve as a central connector to help unify the efforts of the City, County, Growth Alliance investors, and general membership around shared goals and a common regional vision.
Collaborate with committees and partners on initiatives related to leadership development, succession planning, legislative awareness and advocacy, workforce retention, regional marketing, membership growth, and quality-of-life enhancement.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; preferred fields include Public Administration, Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated understanding of community development and its role in supporting sustainable economic development.
Strong public speaking, facilitation, and written communication skills, with the ability to present professionally to diverse audiences.
Working knowledge of the Fort Dodge, Webster County, and regional landscape strongly preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of community events and programming.
Commitment to representing the Growth Alliance, its members, partners, and the region in a positive, professional, and solutions-oriented manner.
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across organizations and sectors.
Training & Experience
Minimum of
five (5) years of experience
in community development, economic development, or a directly related field, with demonstrated leadership and engagement experience.
Industry-related certifications or continued professional development may be encouraged or required.
Limited travel (approximately 10%) may be required, as assigned by the President & CEO.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for the
Community Engagement Director
position is
$65,000–$85,000 annually , commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance offers a competitive benefits package, which may include health insurance, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Specific benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Labor Standards
This is an
exempt, at-will position
.
Performance Accountability
The Community Engagement Director reports directly to the CEO. Performance evaluations will be conducted regularly and based on this job description, organizational goals and objectives, and the Director’s ability to effectively implement directives and initiatives assigned by the CEO.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We value diversity of thought, background, and experience and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
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that enhance the quality of life in the Fort Dodge region. Through strong partnerships, strategic leadership, and intentional collaboration, we work to ensure our region is a great place to live, work, grow a business, and raise a family.
Position Summary
The
Community Engagement Director
plays a vital leadership role in advancing membership development, quality-of-life initiatives, and signature Growth Alliance programming. This position is responsible for cultivating strong relationships across the business community, nonprofit sector, local governments, educational institutions, legislators, and Growth Alliance investors. With a focus on collaboration and connection, the Community Engagement Director helps align stakeholders around a shared vision for the region’s future—strengthening community engagement, supporting workforce and leadership development, and enhancing the overall vitality of the Fort Dodge area.
Represent the Growth Alliance on quality-of-life initiatives, programs, and events, serving as a lead or supporting role to ensure successful project completion.
Lead membership engagement efforts, including recruitment, retention, and relationship-building with current and prospective members, ensuring strong value and connectivity for investors.
Provide leadership and staff support to Growth Alliance committees and programs, including but not limited to:
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Leadership Program
FOD Walk Community Clean-Up Day
Eggs & Issues program (in partnership with Iowa Central Community College)
Work collaboratively with city, county, school district, and regional partners to strengthen communication, alignment, and community collaboration.
Engage and advocate for Growth Alliance members by connecting them to resources, partners, and opportunities that support their success.
Develop, implement, and sustain programs that promote civic engagement, volunteerism, leadership development, educational advancement, and positive community involvement.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key community stakeholders to support inclusive participation and long-term program success.
Represent the Growth Alliance through regional and statewide associations (such as the Iowa Chamber Alliance and others as assigned) to advance organizational priorities and legislative advocacy efforts.
Examples of Work (Engagement Focus)
Serve as a central connector to help unify the efforts of the City, County, Growth Alliance investors, and general membership around shared goals and a common regional vision.
Collaborate with committees and partners on initiatives related to leadership development, succession planning, legislative awareness and advocacy, workforce retention, regional marketing, membership growth, and quality-of-life enhancement.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; preferred fields include Public Administration, Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated understanding of community development and its role in supporting sustainable economic development.
Strong public speaking, facilitation, and written communication skills, with the ability to present professionally to diverse audiences.
Working knowledge of the Fort Dodge, Webster County, and regional landscape strongly preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of community events and programming.
Commitment to representing the Growth Alliance, its members, partners, and the region in a positive, professional, and solutions-oriented manner.
Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across organizations and sectors.
Training & Experience
Minimum of
five (5) years of experience
in community development, economic development, or a directly related field, with demonstrated leadership and engagement experience.
Industry-related certifications or continued professional development may be encouraged or required.
Limited travel (approximately 10%) may be required, as assigned by the President & CEO.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for the
Community Engagement Director
position is
$65,000–$85,000 annually , commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance offers a competitive benefits package, which may include health insurance, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Specific benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Labor Standards
This is an
exempt, at-will position
.
Performance Accountability
The Community Engagement Director reports directly to the CEO. Performance evaluations will be conducted regularly and based on this job description, organizational goals and objectives, and the Director’s ability to effectively implement directives and initiatives assigned by the CEO.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We value diversity of thought, background, and experience and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
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