Senior Director of Community Engagement
The Industrial Commons, Morganton, NC, United States
Overview
The Senior Director of Community Engagement provides strategic leadership for programs that strengthen relationships across diverse communities, organizations, and partners. This role guides the development of innovative, community‑centered initiatives; cultivates meaningful collaborations; works across the TIC ecosystem to maximize progress; and ensures that the work reflects organizational mission, values, and long‑term vision. The Senior Director supervises a highly skilled and experienced team of engagement professionals representing TOSS and Common Ground, and serves as the Community Engagement field's representative in public, civic, and cross‑sector settings.
About The Industrial Commons (TIC) The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC, that founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers and manufactures hope for the people of Southern Appalachia. Our mission is to rebuild a diverse working class based on locally rooted wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers to build an economy for all through our four fields: Workforce Development, Community Engagement, Business Development, and Network Development.
TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Primary Function Provide strategic planning, development, and oversight to the Community Engagement Field at The Industrial Commons, which includes managing programs and staff, while collaborating with TIC leadership on communications, fundraising, and program evaluation.
Qualifications and Skills
Senior‑level experience representing a unit, program, or field at the organizational level.
Demonstrated advocacy for integrating arts and humanities in programming and civic life.
Demonstrated experience in cultivating strong community, corporate, and organizational relationships through cross-cultural and innovative programming, communication, and organizing.
Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing advisory groups and/or communicating with a diverse group of grassroots decision-makers.
Demonstrated experience in project planning, budget management, proposal development, navigating complex organizational environments, and leading a team.
Mastery of written and verbal communication skills, internally and externally.
Proven collaborative mindset to enhance and grow existing platforms and partnerships.
Strategic and forward thinker with strong analytical and creative problem‑solving abilities.
Ability to scale and support programs that engage upwards of 2,000 participants monthly.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in arts, humanities, social sciences, or a comparable people-centered field (required)
Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred
Minimum five years of full‑time professional experience in related programmatic fields preferred
Experience in nonprofit management preferred
Bi‑ or multi‑lingual preferred
Leadership Traits and Competencies
Appreciation for organizational history and the ability to balance legacy with emerging
High cultural competency and emotional intelligence.
Empathetic, adaptable, and grounded leadership style.
Ability to build and maintain effective, trusting relationships among reporting staff.
Innovative and intuitive leader who communicates vision clearly and inspires others.
Creative thinker with a strong understanding of resources, capacity, and strategic prioritization.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Ability to occasionally lift 15 lbs-50 lbs and remain in a stationary position for computer work when necessary.
Ability to move about as needed in various settings, including office and studio environments and community spaces.
Ability to walk 2-3 miles at a moderate pace over an extended period of time, and stand for an extended period.
Ability to occasionally travel locally and long distances, including overnight stays.
Ability to access items on high shelves and in storage spaces.
Willing to be on site in Morganton, NC, at least four days a week.
Salary and Benefits Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, holidays, and more.
Please send a resume and cover letter to HR@theindustrialcommons.org by 4/1/2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About The Industrial Commons (TIC) The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton, NC, that founds and grows interconnected enterprises that solve problems for businesses and workers and manufactures hope for the people of Southern Appalachia. Our mission is to rebuild a diverse working class based on locally rooted wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers to build an economy for all through our four fields: Workforce Development, Community Engagement, Business Development, and Network Development.
TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Primary Function Provide strategic planning, development, and oversight to the Community Engagement Field at The Industrial Commons, which includes managing programs and staff, while collaborating with TIC leadership on communications, fundraising, and program evaluation.
Qualifications and Skills
Senior‑level experience representing a unit, program, or field at the organizational level.
Demonstrated advocacy for integrating arts and humanities in programming and civic life.
Demonstrated experience in cultivating strong community, corporate, and organizational relationships through cross-cultural and innovative programming, communication, and organizing.
Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing advisory groups and/or communicating with a diverse group of grassroots decision-makers.
Demonstrated experience in project planning, budget management, proposal development, navigating complex organizational environments, and leading a team.
Mastery of written and verbal communication skills, internally and externally.
Proven collaborative mindset to enhance and grow existing platforms and partnerships.
Strategic and forward thinker with strong analytical and creative problem‑solving abilities.
Ability to scale and support programs that engage upwards of 2,000 participants monthly.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in arts, humanities, social sciences, or a comparable people-centered field (required)
Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred
Minimum five years of full‑time professional experience in related programmatic fields preferred
Experience in nonprofit management preferred
Bi‑ or multi‑lingual preferred
Leadership Traits and Competencies
Appreciation for organizational history and the ability to balance legacy with emerging
High cultural competency and emotional intelligence.
Empathetic, adaptable, and grounded leadership style.
Ability to build and maintain effective, trusting relationships among reporting staff.
Innovative and intuitive leader who communicates vision clearly and inspires others.
Creative thinker with a strong understanding of resources, capacity, and strategic prioritization.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Ability to occasionally lift 15 lbs-50 lbs and remain in a stationary position for computer work when necessary.
Ability to move about as needed in various settings, including office and studio environments and community spaces.
Ability to walk 2-3 miles at a moderate pace over an extended period of time, and stand for an extended period.
Ability to occasionally travel locally and long distances, including overnight stays.
Ability to access items on high shelves and in storage spaces.
Willing to be on site in Morganton, NC, at least four days a week.
Salary and Benefits Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, holidays, and more.
Please send a resume and cover letter to HR@theindustrialcommons.org by 4/1/2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr