Community Engagement and Special Events Manager

At Lendmark Financial Services, we believe the success of our company is specifically attributable to the quality of our employees and their commitment to our customers. We value each customer and understand that people want to do business with people who care. That’s one way we differ from our competitors. We are proud of what we as a team have accomplished. We will always strive for improvement, our motto since day one has been “Success is the only option.”

Lendmark Financial Services offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees and dependents that includes medical, dental, vision benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), life insurance, long-term disability, tuition assistance and an employee assistance program. We also offer optional benefits such as critical care, auto, home and pet insurance as well as other ancillary insurance options.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Community Engagement and Special Events Manager is the individual who is passionate about the intersection of community engagement, employee engagement and philanthropic engagement, and is adept at leveraging the opportunities therein. To be successful, this individual must be able to operate at a strategic level and be a true partner to leadership. Equally, they must be able to get into the details, operate at a tactical level and be able to drive the execution of initiatives.

The Community Engagement and Special Events Manager is responsible for ideating and managing campaigns, initiatives, and special projects that engage employees and benefit communities across the Lendmark 21-state footprint. This role is instrumental in expanding, codifying, and measuring community engagement, volunteerism and philanthropic impact that defines our community-based business model, as well as playing a lead role in key special events management.

The Community Engagement and Special Events manager will work closely with the Communications team and others across the organization on the development of a clear vision for our outreach, philanthropy, and volunteerism to drive innovation and growth of our special events and community engagement endeavors, priorities, and goals.

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Engagement & Corporate Philanthropy

• Establish a measurement framework that tracks community engagement KPIs
• Lead strategy and execution of comprehensive volunteerism initiative
• Serve as lead manager for year-round childhood cancer campaign with significant support from Communications team and select leadership
• Partners with office locations and field operations to amplify community initiatives and align PR efforts with community priorities
• Build key external relationships with regional, state, and national Chambers of Commerce, key community, and civic organizations; cultivate new partners and opportunities as related to de novo expansion
• Connects community initiatives with synergy opportunities across the Lendmark geographic footprint
• Helps elevate ESG and community-service initiatives through key events, volunteerism, and other community-facing opportunities

Event Planning & Management

• Has lead responsibility on executing key company events, including annual leadership conference and town halls (in-person, virtual and hybrid)
• Onsight management of events or meetings (may require travel to certain local office events)
• Provides resources, expertise, and input to de novo grand openings

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven leadership ability and presence, sense of urgency to meet move at the pace of the business, and self-discipline to autonomously produce exceptional results
• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job; Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication preferred
• 4+ years of work experience preferred
• Able to travel up to 20% of time in alignment with select de novo openings, town halls and other prescheduled events
• Must be a strategic and creative thinker, with a thorough understanding of creating new community relationships while strengthening the relationships that already exist
• Must be an exceptional communicator with experience in community relations and outreach
• Motivated self-starter who will collaborate across all departments and function levels with little hands-on supervision
• Ability to foster, develop, and expand relationships with local leaders, partners, and organizations to achieve success with important community initiatives and events.
• Should be a strong, passionate supporter of the communities and causes we serve
• Stays abreast of trends, best practices, statistics in ESG pillar areas to support brand awareness, community, and employee engagement

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

• Nonprofit or corporate philanthropy management certification(s)

 NATURE AND SCOPE:

• Position reports to Senior Manager of Communications
• No direct responsibility for supervising others currently
• Hybrid Eligible - This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a work week divided between working onsite and working remotely.

If you are interested in a fast paced, high growth, team oriented and great culture environment, you'll enjoy a career with us!