Summary

The Manager of Community Engagement strengthens and mobilizes DLN’s volunteer network and supports state-level boards and leadership councils as key community and state experts who guide DLN’s work. These councils play a critical role in volunteer recruitment, program guidance, community engagement, fundraising, donor and funder introductions, grant support, and state-level advocacy for public funding.

Description

Dental Lifeline Network is the preeminent national non-profit delivering extensive dental care to our country’s most vulnerable older adults, persons with disabilities, and the medically fragile. Through a coordinated system of care, DLN has enabled more than $525 million in donated dental care to more than 170,000 people since 1974. Our nationwide network of volunteer dentists, specialists and labs make this work possible. Our program and support teams enable this care through case management, volunteer recruitment and management, fund-raising, partnership development, and raising awareness.

The Manager of Community Engagement strengthens and mobilizes DLN’s volunteer network and supports state-level boards and leadership councils as key community and state experts who guide DLN’s work. These councils play a critical role in volunteer recruitment, program guidance, community engagement, fundraising, donor and funder introductions, grant support, and state-level advocacy for public funding.

Core Responsibilities:
Community Organizing, Engagement, and Volunteer Mobilization: You will develop and implement community organizing strategies that engage both grassroots and grasstops leaders to expand the network of volunteer dentists, specialists, and dental labs. You will build relationships with volunteer providers, dental societies, and public health partners and network across communities and professional associations to identify, cultivate and recruit diverse oral health champions to serve on our state boards and leadership councils.

Strengthen and Support State Boards and Leadership Councils: You will develop and support state boards and leadership as state-level experts who guide DLN’s operations, strategy and community relationships within their state. You will recruit, orient and engage diverse members to ensure councils reflect the communities they serve. You will facilitate council operations including planning meetings, establishing priorities, preparing reports, and supporting action planning.

State Partnerships, Fundraising Support and Public Health Engagement: You will cultivate relationships with public health departments, dental associations, community-based organizations, disability and aging advocates, foundations and statewide coalitions. You’ll work with leadership councils and the Development team to strengthen fundraising strategies, support grant applications and cultivate local philanthropy and partnership opportunities.

Advocacy & Government Relations Support: In partnership with leadership councils, you will identify state-level advocacy opportunities and support engagement with policymakers, state agencies and funders. You will prepare council members to serve as local champions for DLN in meeting with legislators or state agencies.

Who You Are (Qualifications)

Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred in public health, community organizing , public administration, nonprofit management, social work or related field.
A minimum of five years in community organizing, public health , health access, volunteer engagement, grassroots advocacy or nonprofit leadership.
Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate community insights into actionable strategies.
Demonstrated success working with both grassroots stakeholders (patients, families, volunteers, community advocates) and grasstops leaders (executives, funders, policymakers, statewide associations).
Experience recruiting, developing, or supporting diverse leadership groups, boards, or advisory councils.
Experience in oral health, public health, health systems, disability services, or human services preferred.
Strong relationship-building abilities with diverse stakeholders – from grassroots community members to high-level leadership.
Excellent facilitation and group leadership skills.
Background in state-level advocacy or government relations strongly preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Salesforce experience helpful.
National travel required.