The Squam Lakes Conservation Society (SLCS) seeks an experienced, strategic, and community-oriented Community Engagement Director to lead and grow our outward-facing work and deepen connections between people and the special character of the Squam Lakes region. This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who excels at building authentic relationships, designing meaningful programs, and helping people connect with the conserved lands and natural environment that define Squam.

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Director designs and delivers programs, events, and partnerships that help community members understand, value, and participate in SLCS’s mission. Working closely with the Executive Director and other staff, this role strengthens SLCS’s public presence by expanding educational opportunities, fostering strong community relationships, and creating clear pathways for people to engage as participants, volunteers, members, and advocates.

Core Responsibilities

Community Engagement, Programs & Partnerships

• Design, lead, and expand community engagement programs, including walks, talks, educational programs, community gatherings, and special events
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, municipalities, conservation partners, community organizations, and peer nonprofits
• Create inclusive opportunities that engage families, youth, year-round residents, and new audiences
• Position SLCS as a trusted local resource for conservation knowledge, stewardship, and community benefit

Events & Engagement Activities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a wide range of public-facing events and engagement activities
• Lead engagement activities independently and in collaboration with the Stewardship Director, particularly where education, public access, and stewardship intersect
• Develop and support volunteer-based engagement opportunities, particularly short-term or one-off activities connected to events and programs
• Oversee event logistics, scheduling, promotion, and on-site coordination
• Collaborate with the Operations Director on event communications and administrative support

Communications & Content Creation

• Contribute content on a regular basis for SLCS communications, including stories, images, updates, and engagement-related messaging drawn from programs, events,and partnerships

• Coordinate closely with the Executive Director and Operations Director to ensure communications planning, timing, and priorities are shared and aligned
• Support social media and e-newsletter communications by providing ideas, drafts, photos, and context
• Contribute content for the bi-annual printed newsletter
• Help create and ensure consistent branding and messaging (in alignment with SLCS’s mission, values, and voice) across communications

Relationship Building

• Build and sustain authentic relationships with community members, partners, volunteers, and supporters
• Support the Executive Director’s fundraising strategy through strong community connection and engagement pathways
• Strengthen partnerships that advance SLCS’s mission and long-term sustainability

Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Operations Director, Stewardship Director, and Land Acquisition Director
• Ensure engagement work aligns with organizational priorities
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven organizational culture

Qualifications

• Experience in community engagement, outreach, education, or nonprofit programming
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and public-facing communication skills
• Experience planning and leading events or programs
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Passion for conservation, community connection, and education
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends