Community Relations Specialist (Montgomery Area)

Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and incarceration by providing training, support, and employment opportunities to individuals facing various life challenges. Established with a mission to empower those in need, HIM focuses on holistic development, integrating faith, family values, and practical skills training to transform lives and restore hope within the community. The organization operates multiple campuses, including sites in the Birmingham area, where they offer specialized programs aimed at helping participants overcome barriers related to poverty, substance abuse recovery, mental health treatment, and reentry after incarceration.

The Community Relations & Development Specialist position at Hope Inspired Ministries plays a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission by fostering strong connections with the community and securing necessary resources. This full-time position, with a salary of up to $40,000 based on experience and qualifications, emphasizes proactive relationship-building across diverse sectors including local businesses, churches, civic groups, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Working collaboratively with the Community Relations & Development Director and Site Directors, the Specialist will coordinate efforts to increase student recruitment, donor engagement, volunteer involvement, sponsorship opportunities, and broader community support throughout the Birmingham area.

The role entails responsibilities that span community engagement, marketing and communications, fundraising, donor development, event coordination, and volunteer management. The specialist will represent HIM at various public events, networking functions, and meetings, increasing organizational visibility and cultivating partnerships that support program growth. This position requires not only exceptional interpersonal and communication skills but also strategic marketing abilities including managing social media platforms, updating websites, crafting newsletters, and handling media relations to promote HIM’s mission effectively.

Fundraising and donor development are key components of this role. The Specialist will identify, solicit, and steward financial supporters, corporate sponsors, churches, and community partners to secure both monetary and in-kind contributions. Utilizing donor management software (Eleo), the Specialist will ensure accurate tracking and reporting of donor activity and organize stewardship communications to maintain and grow donor support.

Event coordination is another vital aspect of the job, requiring planning and execution of graduations, recruitment events, fundraising activities, donor appreciation functions, and volunteer engagement initiatives. The Specialist will also oversee volunteer recruitment, training, and management to ensure impactful participation aligned with HIM’s goals. This role offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment with a focus on faith, family, passion, and excellence.

Candidates who thrive in this role must be self-motivated, culturally sensitive, confident in public speaking, and skilled in networking and direct solicitation of financial support. Experience in nonprofit advancement, marketing, community relations, and digital media management is preferred. The role occasionally requires travel to different campuses and community events, with a company vehicle provided for most travel needs. HIM offers competitive benefits including health coverage, retirement savings with employer match, paid time off, life insurance, and mileage reimbursement.

Joining Hope Inspired Ministries means becoming part of a transformative mission that changes lives and strengthens communities. If you have a passion for community development, fundraising, and advocacy and want to make a lasting impact, this role offers a fulfilling career path in a supportive environment committed to empowering individuals through hope and opportunity.