Manager, Community & Affinity Engagement

Every day, United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) works alongside community partners, donors, and nonprofits to create measurable, lasting change across Southeastern Michigan. By investing in programs that support education, economic stability, and health, UWSEM helps ensure individuals and families have the resources they need not just to get by, but to thrive. Our work is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

 

This full‑time position offers a salary of $65,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes major medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, short‑ and long‑term disability, AD&D coverage, ASPCA pet insurance, a DoorDash discount, 20 days of paid time off per year, 12 paid holidays, and one floating holiday.

 

The Manager, Community & Affinity Engagement develops and leads engagement opportunities that connect individuals and community partners to United Way for Southeastern Michigan's mission. This role manages the Emerging Philanthropists (EP) affinity group and supports its growth and engagement, creating meaningful ways for members to build relationships, contribute their time and talents, and deepen their connection to the organization. The Manager also leads select community engagement initiatives and cross-functional projects, working in partnership with teams across United Way to ensure coordinated planning, strong stakeholder relationships, and effective execution. In collaboration with Volunteer Engagement, this role helps identify opportunities to connect community members and organizations with relevant volunteer and engagement experiences.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Emerging Philanthropists & Affinity Engagement

• Manage the Emerging Philanthropists (EP) affinity group and committee, including annual planning, meeting facilitation, member communications, engagement strategy, and fundraising goals.

• Support the recruitment, onboarding, participation, and ongoing engagement of EP committee members and affinity group participants.

• Develop and implement strategies to grow affinity group membership, strengthen retention, and deepen members' connection to United Way.

• Identify meaningful opportunities for members to engage through volunteerism, events, advocacy, leadership, and philanthropy, in collaboration with the appropriate internal teams.

• Coordinate with the Director of Volunteer Engagement and Volunteer Engagement team to connect community partners and participants with appropriate volunteer opportunities

• Partner with the events team to plan affinity group engagement programs and experiences, including quarterly Beyond the Boardrooms.

• Identify opportunities to connect affinity group members with United Way initiatives, community needs, and pathways for deeper philanthropic involvement.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and coordinate community engagement initiatives that create meaningful ways for individuals, groups, and community organizations to connect with United Way's mission.

• Develop strategies to diversify and expand United Way's volunteer base by reaching new audiences, strengthening relationships with a broader range of community partners, and creating accessible opportunities that reflect the communities we serve.

Coordinate with the Director of Volunteer Engagement and Volunteer Engagement team to connect community partners and participants with appropriate volunteer

 

Project Management & Cross-Functional Initiatives

• Lead project management for select departmental and organizational initiatives, ensuring clear objectives, work plans, timelines, accountability, and communication across stakeholders.

• Coordinate cross-functional projects from planning through implementation and evaluation, identifying risks, resolving issues, and keeping deliverables on track.

• Partner with internal teams to develop and deliver engaging experiences and initiatives that support United Way's mission and strategic priorities.

• Monitor participation, engagement, and program outcomes; use results and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

• Provide project updates, track progress against goals, and recommend process improvements that strengthen execution and the overall participant experience.

 

Qualifications

Proven ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously, from planning through execution and evaluation

• Experience engaging volunteers, committees, affinity groups, community organizations, or other stakeholder groups preferred

• Strong relationship management, communication, facilitation, and organizational skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build effective relationships with internal and external partners

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, materials, signage, boxes, etc., weighing up to 25-30 pounds independently.

• Proficiency in project management tools and CRM or engagement management systems

 

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required

• Three to five years of experience in program or project management, community engagement, affinity group development, nonprofit work, or a related field