Water1st International Director of Community Engagement Seattle, WA · Full time Company website

Apply for Director of Community Engagement

Water1st International is a Seattle-based nonprofit working to ensure families have reliable access to safe water and sanitation at home. Around the world, millions of women and girls spend hours each day collecting water for their households. Water1st works alongside local partner organizations and communities to bring water and sanitation directly to homes, reducing this burden and supporting health, education, dignity, and economic opportunity. Our work centers long-term sustainability and local leadership: -We support infrastructure designed to function reliably for decades. -We measure success by ongoing service and system reliability, not just installation. -We prioritize equitable participation so all households can benefit. -We work through long-term partnerships with local organizations that lead implementation and stewardship. Water1st’s role is to support and invest in these partnerships while ensuring accountability, transparency, and long-term impact.

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Seattle, WA (hybrid; downtown office with some international travel required)

Reports to: Deputy Director

Direct Reports: None; recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who support community engagement activities.

Salary Range: $105,000–$115,000 annually, depending on experience

Benefits: 

• Hybrid work schedule with flexibility for in-office and remote work.
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer contribution.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Convenient access to public transportation, including light rail and major bus lines.
• Access to on-site amenities including a gym, showers, and shared recreation space.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community & Audience Engagement

• Develops and leads programs and engagement strategies that connect people of all ages, especially teens and young adults, to Water1st through advocacy, volunteering, and philanthropy.
• Builds relationships with schools, youth organizations, businesses, faith communities, and civic groups to expand community engagement and support.
• Recruits, mentors, and cultivates volunteers, youth advocates, and community leaders who help grow awareness of Water1st and engage new supporters in its mission.
• Shares stories that highlight the leadership, expertise, and lived experiences of the communities Water1st serves.
• Gathers feedback from supporters and community partners to inform programs, strengthen relationships, and improve engagement efforts.

Events & Travel

• Produces at least 2 community events that raise funds, build awareness, and foster a sense of shared purpose around water justice; manages all logistics including budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, volunteer coordination, and post-event evaluation.
• Participates in and hosts workshops, tabling opportunities, and community gatherings that invite people into the mission in accessible, welcoming ways.
• Organizes 2 annual international trips for youth participants and supporter delegations with a justice-centered lens, preparing travelers to engage as respectful guests and curious learners. 
• Develops and manages mission-aligned community partnerships and event-based fundraising opportunities that increase awareness, engagement, and financial support for Water1st’s mission, including the winery partnership program.

Organizational Collaboration

• Works across departments to align community engagement with fundraising and communications goals.
• Maintains a consistent and transparent presence through social media, email, storytelling, and personal outreach amplifying the voices and leadership of the communities Water1st serves alongside the stories of local supporters.
• Contributes to Water1st's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, ensuring all programs and events are accessible, culturally responsive, and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in community engagement, program development, event production, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience engaging diverse and multigenerational audiences, particularly teens and young adults. 
• Proven success in building partnerships, producing events, and managing volunteers or staff.
• Experience with event-based fundraising, community partnerships, or earned revenue activities preferred. 
• Experience with group travel logistics preferred.

Position Qualifications

• Genuine commitment to water justice and to centering the dignity and agency of all people, locally and globally.
• Exceptional relationship-building, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills across diverse audiences and contexts.
• Cultural humility and a willingness to listen and learn.
• Creative and adaptive thinker with the ability to develop fresh, audience-specific approaches to engagement.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to logistics, budgeting, and measurable outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience using social media, email, and storytelling to engage supporters and amplify organizational impact.
• Collaborative and comfortable working with people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfort using donor databases/CRMs and email marketing platforms to inform strategy and support effective engagement (experience with Givebutter and Mailchimp a plus).
• Valid Washington State Driver's License.

Physical Requirements

Frequently traveling to schools, community sites, and events; occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds; ability to lead participants in active settings and during international travel.

Working Conditions

Office-based with frequent off-site meetings and events. Evening and weekend availability required. International travel required.

Equal Opportunity

Water1st is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience connected to the communities our work serves.