Autism Research Assistant Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Job Title:  Community Engagement Coordinator

Location: Newark, DE

Department: Development

Reports to: Development Director 

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly Non-Exempt, Hybrid

SUMMARY: The Community Engagement Coordinator is an integral member of the Development Department. Their primary focus is to deepen community engagement through robust volunteer involvement. 

EMPLOYEE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT: At Autism Delaware, we believe in supporting those who support our mission — and that begins with the way we show up for one another every day. We ask every employee to be the person you want to work with: respectful, kind, collaborative, and professional. 

MISSION: Autism Delaware's mission is to help people and families affected by autism. 

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 UNDERSTAND THE AGENCY’S MISSION & TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

• Treat participants, families, co-workers, volunteers, and community members with dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices in all interactions.

Volunteer Management

• Collaborate with Autism Delaware staff to develop meaningful volunteer opportunities that support organizational needs and foster engagement between volunteers and employees.
• Recruit, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual, community, and corporate volunteers and partners to strengthen volunteer involvement and advance Autism Delaware's mission.
• Work with the Development Team to manage volunteer needs for major fundraising events, outside fundraisers, and social/recreation community events
• Further develop and implement POINT, a volunteer management system, utilizing best practices in volunteer recruitment, engagement, recognition, and evaluation
• Further develop and maintain volunteer management guidelines that are consistent with Autism Delaware’s mission and strategic plan while meeting regulatory requirements.
• Identify and cultivate new corporate volunteer partners through research and effective outreach.
• Create a stewardship program for communication with all volunteers that includes touchpoints throughout the year
• Develop an event-based communications plan with job descriptions and attendee information
• Develop a volunteer recognition program
• Grow “Community Ambassador Program” including volunteer training and execution of events

Community Engagement

• Serve as primary representative for Autism Delaware at outside events
• Serve as secondary representative at Autism Delaware’s social/rec events
• Curate and maintain a tabling kit
• Coordinate the organization's Program Calendar
• Work collaboratively with all departments to ensure proper representation at outside tabling opportunities

General

• Use Autism Delaware’s philosophy and strategic plan in all areas of responsibility.
• Provide clear, accurate, timely, and thorough reporting.

Maintains constructive and productive relationships with internal and external audiences

• Represents Autism Delaware professionally and effectively.
• Actively participates in meetings, demonstrating self-awareness, responsibility, initiative and professionalism.

Builds organizational capacity to provide needed programs and services

• Remains flexible and adaptable during unplanned situations or crises.
• Serves as a member of the Autism Delaware team helping establish priorities, assist with projects and initiatives, and supports introducing change to the organization.
• Attends relevant organizational meetings (committees, networking, community events, etc.) as appropriate with staff, volunteers and key constituents to ensure effective and efficient workflow.

Researches and stays current on best practices in areas of responsibility

• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development by pursuing relevant training, conferences, and educational opportunities to maintain current knowledge and best practices in volunteer management and community engagement.

• Participate in agency-wide events, meetings, and initiatives.
• Perform all duties in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and Autism Delaware policies.
• Maintain a safe and hazard‑free work environment.
• Support additional Development or organizational tasks as assigned.

• Full-time, hourly, non-exempt position.
• Standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends required for events.
• Requires some physical activity including walking, lifting, and standing during events.
• Regular in-state travel; access to a personal vehicle is required.
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs.

1. Bachelor's degree in business, education, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field; or at least two years of professional experience in volunteer engagement, community outreach, or a related area.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills
3. Excellent organizational and time management skills
4. Proficient in using personal computers and software, including database systems and finance systems, SharePoint, word processing, and spreadsheets
5. Must be able to work with diverse and competing interests of both internal and external constituency groups
6. Valid Driver’s license, auto insurance and favorable driving record; reliable transportation
7. Successfully pass background checks
8. Ability to work collaboratively with staff

1. Adherence to all policies and procedures 
2. Punctual and regular attendance as scheduled 
3. Successful, safe and effective implementation of job tasks 
4. Cultivates a culture of openness and information sharing, building trust through regular, open, and honest communication. Regularly seeks common ground, encourages collaboration among team members, and builds consensus through shared decision-making.

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only job duties to be performed by the incumbent. They must follow any other instructions and perform any other duties requested by their supervisor.