Jacq Bennett Consulting

Community Engagement Coordinator
Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD)
(Greater Hartford Community Center)
Location: Greater Hartford/in-person
Type: Full-time/Exempt

Who We Are

LEAD (Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity) is a statewide organization dedicated to empowering families and communities through education, service, and advocacy.  LEAD’s work is grounded in five foundational pillars that support the holistic growth and wellbeing of communities: Educational Options, Civic Engagement, Financial Literacy, Universal History, and Health & Wellbeing. As part of this work, LEAD supports and organizes around high-quality public charter schools that reflect community voice, equity, and excellence. Through programs, events, and campaigns, LEAD advocates for fair funding, stronger representation, and greater opportunity for Latino and immigrant communities across Connecticut. 

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for advancing LEAD’s community engagement, organizing, and advocacy mission. Based in Greater Hartford, this position leads the regional community engagement strategy and manages the day-to-day operations of LEAD’s headquarters in East Hartford.

The role combines hands-on community engagement with broader cross-center coordination and statewide leadership. The Community Engagement Coordinator will lead community programs aligned to LEAD’s five pillars, cultivate partnerships, organize advocacy efforts, support cultural and community initiatives, and help ensure alignment between local center priorities and LEAD’s statewide goals.

This role requires regular in-state travel (mileage reimbursement offered), as well as evening and weekend availability as needed. The Community Engagement Coordinator manages one Assistant Coordinator and reports to LEAD’s Executive Coordinators.

How You’ll Help

The Community Engagement Coordinator will provide support across several core areas:

Program Management & Community Leadership 

• Develop, coordinate, and strengthen community programs aligned to LEAD’s five pillars, including ESL, women’s empowerment, mental health workshops, financial literacy, civic engagement, citizenship classes, cultural events, and after-school programming
• Directly oversee or lead at least two ongoing programs that empower, engage, and respond to the needs of local families and community members
• Ensure the center is well-staffed, organized, welcoming, and effectively serving families through high-quality programs, events, and services

Advocacy & Charter School Support

• Lead and coordinate advocacy campaigns that advance equitable education policies and support high-quality public charter school growth
• Organize and support LEAD Champions and community advocates to strengthen public support for new and existing charter schools
• Build and maintain a broad coalition of families, community members, stakeholders, and elected officials who champion LEAD’s mission and policy priorities
• Serve as a key connector between communities and policymakers, ensuring that family and community voices inform legislative and advocacy efforts
• Support community participation in the legislative process, including trips to Hartford, testimony preparation, public hearings, and legislative session activities
• Cultivate relationships with legislative allies across Connecticut who can help advance LEAD’s policy goals

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and manage partnerships with faith-based leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, and other stakeholders who can advance LEAD’s mission and expand community impact
• Represent LEAD in statewide coalitions, conferences, community meetings, and public events, serving as a credible ambassador for the organization’s work and priorities
• Strengthen collaboration across LEAD centers to expand partnership opportunities, increase community reach, and support coordinated statewide engagement

Communications, Outreach, and Visibility

• Maintain a strong social media and marketing presence to promote LEAD’s programs and advocacy initiatives
• Oversee messaging consistency across centers and regional campaigns
• Produce outreach content, newsletters, and bilingual materials (English/Spanish)
• Promote civic engagement programs, emphasizing citizenship and voter registration

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in community organizing, nonprofit management, or advocacy leadership
• Proven track record in program development, coalition building, and public engagement
• Deep understanding of Connecticut’s education and political landscape
• Comfortable working in and engaging with diverse communities, cultures, and perspectives
• Proficiency in CRM systems, databases, Google Workspace, and social media platforms
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and ability to manage statewide initiatives
• Willingness to occasionally travel to all LEAD centers and legislative events across Connecticut 
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Bilingual communication skills appreciated

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $70,000- $80,000 annually. New hires will begin at $70,000 - with opportunities for growth over time as employees gain experience and demonstrate strong performance. LEAD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, a 401(k) with 5% employer matching, and generous paid time off.

Application

Interested and qualified applicants should apply here. Note: the application deadline for this position is July 28, 2026. We do not guarantee review of applications submitted after this date.
 

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging. We actively seek to build a diverse team and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.