Community Relations Director

Job Summary:

The Community Relations Director is responsible for developing and nurturing relationships between

Erlanger Health System and the broader community—deepening the organization’s visibility, relevance, and reputation among key external constituencies. This role works at the intersection of engagement and advocacy, overseeing a portfolio of partnerships with schools, churches, nonprofits, civic groups, athletic organizations, entrepreneurs, and local businesses.

The Community Relations Director also plays a critical role in supporting the Erlanger Health Foundation, building relationships with business leaders and community stakeholders that lead to increased sponsorship, participation, and philanthropic partnership. This position oversees a small but strategic team focused on community giving, events, and external visibility.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Community Partnership Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement plan
  that aligns with Erlanger’s brand values and strategic objectives.
  
• Cultivate partnerships with the community at large, including; local
  schools, sports leagues, churches, advocacy organizations, and
  nonprofits to increase Erlanger’s visibility and trust in the community.
  
• Represent Erlanger at key civic events, community meetings, and
  local gatherings to build relationships and advocate for the system’s
  role as a health and wellness leader.

Foundation and Business Engagement

• Partner with the Development Director and Foundation team to
  cultivate relationships with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs
  for the purpose of event sponsorships and philanthropic support.

• 
  Identify and steward corporate and small business partners whose
  missions align with Erlanger’s values.

• 
  Actively participate in event planning, campaign coordination, and
  sponsorship fulfillment to ensure meaningful participation from the
  business community.

Event Coordination and Visibility

• Oversee the planning and execution of high-impact communityfacing
  events—both signature Erlanger-led efforts and externally
  sponsored initiatives.
  
• Supervise the Event Specialist and Sporting Event Specialist,
  ensuring the successful delivery of programs that engage the
  community and enhance Erlanger’s public presence.
  
• Coordinate closely with the Foundation’s Events Partner and the
  Marketing/Creative teams to ensure brand consistency and logistical
  excellence.

Internal Collaboration and Alignment

• Collaborate with members of the Director Leadership Team to
  ensure alignment between marketing campaigns, public relations
  efforts, development initiatives, and community partnerships.
  
• Share insights and opportunities with peers to inform outreach,
  sponsorship strategy, and storytelling.
  
• Contribute to quarterly leadership meetings, cross-functional
  planning sessions, and systemwide engagement strategy
  development.

Team Leadership and Management

• Manage a team that includes:
• Children’s Miracle Network & Community Giving Manager
• Event Specialist
• Sporting Event Specialist
• Provide coaching, performance management, and strategic direction

• Foster a culture of visibility, authenticity, responsiveness, and

Education

Required: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Community Engagement, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field

Experience:

Required:

• 5–7 years of experience in community relations, external affairs, business development, or public
• engagement
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships with community organizations and business leaders
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a public-service mindset
• Preferred:
• Experience in healthcare, nonprofit, or philanthropic environments
• Familiarity with fundraising events, sponsorship development, or CRM systems
• Background in multicultural engagement or grassroots organizing