Summary description:

Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) offers a structured SkillBridge fellowship for transitioning Service members preparing for civilian careers in community engagement, nonprofit development, public outreach, partnership coordination, events, communications, or related fields. This is a supervised training experience, not a regular staff vacancy. Participants progress from observation and guided practice to increasingly independent application, completing documented learning activities and a capstone project.

Job description:

The Community Engagement and Donor Development Coordinator supports Veterans Navigation Network’s events, outreach activities, volunteer engagement, community relationships, and donor-development efforts. The position is primarily focused on event logistics and coordination, including the detailed administrative and hands-on work required to move an event from planning through completion.The Coordinator works closely with VNN staff, volunteers, vendors, community partners, sponsors, and event participants. Responsibilities include maintaining schedules and checklists, coordinating supplies and personnel, communicating with involved parties, tracking progress, supporting events on-site, and documenting results.Primary ResponsibilitiesEvent Planning and LogisticsAssist with planning and coordinating VNN outreach activities, fundraisers, community events, and large quarterly events.Develop and maintain event timelines, task lists, supply lists, floor plans, contact lists, and other planning documents.Coordinate event details with venues, vendors, caterers, entertainers, community partners, and staff.Track deadlines, assignments, approvals, deliveries, equipment, and outstanding decisions.Prepare, organize, inventory, pack, transport, and restock event materials.Support event setup, registration, merchandise sales, guest flow, volunteer coordination, and teardown.Identify logistical risks and help develop practical contingency plans.Assist with post-event reconciliation, documentation, thank-you messages, and after-action reviews.Volunteer CoordinationHelp identify the number and types of volunteers needed for events and outreach activities.Draft volunteer role descriptions, instructions, schedules, and briefing materials.Communicate event expectations, arrival information, duties, and physical requirements to volunteers.Support volunteer check-in, assignments, supervision, and troubleshooting during events.Track volunteer participation and hours.Assist with volunteer follow-up, recognition, and retention efforts.Community Outreach and PartnershipsRepresent VNN professionally at community events, resource fairs, meetings, and outreach activities.Explain VNN’s mission, programs, and services accurately to veterans, families, and community members.Assist with communication and follow-up involving community partners and veteran-serving organizations.Maintain accurate partner and contact information.Identify appropriate opportunities for VNN participation, collaboration, or community visibility.Support meetings and activities of the Eastern Montana Service Provider Network and other collaborative groups as assigned.Donor and Sponsor SupportAssist with sponsor and donor communications, acknowledgements, updates, and event-related materials.Track sponsorship commitments, benefits, recognition requirements, logos, contact information, and deadlines.Help prepare sponsorship packets, event materials, thank-you messages, and impact updates.Support donor and sponsor stewardship before, during, and after events.Assist with identifying prospective community supporters and documenting appropriate follow-up.Maintain confidentiality and follow VNN procedures when working with donor information.Communications and PromotionAssist with event announcements, social media content, email communications, flyers, signage, and promotional materials.Gather accurate event details and ensure information remains consistent across platforms.Help develop stories and updates that communicate VNN’s work and community impact.Use approved AI tools to support drafting, research, organization, and content development while applying human review, fact-checking, privacy protections, and VNN brand standards.Coordinate with staff to ensure public communications are reviewed and approved before publication.Administration and Outcome TrackingMaintain organized electronic and physical event records.Enter and update information in spreadsheets, event platforms, contact systems, and customer or donor relationship management systems.Track attendance, volunteer participation, community contacts, outreach conversations, sales, donations, and other event measures.Help prepare post-event summaries and identify lessons for future improvement.Attend planning meetings, document decisions, and follow up on assigned action items.Provide regular progress updates and promptly communicate delays, conflicts, or emerging concerns.Required QualificationsStrong organizational skills and attention to detail.Clear and professional written and verbal communication.Ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and changing priorities.Ability to work independently while recognizing when direction or approval is needed.Willingness to perform both administrative work and hands-on event tasks.Ability to work professionally with veterans, military families, volunteers, donors, vendors, and community partners.Basic proficiency with email, word-processing software, spreadsheets, and digital communication platforms.Willingness to learn VNN systems, procedures, messaging, and brand standards.Commitment to protecting confidential and sensitive information.Preferred QualificationsExperience with logistics, events, project coordination, volunteer management, community outreach, communications, or administrative support.Familiarity with military culture and the transition from military to civilian employment.Experience coordinating people, supplies, schedules, or equipment.Familiarity with social media, event-registration platforms, design tools, CRM systems, or AI-supported productivity tools.Interest in nonprofit operations, community engagement, fundraising, or public service.Work RequirementsThis is primarily an in-person position based in Billings, Montana.The participant is responsible for housing, transportation, and being available at the required work location.Regular work occurs during business hours, with occasional evening or weekend events.Event work may require extended periods of standing or walking.The participant must be able to assist with event setup, packing, loading, and teardown, including lifting and carrying materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.Local travel to meetings, venues, and community events may be required.The participant must maintain reliable communication and comply with VNN and military accountability requirements throughout the SkillBridge period.

Eligibility factors: