Community Engagement Manager

The Opportunity

Position Title: Community Engagement Manager

Department: Community Engagement

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Exempt

Status: Full-Time, frequent evenings and weekends required

Requirements: Driver's license and the ability to travel throughout San Francisco Bay Area

Compensation: $92,888–$116,086/annually commensurate with skills and experience

Join the team behind the mission

Every day, people across California turn to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) when they face discrimination, threats to their civil rights, or challenges to their freedom to practice their faith. As the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in California, we protect constitutional rights, advance justice, and empower communities through legal advocacy, public policy, civic engagement, and education.

Since 1994, that work has been made possible by a dedicated team committed to serving individuals, families, and communities across California. Behind every case, campaign, and initiative are people working together to create meaningful change.

Whether you serve clients directly or support our mission behind the scenes, your work helps build a more just, inclusive, and equitable California.

Why CAIR-CA

Meaningful Work: Your work directly contributes to protecting civil rights, advancing justice, and strengthening communities throughout California.

Collaborative Culture: Team members value respect, teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning.

Professional Growth: We support your development through mentorship and opportunities to expand your skills and impact.

Purpose-Driven Environment: Colleagues create meaningful change and serve communities with dedication and integrity.

Statewide Impact: No matter your role, your contributions advance CAIR-CA's mission and create lasting impact throughout California.

How You'll Make an Impact

This position is central to CAIR-San Francisco Bay Area's advocacy and outreach efforts and plays a key role in building meaningful relationships across the Bay Area Muslim community. The ideal candidate will bring experience in grassroots outreach, volunteer engagement, and community partnership-building, and will be energized by working in a fast-paced, justice-oriented nonprofit environment. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and community power-building to support and grow CAIR-SFBA's engagement infrastructure.

In this role, you will do the following:

Community Outreach & Relationship Building

• Build, develop, and maintain strong relationships with diverse segments of the Bay Area Muslim community, including imams, halaqa leaders, MSA leaders, activists, and community organizers
• Spend approximately 50% of work time engaging directly with community members in spaces where Muslims gather, including mosques, Islamic centers, community events, and student spaces
• Serve as a liaison between CAIR-SFBA and community leaders to promote awareness and utilization of CAIR-SFBA programs, services, and campaigns through ongoing one-on-one and group engagement
• Represent CAIR-SFBA at partner and ally organization meetings, events, and activities as needed

Program Support & Event Engagement

• Market, promote, and support CAIR-SFBA outreach activities, programs, and events through tabling, flyering, and in-person and virtual engagement
• Assist with strategy, promotion, planning, and implementation of programs across departments, including legal education workshops, advocacy initiatives, fundraising events, and community forums
• Support ally organizations' events and actions as part of broader coalition-building and movement work

Internal Collaboration & Operations

• Coordinate with staff across departments to identify community needs and tailor outreach strategies accordingly
• Maintain, replenish, and distribute outreach, marketing, and educational materials

Leadership & Supervision

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise Community Canvassers, particularly for civic engagement and integrated voter engagement efforts
• Lead and support community-building efforts among volunteers, canvassers, and staff
• Represent the Executive Director externally when delegated
• Serve on the Management Team by attending regular meetings, advising executives, and advancing strategic plan deliverables

Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills. All CAIR staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, and other office tasks.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Familiarity with and experience working within the American Muslim community
• A minimum of five years of non-profit, campaign, or community organizing experience, focused on building power in communities via multiple strategies, including at minimum of two years of experience managing staff and/or volunteers
• Experience in community engagement, outreach, organizing, education, or direct service in a nonprofit, faith-based, or advocacy setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated cultural sensitivity, compassion, and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with diverse audiences in person, by phone, and on virtual platforms
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities
• Comfort using Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and digital communication and social media platforms
• Deep commitment to CAIR-SFBA's mission, values, and social justice work
• Flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly evolving, mission-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties
• Experience working with under-resourced or marginalized communities
• Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Somali, or Urdu

What You'll Gain

At CAIR-CA, we believe our employees are essential to advancing our mission. We strive to provide a workplace where employees can grow professionally while doing meaningful work.

Depending on eligibility, our benefits include:

• Competitive Compensation
• Hybrid Work Schedules
• Generous Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, 10 Sick Days, and 12 Vacation Days
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees and dependents.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Perks:
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Sabbatical Leave

How to Apply

We encourage interested candidates to apply early. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and why you are a strong fit for the role
• A current resume
• The names and contact information for three professional references

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Empowering American Muslims. Protecting Civil Rights. Promoting Justice.