JOB DETAILS
Public Relations - Community Engagement Specialist
CompanyProgressive Directions Inc. (PDI)
LocationClarksville
Work ModeOn Site
PostedFebruary 28, 2026
About The Company
Progressive Directions, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization established over forty years ago in Clarksville, TN. Since then, PDI has been guided by its mission to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing innovative programs and delivering transformative services to the community. We currently support over 1,000 persons in 12 Middle and West Tennessee counties. PDI continues reinforcing core beliefs by helping individuals attain personal success through gaining pride, dignity, and independence.
There is no cure for an intellectual disability, but services and supports are essential in enabling persons supported to thrive throughout their lifetimes. Services for people with an intellectual disability and their families are primarily there to provide adequate support for all persons to be active and included in their communities. These services touch their daily lives through education, justice, housing, recreation, employment, healthcare, and more.
About the Role
Description
About Us
Progressive Directions (PDI) is dedicated to promoting independence, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement for people with disabilities. Through programs like Common Ground Café, Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League, and PDI Thrift Store, we create opportunities that make a real difference. If you’re creative, organized, energetic, and passionate about serving others, this role was made for you.
Position Summary
The Community Engagement Specialist supports the PR and Community Engagement team in promoting a positive public image for PDI and our programs. This dynamic, highly collaborative role blends:
- Social media management
- Content creation
- Event planning
- Community engagement
- Administrative coordination
- Flexible schedule required (will require some evenings and weekends during event times)
This is not a desk-only job. You’ll be in the community, behind the camera, at events, online, and helping the VP of PR as needed.
What You’ll Be Helping With
Social Media Management
- Create, post, and manage social media content for multiple platforms
- Develop and manage a proactive social media calendar.
- Promote PDI, Common Ground Café, Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League, and the PDI Thrift Store on local community pages
- Engage with followers and monitor activity
Content Creation
- Create digital and print marketing materials aligned with PDI’s mission
- Capture and edit photos and videos (events, human-interest stories, program highlights)
- Design content for web, social, brochures, newsletters, email blasts, signage, and more
- Assist with website updates
- Maintain brand consistency across all platforms
Event Coordination
- Support planning and execution of multiple annual events
- Assist with logistics: venues, volunteers, catering, RSVPs
- Capture and publish event highlights
- Help with setup, décor, and breakdown
Community Engagement
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams
- Build relationships with staff, clients, community leaders, and local businesses
- Attend and support community and fundraising events
- Assist with surveys, grants, and public engagement initiatives
Buddy Ball Athletic League Support
- Create hype videos and social content
- Assist with registration, uniforms, and equipment
- Help with event setup and breakdown
Recognition & Appreciation Programs
- Manage Employee of the Month program
- Coordinate appreciation events and service awards
- Create certificates and recognition materials
Administrative Support
- Manage digital asset organization
- Research community events and industry trends
- Assist with inventory and promotional materials
- Prepare purchase orders, thank-you letters, and donation logs
Requirements
Experience
- Minimum 2 years in social media, marketing, nonprofit work, photography/videography, or event planning
- Experience managing multiple social platforms
- Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, or similar tools preferred
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred
- Fundraising experience is a plus
Skills
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Strong writing and storytelling ability
- Creative, proactive, and adaptable
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- Strong visual communication skills
Requirements
- Valid unrestricted driver’s license
- Clear background check and driving record
- Negative Drug Test
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed
Work Environment
- Office-based with significant time in the community
- Event environments may vary in noise and temperature
Why Join PDI?
- Mission-driven organization making real impact
- Creative, collaborative team environment
- Opportunity to tell meaningful stories
- Community-centered culture
- Variety in daily work, no two days look the same
Our Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
- Ongoing training & professional development
- Opportunities for advancement
- Supportive leadership and team environment
Progressive Directions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is at-will.
Key Skills
Social Media ManagementContent CreationEvent PlanningCommunity EngagementAdministrative CoordinationPhotographyVideographyDigital MarketingPrint MarketingCanvaAdobe Creative SuiteCapCutWritingStorytellingRelationship BuildingVisual Communication
Categories
MarketingCreative & MediaSocial ServicesAdministrative
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The specialist will manage social media platforms, develop content calendars, and create digital/print marketing materials to promote the organization's positive public image and specific programs. This role also involves coordinating multiple annual events, engaging with the community, and supporting specific league operations like Buddy Ball.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
97
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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