Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist jobs in Utah

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROJECT SPECIALIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Community Engagement & Project Specialist assists in bridging the gap between Utah’s Division of Multicultural Affairs and our ever growing community through meaningful connections that advance our mission to promote a welcoming environment and opportunity-building in Utah. 

The Community Engagement and Project Specialist's responsibilities are varied and dynamic. It may include informing and educating the public and/or state agencies regarding division programs, goals and objectives. It may also include developing external outreach and engagement programs that support and bring awareness to the five pillars of the Division (Youth Leadership, Community  Engagement, Training & Capacity Building, Policy and Research, and Community Investment) as well as overseeing specific projects from inception to fruition. These programs can include but are not limited to enrichment initiatives that encourage connection and proximity through events, site-visits, or mediums such as articles, blogs, art and murals, film, festivals, and reflective conversations. Initiatives can also include working closely with the Training and Research Coordinator to develop impact and policy briefs, community-based surveys, and tracking priority bills during the legislative session. In addition, the Community Engagement and Project Specialist may assist in developing reports and training that provide recommendations for meaningful engagement practices that focus on the value of meeting people where they are and asset-based approaches. 

The Community Engagement and Project Specialist will also assist and collaborate with the youth leadership program coordinators to facilitate dynamic, impactful and evidence based programming. Our youth program prioritizes leadership development, financial literacy, and college and career readiness for youth and young professionals to increase pathways to greater opportunities and upward mobility. 

The Community Engagement and Project Specialist will oversee the Utah Multicultural Commission and staff its unique logistical needs in partnership with the Director of the Division, commission Co-Chairs, and other key staff. 

The Community Engagement and Project Specialist will also evaluate the needs of our constituents to prioritize engagement opportunities through ongoing partner discussions and maintaining a close pulse on the unique and persistent gaps that exist by those facing social, cultural and economic hardships. In addition, they will represent the division in a variety of public and private settings, including participating on boards and committees that advance opportunity-building principles.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The impact of a Community Engagement and Project Specialist can be significant and can further the Division’s work to build strong and connected communities by engaging in the following initiatives: 

• Create greater understanding of the organization’s cause 

• Professionally staff and oversee the Utah Multicultural Commission

• Initiate projects that have long-term impact on Utah’s communities and helps promote a more complete narrative of Utah (i.e., provide recommendations for policy and practices that are culturally and geographically intelligent, consult on statewide initiatives for meaningful engagement considerations) 

• Oversee and lead engagement initiatives that include supporting, attending, tabling, and participating in community and partner-led events, festivals, exhibits, and cultural celebrations

• Coordinate with MCA Communication Staff on marketing materials, maintenance of websites, and the development of a strategic plan for MCA branding 

• Empower community members and partners to effect change around opportunity-building efforts 

• Strengthen relationships with underrepresented and underserved populations and state government by creating opportunities for greater access and transparency practices that invites civic engagement from all constituents

• Assist the department grant writer and department director with sponsorship and fundraising efforts

• Write and oversee external division reports, snapshots, sponsorship brochures, informational factsheets, blog articles and/or other written materials that document the division efforts and success

• Conduct community based assessments to collect qualitative and quantitative data, examine existing policies and best practices that provide solutions

• Present and consult on trainings and workshop opportunities to expand capacity of partner organizations and fellow state divisions to more meaningfully and effectively engage a growing and increasingly diverse statewide community

• Execute an engagement strategy that includes statewide site visits, annual convenings and conferences, and support smaller tasks related to Magnify Utah with the support of the Magnify Utah Program Manager

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for the Community Engagement and Project Specialist position will hold the following skills and abilities:

• Strong communication, public speaking, and writing skills

• Critical thinking

• Works well in a team

• Flexible and willing to adapt 

• Determination, self-motivation, and persistence

• Dependability and good time management skills 

• Strong customer service skills 

• Knowledgeable about community engagement principles rooted in opportunity and upward mobility practices 

• Knowledgeable about community mobilizing 

• Knowledgeable about historically underserved and systematically marginalized communities

• Knowledgeable in presentation and training facilitation

• Knowledgeable in website, marketing, and social media management

• Knowledgeable in Excel, PowerPoint, and survey tools 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Preference may be given to candidates with the following:

• A Bachelor's degree OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and paid professional employment directly related to the above tasks.

• Those who are bilingual. 

• Those with experience working with underrepresented and underserved communities. 

JOB SERIES
The selected candidate for this position may be brought in as a Program Specialist I with a salary range of $19.28 - $33.14. This position is typically hired as a Program Specialist I with the starting wage between $21-$24.  

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement isn't just another state agency. The programs we manage and the services we provide are the heart and soul of Utah. By working with local arts agencies, historical societies, volunteer organizations, libraries, museums, and other state and federal agencies, as well as the state's many indigenous and minority groups, the professionals in our department improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout Utah.

The department provides a fast paced, collaborative, and energetic work environment that supports employees in balancing work and homelife. We actively encourage flexible work schedules and telecommuting options where it makes sense, as well as  participation in exercise and mass transit programs.

Consider joining the CCE team for a rewarding public service experience.

The Agency

For more information about the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement and its divisions, click here.

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.