Community Engagement Specialist
Position: Community Engagement Specialist
Reports to: South Coast Equity Coalition Director
Application cycle: Open until filled; first application reviews will begin June 7th, 2024
Position Summary Under the backbone of United Way of Southwestern Oregon, the South Coast Equity Coalition (“SCEC”) is a BIPOC & Queer-led coalition building on inherent community strengths to increase health equity for communities of color and those living at the intersection of race/ethnicity and other marginalized identities.
SCEC is dedicated to fostering inclusive communities and addressing systemic issues that impact the Latinx/Hispanic population. We believe in collaborative approaches that empower communities and drive positive change. As a community engagement specialist, you will play a pivotal role in building relationships, fostering partnerships, and advocating for policies that address the root causes affecting Latinx/Hispanic communities. Bilingual (English/Spanish) individuals are encouraged to apply.
Please note that this position is currently grant funded. The person hired for this position will assist with identifying and submitting grant applications as part of their role.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Experience working in a nonprofit, and/or any equivalent combination of work experience, lived experience, and/or applicable special skills will be considered when evaluating applications. Ongoing trainings and learning opportunities will be provided for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
In collaboration with the SCEC Director:
• Design and implement strategies using need assessment data to equitably engage our Latinx/Hispanic communities and cross-sectors to develop comprehensive solutions to systemic issues impacting Latinx/Hispanic communities.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations serving our prioritized community to host culturally specific events and spaces that amplify joy, increase visibility, that empower community.
• Build intentional relationships with Latinx/Hispanic community members to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations that leads to community empowerment.
• Identify and establish partnerships with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals working to support Latinx/Hispanic community.
• Collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare providers to address accessibility and promote equitable access to resources.
• Advocate for policies that address the root causes of disparities, inequities, and injustices impacting Latinx/Hispanic Oregonians.
• Represent SCEC in community meeting, in spaces with decision makers and and coalitions to influence decision-making processes and advance community interests.
• Support the development of grassroots initiatives, campaigns, and projects aimed at addressing systemic barriers and promoting health equity.
• Using quantitative and qualitative data to equitably track, evaluate, and present impacts along with success of community engagement efforts, partnerships, and advocacy initiatives to inform future strategies.
Desired Attributes
• Strong working knowledge of, and evidence of commitment to, practices that support safety, equity and inclusion.
• Experience with relationship-building
• Strong ability to navigate challenging topics.
• Ability to hold self-accountable for high-quality, timely, and effective results.
• Ability to cooperate, work collaboratively and work independently.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fluid workplace while maintaining enthusiasm and thriving in such an environment.
• Ability to act with integrity, empathy, curiosity and transparency.
Working Environment
• 32 - 40 hrs/week requiring occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight stays.
• Position is considered remote with opportunities for office-sharing at the South Coast Equity Coalition as needed.
• This job includes remote and in-person work with partners across Coos County and Curry County. Regular cross-county travel is required.
• Physical demands include sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time, lifting approximately 25 pounds, and regular use of the telephone, copier, and computer. Reasonable accommodation will be made to support performing essential functions.
Compensation and Benefits
• Hourly non-exempt position $26.00 – $30.00, with an incremental salary adjustment upon successful 90-day performance review, and upon successful annual reviews thereafter.
• Employee-only health, vision, dental insurance benefits for employees working a minimum of 20 hours/week.
• Phone and/or internet stipends in accordance with United Way of Southwestern Oregon policies; mileage reimbursement in accordance with IRS standard mileage rate.
• Vacation accrual starting at 2 weeks/year, sick leave, and all other leave options available under Oregon law.
This position is employed by United Way of Southwestern Oregon. All offers of employment and continued employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check including prior employment verification, professional reference checks, and criminal background check, as permitted by law.
United Way of Southwestern Oregon is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Anti-Racism Statement of Principle:
United Way of Southwestern Oregon takes the broadest possible view of diversity. We value the visible and invisible qualities that make a person who they are. We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our Coos and Curry County communities. We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems. We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work. We work to aid in the development of equitable systems that denounce all forms of racism, and any other form of discrimination, in our organization, our community, and our region. We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities. Join us in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every person in every community.
To apply: Please submit a current resume and cover letter indicating your interest in this position to jayden@southcoastequity.org. Questions about this position can be directed to jayden@southcoastequity.org or by calling (541) 297-0441.