Community Engagement Research Coordinator (CRC-C)

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

20d

About The Position

The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a Community Engagement Research Coordinator to support stakeholder engagement across multiple community- and practice-engaged research initiatives, including a multi-year PCORI randomized control trial examining physical activity and cardiovascular health. Working under project leadership and in collaboration with investigators, patient partners, clinicians, and community organizations, the coordinator develops and sustains advisory structures that support meaningful stakeholder involvement throughout the research process. The position supports planning, implementation, and evaluation of community-engaged research activities by facilitating communication, relationship building, and collaboration among patients, community members, clinicians, investigators, and organizational stakeholders. It supports patient and community partners as research collaborators and coordinates engagement activities across the research lifecycle. The role also supports education and training, project administration, regulatory compliance, outreach, dissemination, and partnership development to strengthen diverse stakeholder participation and expand community-engaged research initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 4 to 6 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Experience developing educational materials, meeting summaries, and stakeholder communications.
Willingness to travel locally to community organizations and clinical practice sites as needed.
Commitment to authentic patient and community partnerships and to supporting the long-term success of collaborative research initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
Coordinate and facilitate advisory board meetings and other stakeholder engagement activities.
Plan and facilitate focus groups, interviews, listening sessions, and consensus-building activities to inform research priorities, study design, implementation, interpretation, and dissemination.
Coordinate and deliver orientation and training activities for stakeholders participating in research.
Assist in developing educational materials, toolkits, and engagement resources; promote opportunities to build community partners’ knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Support investigators and research staff in applying best practices for stakeholder engagement and community-partnered research.
Coordinate project timelines, meeting logistics, records management, and documentation for advisory boards and stakeholder engagement activities.
Maintain project databases and prepare reports summarizing engagement activities and outcomes.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures related to stakeholder engagement.
Ensure engagement activities comply with institutional and applicable regulatory requirements.
Support outreach to recruit and retain diverse patient, clinician, and community stakeholders.
Assist with dissemination activities, community presentations, newsletters, and other communications about research opportunities.
Develop external collaborations to strengthen community-engaged research.
Support patient and community partners serving as research collaborators and foster meaningful participation throughout the research lifecycle.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, including libraries, athletic facilities, cultural and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance reimbursement for eligible expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household.