Community Engagement Specialist

OSU Oregon State University • Eugene, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Extension and Engagement is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist for Lane County. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. The mission of the OSU Division of Extension and Engagement (division) is to work with communities throughout Oregon to support lifelong learning and co-create innovative solutions to address local challenges. Together, we envision a future where Oregon’s people, communities and ecosystems prosper. This Community Engagement Specialist position is based at the division’s Extension Service Lane County Office in Eugene, Oregon. This individual will work closely with the OSU Extension’s Western Regional Director to increase awareness of and build support for OSU Extension in Lane County by: building and strengthening collaborative relationships with external stakeholders including local government officials, community leaders, volunteers, alumni, and industry partners; promoting Extension programs and services; and, working with elected officials to build legislative and local government financial support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in field related to position: education, community development, marketing, communications, public relations, political science, business administration, or another related field.
• Demonstrated experience of at least three (3) years developing and engaging in strategic partnerships with community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated professional competence in effective oral and written communication, with ability to engage successfully with broad and diverse audiences in a culturally responsible manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with local, state and/or national communities and community leaders.
• A commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
• Demonstrated experience successfully participating in effective work teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency using common computer applications, including presentations, and spreadsheets; web conferencing; online collaborative tools; and websites/social media for information gathering and sharing.
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with community outreach and engagement programs.
• Experience working with or in local government and with public officials.
• Demonstrated record of active and sustained community engagement activities in Lane County.
• Experience with public education, higher education, or Extension education.
• Experience with advisory committees.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Identify and coordinate opportunities that advance education and community engagement programs to serve constituencies in Lane County.
• Develop, nurture, and expand partnerships to enhance Extension programming across Lane County.
• Develop and nurture relationships between OSU Extension and municipal leaders (e.g., mayors, city councilors, city administrators and managers) across Lane county’s twelve incorporated cities.
• Develop, implement, and participate in outreach programming and events to create collaborative relationships between OSU Extension, Lane County and external stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, volunteers, alumni and industry partners.
• Increase collaborations between community partners to capitalize collective wisdom around emergent social, environmental and/or economic issues; facilitate collaboration across difference, ensuring people from underserved communities are fully included.
• Build and continually improve capacity within OSU Extension for employees serving Lane County around community engagement.
• Create, manage, or serve on internal and external committees, task forces and advisory boards to encourage, develop and support relationships and collaborations with external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
• Fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring.
• Encourages applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level