Community Engagement Specialist (IS-0301-11)

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

31d•$83,742 - $108,859

About The Position

The Community Engagement Specialist will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the STARS (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Rural Schools) program by building, growing, and maintaining strong relationships with K-12 schools, school districts, and teachers in rural communities. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position drives initiative-taking outreach and communication efforts, coordinates community events (e.g., star parties), and fosters a community of practices among teachers and schools participating in the STARS program. The Community Engagement Specialist will collaborate with scientists, educators, and delivery specialists to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Requirements

Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as perform the duties of the position such as organizing nationwide networks of expert practitioners, maintaining communities of practice/online learning communities, engaging broad audiences in a regional or nationwide program.
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
a combination of education and experience.
Excellent knowledge and experience of community engagement, public affairs, and strategic communication.
Ability to apply analytical and cultural competency frameworks to develop inclusive outreach strategies.
Ability to collaborate effectively with people from various communities.
Excellent skills in written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear engaging strategies of communication.
Critical knowledge and skills in critical thinking and the ability to navigate complex community/partner issues.
Ability to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and diligence, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with educators, schools, or community organizations.
Experience working with underserved or rural communities is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Serves as an advisor to leadership on outreach policy, equity, and culturally responsive engagement practices.
Builds and maintains partnerships with community leaders, advocacy groups, nonprofits, and underserved populations to advance mission objectives.
Develops and delivers tailored messaging through public presentations, digital platforms, and community forums.
Analyzes community feedback, demographic data, and participation trends to inform program improvements and policy recommendations.
Coordinates cross-functional teams to implement engagement campaigns aligned with agency priorities.
Manages digital engagement tools, including social media, newsletters, and virtual town halls.
Prepares comprehensive reports and briefings on engagement outcomes, stakeholder concerns, and strategic recommendations.
Identify and cultivate new K-12 rural school partnerships and opportunities to expand STARS’s reach.
Serve as the primary liaison between STARS and rural school partners to guide them through onboarding and gather feedback to inform program development and delivery.
Work with educational content specialists and scientists to ensure program delivery materials align with the needs of teachers and schools, while collecting feedback.
Implement and foster communities of practice among the school partners to increase sustained participation and opportunities to make connections among the network and extensions to other Smithsonian opportunities.
Advise in logistical aspects of events, such as star parties and training workshops, including scheduling, planning, and communicating about events.
Work closely with delivery and education development specialists to ensure effective delivery of program content to align program goals and community needs.
Advise in the recruitment, orientation, and scheduling of local volunteers and community networks to support program implementation and delivery.
Organize webinars, in-person workshops, and virtual consultations with educators to deepen teacher and school engagement in STARS.
Work with education development specialists in developing and delivering training sessions for teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the curriculum and learning materials in their classrooms and schools effectively.
Stay informed about strategies and best practices in rural school/community engagement, integrating innovative approaches into the program.
Partner with program staff and community schools to design tools and support that enable rural teachers and schools to engage with program content.
Participate in program evaluation efforts, gathering data to assess community impact and inform improvements.
Maintain detailed documentation of school partners, contacts, and engagement methods, on a state-by-state basis.
Contribute to reports for funders and stakeholders, highlighting the impact and outcomes of the program.
Performs other duties as assigned.