Community Health Advocate

Sowega Rising Inc•Albany, GA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Health Advocate (Part-Time / Contract) serves as a trusted representative of SOWEGA Rising Inc. in the Albany, Georgia community and surrounding counties. Working in close partnership with the Morehouse School of Medicine RCMI Community Engagement Core and the FIGHT for Life Study, this individual promotes health equity, builds community relationships, represents SOWEGA Rising at public events, and supports research outreach and data collection activities. This role requires a self-directed professional who communicates effectively with diverse audiences — including residents, media outlets, and health researchers — and who is deeply committed to improving health outcomes for Black families in Southwest Georgia. This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and requires a high degree of professionalism, cultural competency, and reliability.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher in a health-related field, Psychology, Social Work, Community Health, Public Health, Community Health Advocacy, or a closely related discipline required.
Equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered at the discretion of the hiring authority.
1–3 years of experience in community advocacy, community health work, outreach, or a related role required.
2 or more years of demonstrated public speaking experience, including presentations to diverse audiences, required.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft professional correspondence, event summaries, and outreach materials.
Excellent attention to detail in data collection, documentation, and reporting.
Effective time management with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse communities, particularly Black families and residents of Southwest Georgia.
Proficiency with basic technology tools, including email, calendar applications, virtual meeting platforms, and standard office software.
Ability and willingness to work some weekends as required by event schedules.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally within Albany, GA and surrounding counties.

Nice To Haves

Prior nonprofit or community-based organization experience preferred.
Public relations or marketing skills, including experience with media outreach or promotional communications (strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

Attend and host community events to represent the FIGHT for Life Study and other health-related initiatives on behalf of SOWEGA Rising Inc.
Promote study participation and organizational programs through meaningful conversations, distribution of materials, and public presence at community gatherings.
Represent SOWEGA Rising at 1–2 outreach events per month, including some weekend events as required.
Serve as a local liaison and advisor to the Morehouse School of Medicine Community Engagement Core (CEC), connecting community partners, leaders, and residents to CEC initiatives.
Host a minimum of two (2) advocacy trainings per year for CEC partners and community members.
Attend monthly meetings with internal team and research partners to report findings and updates from community events and outreach activities.
Collect, organize, and maintain accurate data related to community engagement, participant interactions, and outreach outcomes.
Assist in disseminating community engagement activities and materials in alignment with agreed-upon timelines.
Complete all required compliance and research training, including CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) certification, prior to beginning study-related activities.
Communicate with local news sources, press contacts, and media outlets to market and publicize upcoming events and health initiatives.
Draft and distribute outreach communications including announcements, press materials, and social media content as directed.
Advise on translation and dissemination activities to ensure messaging is culturally appropriate and accessible to the target community.
Cultivate and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with community stakeholders, residents, faith-based organizations, and partner agencies.
Share and maintain a community calendar to coordinate SOWEGA Rising activities with local partner events.
Assist in identifying appropriate venues and community spaces to host engagement activities and advocacy trainings.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee, consistent with the mission and goals of SOWEGA Rising Inc.