Outreach and Engagement Specialist, The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership

State of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

58d•$45,000 - $48,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and the Virginia Institute of Government (VIG) seek applications for an Outreach and Engagement Specialist to join their teams within the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia. This is an entry-level position with room for growth and an opportunity for building skills . The role of the Outreach and Engagement Specialist will evolve over time, but basic elements will include engaging effectively with stakeholders who contribute to the financial and programmatic success of Sorensen and VIG. These include alumni networks, potential event attendees, and organizations/individuals that support Sorensen and VIG financially or by sending/referring employees to Sorensen or VIG leadership programs . The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership was founded in 1993 to bring together individuals with a passion for civic engagement and public service who have a wide variety of viewpoints and backgrounds but want to work together for the common good. Our non-partisan educational mission is to develop leaders who can strengthen and enhance the quality of government, politics, and civil society at all levels throughout Virginia. The mission of the Virginia Institute of Government is to build the capacity of local government staff and leaders from across the country to develop the skills necessary for effective, high-performing, and inclusive local government. VIG pursues its mission through various leadership programs, consultations, and other services. The Outreach and Engagement Specialist will have responsibilities for both Sorensen and VIG, reporting directly to the Director of the Sorensen Institute who will coordinate assignments with the Director of the Virginia Institute of Government. Sorensen and VIG are units within the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. The Cooper Center is, in turn, an affiliate of the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia. Sorensen and VIG alumni are a vital source of support in advancing our mission-encouraging participation in programs , strengthening community connections, and sustaining operations through financial support. This position focuses on cultivating relationships with alumni and other stakeholders, celebrating alumni achievements, facilitating opportunities to stay engaged, coordinating volunteer and advisory efforts, and promoting Sorensen's and VIG's missions and vision with relevant individuals, organizations, and communities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree
At least two years of experience
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Interest in civic engagement, governing, politics, and adult education.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with Sorensen and VIG alumni and other stakeholders
Provide meaningful opportunities for alumni engagement through programming, events, and volunteer activities
Help implement programming and events of interest to alumni and other stakeholders
Coordinate volunteer opportunities for alumni
Support and coordinate the activities of Sorensen's Alumni Council
Assist the Sorensen and VIG Director in identifying programming and events of inte r est to alumni and other stakeholders
Promote Sorensen's and VIG's missions and vision with relevant individuals, organizations, and communities
Identify alumni accomplishments and share their Sorensen/VIG experiences in collaboration with the Cooper Center
Develop and manage communications with alumni and stakeholders about Sorensen's and VIG's activities and opportunities, including social media campaigns, newsletters, and website updates
Share information with alumni and other stakeholders about opportunities to participate in, refer candidates to , and financially support Sorensen and VIG programs
Organi z e and maintain Sorensen and VIG alumni information and records
Participate in daily staff meetings (primarily via Zoom) to coordinate assignments
Work eff ectiv e ly with the Sorensen and VIG Directors and staff
Thrive in a collaborative environment among people strongly committed to their missions
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including sharing updates and results with the Director and team, primarily via email.
Demonstrate professional maturity, sound judgment, and a consistently positive demeanor.
Maintain a professional and positive demeanor while building relationships with diverse stakeholders and strategic partners
Strong relationship-building skills and an ability to work and communicate with diverse individuals and organizations
Keen attention to detail with excellent organizational, writing, editing , planning, and prioritization skills
Ability to adju s t priorities and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, track progress, and communicate task status
Work calmly and professionally, especially during those occasional t im es when the team finds itself in pressure situations
Identify areas for follow up and respond accordingly
Work independently to creatively solve problems within a fast-paced environment
Anticipate needs and recommend improvements to existing methods and processes.
Uphold ethical standards and maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
Comfortable using social media tools to engage with alumni and other stakeholders
Comfortable using Zoom and other digital tools for remote collaboration.