Outreach & Engagement Specialist - SEMO RISE

Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri•Cape Girardeau, MO

1d•$50,000

About The Position

Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri (CPSEMO) is seeking a motivated, community-oriented, relationship-driven professional to serve as the Outreach & Engagement Specialist for SEMO RISE (Regional Industry Skills and Employment), a workforce development initiative serving 14 counties across Southeast Missouri. SEMO RISE strengthens regional workforce pathways in skilled trades and construction, and information technology, including commercial drone technology and its applications across industries. The specialist leads participant recruitment, community outreach, referrals, and engagement to increase awareness of SEMO RISE and connect eligible individuals with education, training, and employment opportunities. The role builds relationships with community organizations, workforce agencies, educational institutions, employers, training providers, and other regional stakeholders. It develops and implements outreach strategies, communicates program opportunities, helps individuals navigate enrollment and referral processes, and maintains engagement throughout recruitment. Working closely with the SEMO RISE Project Manager and Data & Performance Specialist, the specialist aligns outreach with program objectives, documents engagement activities, and monitors recruitment and participation outcomes. The role requires travel throughout the service area to conduct outreach, attend events, meet referral partners, engage potential participants, and support recruitment. It calls for excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational abilities, and a commitment to expanding access to workforce opportunities in rural and underserved communities.

Requirements

Associate degree or bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, human services, education, workforce development, business administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.
At least two years of experience in community outreach, participant recruitment, public engagement, case management, workforce development, community services, or a related field.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations and clearly communicate program information.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with community partners, service providers, employers, and diverse populations.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple outreach activities and deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable productivity tools, email, online communication platforms, and electronic recordkeeping systems.
Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow established reporting procedures.
Ability to travel throughout the 14-county service area as required.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, subject to CPSEMO's applicable driving and vehicle-use requirements.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to engage people from diverse backgrounds respectfully and professionally.
Ability to develop outreach strategies, maintain consistent communication and follow-through, identify participation barriers, and help people navigate available resources.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapt outreach to different communities, and communicate program goals and workforce opportunities to people with varying educational and professional backgrounds.
Commitment to expanding equitable access to education, occupational training, and employment opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with grant-funded programs involving workforce development, education, training, or employment services.
Experience recruiting and engaging participants from rural or underserved communities.
Familiarity with workforce development agencies, community colleges, technical schools, employers, and community-based organizations in Southeast Missouri.
Experience coordinating referrals, maintaining partner relationships, and organizing community events.
Experience using participant tracking systems, databases, or customer relationship management tools.
Familiarity with skilled trades, construction, information technology, commercial drone technology, or related career pathways.
Experience with community presentations, public speaking, recruitment campaigns, or digital outreach.
Experience identifying participant barriers and connecting individuals with appropriate community resources.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement participant outreach and recruitment strategies aligned with program goals, enrollment targets, grant objectives, training availability, and regional workforce needs.
Promote SEMO RISE opportunities, explain eligibility and enrollment procedures, conduct follow-up, support enrollment steps, and maintain communication with prospective participants.
Identify participation barriers and connect individuals with appropriate available resources; support participant engagement and retention through information, reminders, referrals, and follow-up.
Ensure recruitment reaches communities and populations across the 14-county service area, including rural and underserved communities.
Develop and maintain a community outreach plan and relationships with community organizations, schools, colleges, training providers, workforce agencies, employers, libraries, public agencies, and other referral partners.
Attend job fairs, career expos, community meetings, workforce and educational events, and other outreach opportunities; deliver presentations and distribute approved promotional materials.
Collaborate with CPSEMO communications and program staff to develop clear, accessible, consistent program messaging and improve program visibility.
Develop and maintain referral networks, coordinate referrals, communicate referral procedures and program requirements, follow up on referrals as appropriate, and work with partners to address service gaps and referral challenges.
Maintain regular, professional, participant-centered communication while protecting confidential information; gather participant feedback and communicate recommendations to the Project Manager.
Maintain accurate records of outreach, contacts, recruitment, referrals, follow-ups, events, presentations, meetings, and engagement outcomes in designated systems.
Collaborate with the Data & Performance Specialist on accurate tracking, provide updates to the Project Manager, review participation trends, and contribute accurate information to required reports.
Support collection of participant success stories and impact information subject to permissions and confidentiality requirements; maintain documentation according to grant requirements and CPSEMO policies.
Develop familiarity with regional workforce needs and promote training and career pathways in skilled trades, construction, IT, and commercial drone technology.
Coordinate with employers and training providers to communicate opportunities, identify recruitment activities, and connect people with training, career exploration, and employment resources.
Maintain professional records, correspondence, outreach calendars, contact lists, meeting notes, and supporting documentation; coordinate events, presentations, meetings, and recruitment activities.
Manage competing priorities and deadlines, collaborate with CPSEMO and SEMO RISE staff, represent CPSEMO professionally, follow applicable policies and requirements, and perform related duties as assigned by the Project Manager or designated supervisor.