Comm Rel/Outreach Assoc 3

Program/Unit Description:
Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) is first and foremost a hospital for ill and injured raptors, caring for over 1,000 birds annually. As an internationally renowned veterinary teaching hospital, TRC trains students and professionals from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, TRC has a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. Through the use of raptor ambassador birds, TRC's education team uses innovative methods to reach over 100,000 people annually through a variety of programming at on and offsite venues and through virtual technology https://www.raptor.umn.edu . All of this work is done with the assistance of a cohort of more than 300 volunteers. Partners for Wildlife is a program located in the College of Veterinary Medicine's Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. The program aims to improve, strengthen, and expand:
a) Rehabilitator capacity and competency for treating and rehabilitating impaired wild
animals, and
b) Public outreach strategies to promote wildlife-friendly behaviors

Position Description:
The role is a 12-month, renewable position within the Partners for Wildlife (P4W) team at The
Raptor Center (TRC). This role will perform a broad array of duties centered around partnership development and community engagement, with a focus on conservation, wildlife, and stewardship outreach to specific under-resourced communities

Duties/Responsibilities
INTERNAL STRATEGY + VISIONING 20%
* In collaboration with the P4W and TRC leadership, develop programmatic vision, goals, and framework for broader community engagement
* Balance and coordinate both P4W and broader TRC community outreach and engagement goals and requirements
* Engage with and consult for P4W and TRC leadership on specific engagement needs and projects

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 40%
* Conduct research and information gathering through varying methods to build organizational knowledge around engagement and accessibility
* Develop and pilot community-specific programming and/or events to engage new audiences within or related to communities of interest
* Develop learning and evaluation processes to support continual improvement of programs and strategies
* Translate processes and learnings into replicable, broader use guidelines, trainings, or other deliverables for dissemination across sector

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 40%
* Identify strategic opportunities and collaborate with TRC leadership to develop partnerships that engage organizations working within and for the communities of
interest
* Develop and execute strategies for partnership growth and maintenance, including collaborative projects or events
* Engage existing P4W / TRC partnership networks to share learnings, strategies, and processes with other wildlife rehabilitation practitioners and organizations across the
sector

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree plus at least 4 years of experience (or 8 total years equivalent) experience in communications, partnership development, community engagement, or other related field
Advanced oral, written, and public speaking communication skills; ability to adapt messages, themes, and programming for diverse audiences
Experience working with one or more of the following communities: Native American/Indigenous, immigrant, and/or rural communities
Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams and operating units
Enthusiasm for creating and building out new programs or initiatives; high comfort with ambiguity and navigating unknowns
Ability to move from plan to execution, including identifying needed resources, obstacles, and collaborative opportunities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Working or experiential familiarity with formal organizations and networks engaged with the above communities of interest
Strong relational skills, particularly through experience in coalition building and/or campaign/community organizing
Certificate or other formal training experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or access programming
Interest or passion in conservation, environmental stewardship, wildlife, or related subject areas

Pay Range: $31.25 - $37.50/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).