Community Engagement Coordinator

Community Engagement Coordinator

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview
Institute of Child Development (ICD) is seeking a dynamic Community Engagement Coordinator to lead relationship-centered outreach across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. This critical role focuses on building trust, fostering sustainable partnerships, and strengthening the vital connections between ICD researchers and the communities we serve.
As a key member of our team, you will expand participation in developmental research by cultivating authentic, reciprocal relationships. This is a highly relational position prioritizing presence, active listening, and sustained engagement with schools, community groups, and local partners.

Note: This position requires some local travel within the community and may require occasional non-standard working hours as necessary.

Responsibilities for this Community Engagement Coordinator role center on sustained community engagement and partnership development across the University, Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The Coordinator will cultivate and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, and local stakeholders through ongoing outreach, including meetings, community events, and informal gatherings. A central focus of the role is building trust-based, long-term relationships with diverse community partners and stakeholders, with an emphasis on consistency, presence, and mutual respect. The Coordinator will serve as a reliable and accessible point of contact between ICD and its community partners, helping to ensure open lines of communication and continuity over time. In addition, the Coordinator will work closely with researchers to align outreach efforts with community perspectives, supporting approaches that are culturally responsive and grounded in the priorities and experiences of the communities involved.

This position is designed for a professional who values long-term, relationship-centered work. The ideal candidate is someone who demonstrates consistent presence, values trust-building and understands that meaningful community engagement is a journey that develops over time.

This is a 75% position (30 hours per week), with a preferred 2-year commitment.

Typically, the schedule is Monday-Friday, but some flexibility is required per the need of the operation. Work will primarily be conducted in person; some tasks may be completed remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth, serving both the science of child development and our MN community.

Job Responsibilities:
Community Outreach (50%):

• Lead relationship-building efforts with community organizations, state agencies, schools, and local stakeholders, including regular in-person meetings and sustained engagement across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota
• Devise and refine outreach strategies, including mapping community networks, planning engagement pipelines, and identifying high-impact opportunities for presence and partnership
• Represent ICD at community events, gatherings, and meetings, serving as a visible and consistent institutional presence

Community Development & Support (25%):

• Collaborate closely with the ICD Participant Pool Coordinator and Research Committee to write, create, and tailor outreach materials and messaging to specific community contexts
• Recruit, coordinate, and schedule ICD faculty and student volunteers for outreach activities (e.g., tabling, events, presentations)
• Provide guidance and logistical support to volunteers to ensure outreach efforts are well-organized, culturally responsive, and aligned with partnership goals
• Manage daily operational tasks of outreach initiatives, track metrics regarding outreach activities, maintain records of partnerships, and prepare reports to assess community impact

Community Initiatives & Event Coordination (25%):

• Lead the planning, organization, and execution of department-wide events, including academic seminars, conferences, and occasionally support faculty search visits, and student recruiting activities.
• Foster internal community cohesion by facilitating relationships among ICD faculty, staff, Centers, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure the seamless execution of departmental gatherings that strengthen the Institute's public presence and relationships.
• Serve as chair for the ICD Community Engagement Committee.
• Assist in coordination of internal communications, including the production of a monthly "Director's Letter" featuring departmental awards and updates, and provide ongoing support for communications related to research initiatives, events, and community engagement.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in public health, social work, marketing and public relations, psychology, education, or a related field, with at least 2 years of experience in community outreach, program administration, or partnership development; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years
• Demonstrated experience in community outreach, engagement, or partnership development
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, especially in relationship-building contexts.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining close coordination with other teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to independently create and manage outreach materials.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with diverse community populations
• Familiarity with community-engaged research or university-community partnerships
• Deep knowledge of Twin Cities or greater Minnesota community networks
• Experience with communications, marketing, and content creation

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota is a world-renowned center for research dedicated to understanding how children develop within the contexts of families, schools, and communities. For over a century, ICD has pioneered foundational insights into the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children and adolescents. A central pillar of our mission is ensuring that our research reflects the diverse lived experiences of all children.

Pay Range: $29.81 - $34.62 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

A Cover Letter and Resume are required when submitting an application.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.