Job announcement: Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist

Closing date: May 24, 2023
Read the full announcement and apply

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) seeks to hire a Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist to develop, coordinate, and conduct outreach and educational programs to promote the understanding of sustainability and its importance for addressing environmental issues in air, water, and land, and in so doing increase the visibility of the Center and Prairie Research Institute as trusted sources of providing unbiased scientific information.

While this position will be embedded within ISTC, the individual will work closely with the Prairie Research Institute’s (PRI) Communications team and External Relations office.  Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.  A hybrid work option may be available for this position with the ability to be on-site as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Co-develop education/program/training materials that describe concepts and science areas related to various grants.
• In collaboration with the PRI Communications team, co-develop and manage grant website/web pages and social media content.
• Prepare community engagement grant reports.
• Organize location, food, agenda, guest list, and advertisement logistics for outreach events such as community engagement events, seminar/webinars, symposiums/conferences, workshops/training events.
• Facilitate community engagement events utilizing the resources within the PRI External Relations office.
• Respond to requests by staff, community groups, organizations, government agencies, industry, and the general public.
• Attend, participate in, and give presentations at conferences, meetings, and workshops related to sustainability and/or community engagement.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international level.
• Participate in professional organizations/societies.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field. One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area. Note: Master’s degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Dual degree / additional degree / minor / certification / volunteer work in sustainability, natural resources management, ecosystem studies, environmental sciences, or similar field of study. Valid driver’s license.