Casual Community Engagement Specialist Shen Neurolaw Lab

About the Job

Duration: until 5/31/2027, with the possibility of extension
Preferred Start: [as soon as possible] (flexible)
Commitment:
This position will be a maximum of 14 hours per week

Location:

The work for this position is based in Minneapolis

Full/Part Time:
Part-Time;
Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Job Code: 0005

Primary Supervisor:
Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD

Supervision:
This position will be primarily supervised by Dr. Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD. Dr. Shen is a Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, a member of the Faculty in the UMN Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and Co-Chair of the UMN Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences.

Open communication, innovation, and collaboration are valued. Individualized mentorship will be provided by PI Shen, with focused attention on career development and growth.

The Casual Community Engagement Specialist will be responsible for building and sustaining robust relationships between the Shen Lab and local community members and organizations to facilitate increased participation, trust, and engagement in neuroscientific and related health research. This role requires a professional with deep experience and expertise in public communication in community settings, and relationship management who can effectively communicate with varied audiences.

The ideal candidate will leverage strong advocacy and outreach skills, as well as experience planning and executing community-based events.

• 65% Community Outreach and Recruitment
  • Design and execute targeted outreach and recruitment campaigns to engage stakeholders, community leaders, and residents from underserved populations in research studies and educational initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong, transparent relationships with community organizations, policymakers, and advocacy groups to foster partnerships.
  • Conduct and facilitate community meetings, listening sessions, and educational workshops (in-person and virtually).
  • Collaborate with Lab Members to plan and execute Lab community engagement events
  • Utilize Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) tools and other digital platforms for data entry, record management, and targeted communication/email campaigns to track engagement and strengthen relationships.
• 35% Public Education and Advocacy
  • Communicate complex research findings clearly and concisely to non-expert audiences and community members.
  • Draft informational materials, in collaboration with researchers and university partners, ensuring materials are culturally competent and accessible.
  • Act as a key liaison between research staff and the public, representing the organization at community events and public forums.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of professional experience in a role focused on community engagement, public affairs, policy advocacy, or field organizing.
• Proven ability to build relationships between diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent public communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with a focus on communicating in community settings.
• Applicants should be highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a non-profit, government, or academic setting.
• Experience in managing accounts or partnerships, showing an ability to maintain long-term, positive relationships.
• Experience serving in a leadership capacity or on a governing board that guides educational programming or community strategy.

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical…