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.

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.

• 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

• 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…