POSITION SUMMARY
The Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for consistent community engagement to ensure that community voices are central to the development of the future of Chicago’s American Indian community. They are responsible for coordinating outreach to the community about AIC programs and services, and recruiting participants for programs and services. They will develop strong working relationships and partnerships with leaders and organizations within the Native community. They will also support the Food is Medicine Project, funded by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA). This is a full-time position that jointly reports to the Food is Medicine Project Director and the AIC Executive Director.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build relationships with Native and non-Native community members and organizations, tribal governments, and other organizations by attending meetings, phone contacts, and direct person-to-person interaction and create a system to track these engagements.
- Gather information on a regular basis about the experiences, needs and interests of American Indian community members through group meetings, one-on-one’s, and focus groups.
- Inform the community about AIC initiatives and programs, and recruit participants and engagement for events, services, and other AIC activities.
- Work with AIC Marketing & Communications team to develop strategies and messages for community outreach
- Collaborate with community organizations to ensure community member participation at gatherings and civic participation activities.
- Coordinate community outreach events
- Serve as a representative of AIC at public events and forums.
- Present to partners, funders, and community members (public speaking required).
- Assist with fundraising activities including writing grants, budgets, and reporting outcomes to funding partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional duties and responsibilities for the ANA-funded Food is Medicine project:
- Create outreach materials about the Food is Medicine project, including flyers, posters, banners, and email announcements.
- Conduct outreach to community members to recruit participants and volunteers for the project both online (website, newsletter, social media) as well as in person (at AIC events and other community events and activities).
- Collaborate with other Native organizations in Chicago to disseminate information about the project to their constituents.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, equivalent experience will be considered
- At least two years experience working in community organizing, public affairs and/or communications.
- Must have personal transportation available for use, ability and willingness to travel as needed.
- Must pass criminal background check.
- Knowledge of and working experience in the American Indian community.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting traditional values and practices of Native American Indian culture.
- Proven ability to work well as a team member and to coordinate/assist diverse groups of people
- Excellent meeting planning and facilitation skills.
- Attention to detail with strong editing skills.
- Familiarity with graphic design software or platforms.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Computer literacy with strong proficiency in database management, web-based communications, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
COMPENSATION
- Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
- Travel may be required for this position and will be compensated.
- Bonuses will be at the sole discretion of the Executive Director.
TO APPLY
Please send your cover letter, resume and three references to:
Melodi Serna
Executive Director
American Indian Center of Chicago
3401 W. Ainslie St.
Chicago, IL 60625
melodi@aicchicago.org
