Community liaisons are sought to represent their community in efforts to identify and organize local education and outreach activities in their region (one position is available in Princeville, and Nag's Head). The liaisons will aid
ECU faculty, staff, and students in connecting with local residents, organizations, schools, and leaders to highlight community concerns related to the environment and integrate these issues into educational and outreach programing developed by
ECU. Community Liaisons should therefore be well established in their respective communities. Key responsibilities involve establishing connections, understanding local priorities, and coordinating activities (including tailored youth programming) to address community needs while fostering collaboration between scientists and residents. The ideal facilitator is deeply committed to their community, culturally aware, embraces people from all backgrounds, practices active listening, and recognizes the transformative potential of science in addressing local challenges.
Review of applications will begin November 15th, 2024, with applications
accepted until the positions are filled. The expected term of this position will be mid-January until December 2025, subject to adequate performance, and may be eligible for renewal of additional terms. Work will largely be completed
remotely but the liaisons will need to come to
ECU periodically. Liaisons will be required to have their own transportation and reliable internet access.
As a Community Liaison you will:
- Communicate with various community organizations and constituents (non-profit organizations, churches, town leaders, educators, etc.) to identify environmental issues of local concern and to investigate the role your community would like the grant team to play in addressing those issues.
- Coordinate with a Community Water Corps youth programming team member to tailor youth programming that will be of interest to your community, recruit participants for that programming, and help run the youth programming in your community.
- Alert the grant leadership team of how they can best contribute to community priorities and then help tailor resulting activities to the culture and needs of your area.
- Facilitate conversations between scientists and members of your assigned community, helping each group understand the vocabulary and viewpoints of the other.
- Plan socials/community meetings that bring multiple community organizations together to discuss issues of shared interest; emphasize advertising and co-sponsorship by multiple organizations.
- Advocate for your community in all project activities.
- Attend at least two meetings a week with grant personnel (typically online) |