R2I2 Engagement Specialist

R2I2 Community Partnership & Engagement Specialist

Position Overview
The Community Partnerships and Engagement Specialist will lead stakeholder outreach, engagement, and relationship-building efforts for the National Science Foundation's Regional Resilience Innovation Incubators (R2I2) program National Office (RNO), which will be headquartered at and led by the University of Minnesota. R2I2 supports science teams across the country to co-design high-impact solutions to resilience-related societal challenges. The RNO will support the collective and coordinated operation of the regional R2I2 teams and their projects. The Specialist will help to develop networks across R2I2 teams and their stakeholder communities to deepen engagement, deliver science and services to support action, and work with R2I2 teams to monitor and evaluate progress. The position will ensure that project tools, research, and solutions are not only disseminated to, but also understood by, and adaptable for the communities and sectors most impacted by climate-related challenges. This position is housed within the Research and Innovation Office's (RIO) Research Development Office (RDO) and will work full-time for the R2I2 National Office, reporting to the R2I2 Managing Director.

Job Responsibilities
70% Cross-Program Engagement and Outreach
* Support R2I2 teams in the co-production of knowledge with stakeholder communities to ensure their work supports practical application and decision-making
* Coordinate outreach efforts with R2I2 awardees, community partners, and external stakeholders to ensure solutions are disseminated to, understood by, and adapted for use by stakeholders
* Develop and implement strategies to support R2I2 teams in developing community resilience tools and resources that are accessible to a broad range of stakeholders
* Facilitate R2I2 team and stakeholder engagement events, webinars, and listening sessions to promote cross-program learning and sharing of best practices including support for the annual R2I2 meeting
* Build and maintain relationships with partners across sectors and regions and promote partnerships that facilitate meaningful engagement
* Shepherd the use of community engagement best practices and provide supportive instruction/training to R2I2 teams in the area of community engagement best practices
* Develop project metrics for measuring broader impacts and monitoring progress of R2I2 teams
20% Communications and Resource Development
* Develop, implement and expand dissemination of outreach materials, presentations, digital assets, and other resources tailored for the general public and R2I2 community audiences through multiple channels
* Contribute to the R2I2 website and knowledge-sharing platforms (e.g., newsletter)
* Ensure accessibility across communication efforts
* Monitor, evaluate and adjust dissemination activities based on analytics and response/impact of communications
10% Program Coordination and Support
* Work closely with project PIs and RNO staff to support the successful design and delivery of the RNO core capabilities (project management, data management, strategic planning, community partnerships and engagement, and communications)
* Coordinate with project PIs and RNO staff to align partnership and engagement efforts with the overall project plan
* Participate in RNO team meetings and cross-functional planning sessions with R2I2 teams
* Cultivate and maintain relationships with University of Minnesota departments and centers to further the impact of R2I2

Required Qualifications
* BA/BS degree in a relevant field including, but not limited to, education, communications, climate science, adaptation science, environmental studies, geography, sustainable development and 5+ years of relevant experience in community or stakeholder engagement or a combination of education and relevant experience to equal at least nine years
* Strong written and verbal, and public-facing communication skills
* Proven ability to plan and facilitate meetings, events, trainings, and other participatory processes
* Knowledge of and experience applying community engagement best practices
* Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing priorities
* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds

Preferred
* Master's degree in a relevant field including, but not limited to, education, communications, climate science, adaptation science, environmental studies, geography, sustainable development and 3+ years of relevant experience in community or stakeholder engagement
* Experience working with communities impacted by environmental challenges (e.g., shifting weather patterns, extreme events)
* Experience supporting research and/or innovation-focused, community-engaged initiatives
* Experience with participatory research and knowledge co-production with community partners
* Experience in disseminating community engagement tools, solutions, and/or best practices across a multi-sector network through training, workshops, or individual coaching conversations
* Project and/or program evaluation skills including experience in developing and/or tracking metrics to assess efficacy of community engagement
* Knowledge of federally funded programs, particularly the National Science Foundation

The Research Development Office (RDO) provides the infrastructure, coordination, and operational support necessary to successfully implement large, complex research initiatives at the University of Minnesota. We specialize in standing up new programs, managing multi-institutional collaborations, and establishing the systems and processes that enable teams to execute their work effectively. The RDO offers expertise in research operations, project management, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination to ensure that research efforts are well organized, compliant, and positioned for long-term success. Our role is to streamline administrative activities, promote consistency across partners, and create an environment where researchers can focus on delivering high-impact outcomes.

Pay Range: $41.35/hr-$47.12/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service Staff

Work Profile: The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and CIDRAP endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profiles 3:

Profile 3, Mostly Remote - is expected to typically work in the office/lab 1-2 days per week. Working remotely at least 3 days per week. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).