Community Engagement Specialist

Position Description:Position SummaryThe role of Community Engagement Specialist part of the Public Information Group within the Education and Public Outreach (EPO) Division is a midlevel professional position that serves as a liaison between the Observatory and community stakeholders. This position develops and maintains strategic relationships designs and implements engagement plans and ensures stakeholder input is gathered communicated and incorporated into planning and decisionmaking processes to support NRAO initiatives programs and location for this position will be based at one of our New Mexico sites (Albuquerque or Socorro NM). A hybrid work arrangement may be You Will be DoingThe Community Engagement Specialist will:Identify build and sustain relationships with community organizations advocacy groups businesses residents public agencies and other groups in regions affected by or partnering with stakeholder engagement plans that align with NRAO priorities including timelines outreach strategies and measurable and map key stakeholders for various projects and initiatives maintaining current records of contacts interests and engagement as a primary point of contact for community concerns questions and feedback related to NRAO ensuring timely and respectful OutreachPlan and coordinate community meetings listening sessions focus groups and public forums to share information about NRAO activities and gather stakeholder the Observatory at community events conferences and stakeholder meetings including events hosted by local governments educational institutions nonprofits and other strategies to increase public participation and engagement with attention to inclusive practices and participation from underrepresented EPO outreach activities and special events related to NRAO and represent NRAO at public events and professional and Relationship ManagementPrepare presentations reports newsletters and community updates that clearly communicate NRAO project status impacts and opportunities for project updates and organizational initiatives to stakeholders through a variety of channels including email web content printed materials and inperson stakeholder databases and track engagement activities utilizing CRM or similar systems as communication between internal departments (e.g. NRAO offices EPO site operations) and external partners to ensure stakeholder perspectives are considered in and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across all NRAO divisions and sites media producers and external partners who support public and community and Program SupportWork closely with NRAO leadership and program teams to gather stakeholder input on project proposals siting mitigation and community the implementation of communitybased programs and initiatives associated with NRAO such as educational partnerships workforce development efforts and local outreach partnerships and collaborative projects with external organizations including preparation of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and partnership agreements as NRAO leadership and other staff in preparing materials for presentations to the general public community groups and public Collection and ReportingCollect and analyze stakeholder feedback from meetings surveys and other engagement engagement metrics and outcome reports for NRAO leadership documenting activities participation and key themes emerging from community outreach activities and evaluate engagement effectiveness recommending improvements based on community input and engagement projects and work following established processes in the Public Communications/EPO groups using platforms such as Jira Google Suite and Microsoft Suite (Outlook Teams SharePoint OneDrive).Other DutiesSupport public relations efforts by answering requests from journalists media producers educators and the general public about NRAO community engagement and project with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is on work location or project assignments travel can be expected 24 times a year (and potentially more during key project phases) for conferences outreach and special duties may be EnvironmentTypical office environment with occasional outside work with potential exposure to environmental extremes. Will be required to stand and sit and operate a personal computer. Will be required to lift 25 pounds or more occasionally and have the ability to assemble/disassemble convention display units and similar equipment. Moderate to extensive travel is required. Must possess a valid drivers license. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Specific vision abilities include close vision distance vision and depth perception. Who You Are:EducationBachelors degree in communication political science sociology or related field. A Masters degree is preferred. Work experience may be considered in lieu of academic degree ExperienceMinimum of three years of experience in community engagement stakeholder relations public affairs outreach communications or partnership development preferably in connection with a scientific technical governmental or nonprofit working with a wide range of community groups and stakeholders. Additional RequirementThe selected candidate must successfully pass a post-offer pre-employment background as a condition of employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this Rewards:CompensationThe starting salary/hourly rate of this position is between $60000-$85000 per year. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education experience skills competencies other qualifications of the successful candidate as well as internal equity and labor market :Associated Universities Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:Excellent paid time off (13 holidays annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)Medical dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee Total Rewards for more Instructions:Select the Apply button above. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the Opportunity Employer Statement:AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process you may submit your request by sending an email to PM20