Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange
Community Partnerships & Engagement Specialist, University of Minnesota
Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Community Partnerships & Engagement Specialist, University of Minnesota
Organization/Grantor: University of Minnesota
Position/Title/Fund: Community Partnerships & Engagement Specialist
Type/Term: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota or Remote
Salary: $86,000 to $98,000 annually
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Contact Info: Amanda Farris, afarris@umn.edu
Description:
The Community Partnerships and Engagement Specialist will lead stakeholder outreach, engagement, and relationship-building efforts for NSF's Regional Resilience Innovation Incubators (R2I2) program National Office (RNO), which is 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 Specialist will help to develop networks across R2I2 teams and their stakeholder communities to deepen engagement, deliver science and services to support action, and will 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.
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
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
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button on the job posting webpage and follow the instructions. Please include a cover letter and resume.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position/Title/Fund: Community Partnerships & Engagement Specialist
Type/Term: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota or Remote
Salary: $86,000 to $98,000 annually
Deadline: January 16, 2026
Contact Info: Amanda Farris, afarris@umn.edu
Description:
The Community Partnerships and Engagement Specialist will lead stakeholder outreach, engagement, and relationship-building efforts for NSF's Regional Resilience Innovation Incubators (R2I2) program National Office (RNO), which is 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 Specialist will help to develop networks across R2I2 teams and their stakeholder communities to deepen engagement, deliver science and services to support action, and will 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.
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
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
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button on the job posting webpage and follow the instructions. Please include a cover letter and resume.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
#J-18808-Ljbffr