Community-Engaged Research Coordinator

Required Qualifications (Must be documented in all application materials)

• BA/BS degree plus at least five (5) years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine (9) years.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in community-engaged research, community organizing, or community-based art
• Demonstrated experience in community-engaged research practices
• Demonstrated success in working with community-based organizations including environmental justice organizations, social justice organizations, or other related community advocacy groups
• Demonstrated success in organizing and facilitating large and small events
• Proficiency written communications, graphic design, and illustration
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, and manage multiple tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with community partners in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
• Experience working with scientists and students in biophysical and social environmental sciences
• College courses and/or internships in the sciences or with STEM outreach organizations
• Experience with social media platforms
• Experience and ability to translate scientific concepts into visual materials and programs

Community-Engaged Research Coordinator

Location

• 50% remote work at field/community sites
• 25% University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus
• 25% virtual/flexible

About the Job
This position is within the Center for Changing Landscapes and will serve critical community-engaged research functions of social and biophysical environmental science research projects and programs, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul Long-Term Ecological Research Program (MSP LTER) led by the University of Minnesota. The Community-Engaged Research Coordinator will support researchers across disciplines in developing and implementing best practices in community engaged research (CER). The successful candidate will also conduct evaluations, track interactions, and prepare reports detailing CER processes and outcomes. This is a temporary, posted position with an initial contract for one year.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
50% - Community Engagement Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

• The successful candidate will develop existing and new relationships in Minnesota communities (e.g., Twin Cities Metro Area) with community-based organizations, environmental organizations, government entities, and other community partners.
• They will attend community events and identify community research needs and opportunities through conversations with place-based leaders and knowledge holders.
• They will plan, promote, facilitate, and support evaluation of community-research activities, events, and programming. These initiatives will center community needs in ways that are relevant to and co-designed with community members and researchers.
• They will create templates and toolkits for community engagement and evaluation that can be used by researchers and community members for meaningful and effective community-engaged research processes.

25% - Coordination with Research/Project Teams

• Primary duties and responsibilities will include meeting regularly with research and project teams and leadership (e.g., serving on the LTER Network Education & Outreach Team), attending monthly all-hands meetings, and attending research team meetings to establish the status of existing community partnerships, CER goals, and broader needs.

25% - Communications, Tracking, and Reporting

• The position will support internal and external communications and reporting.
• Responsibilities may include compiling and sharing CER resources, proposal writing, and reporting on outcomes for academic and non-academic audiences.
• Activities may include graphic design, illustration support, content creation, and writing for formal and informal oral presentations, research papers/proposals, tabling events, poster displays, social media, and podcasts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with community partners in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
• Experience working with scientists and students in biophysical and social environmental sciences
• College courses and/or internships in the sciences or with STEM outreach organizations
• Experience with social media platforms
• Experience and ability to translate scientific concepts into visual materials and programs

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.

Applications must include the following: (1) resume that details how the applicant meets each of the required and preferred qualifications of the position, (2) cover letter that describes the applicant’s interest in the position (1 page), (3) a design/writing sample (3 pages max), and (4) names and contact information for three professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

Application review will begin on 12/10/2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Mae Davenport (mdaven@umn.edu). To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (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).