Job Summary
We are seeking a part-time Community Outreach Leader to work on a two-year project funded by the Barra Foundation Catalyst Grant to support the organizational development and operations of the Promise Zone Research Connection (PZRC).
The West Philadelphia Promise Zone (WPPZ) is an area of roughly two square miles, including parts of 10 neighborhoods with historically vibrant, predominantly African American communities. While the Promise Zone was designed to stimulate investment and collaboration, it generated (perhaps an unintended consequence) a large body of research by neighboring academic institutions (and others in the city) focusing on inequities, systemic racism, disinvestment and disenfranchisement. However, many residents perceive that these researchers merely want to study these phenomena for their own benefit, rather than stimulate change or action. This has resulted in frustration with the lack of community voice in the research process and mistrust that the community will receive any tangible benefits from participating in these studies.
In 2016, a group of residents formed the Promise Zone Research Connection (PZRC) to address the power imbalances in researcher and resident partnerships for place-based research. The PZRC is made up of Promise Zone residents, community stakeholders, and researchers with a shared commitment to increase dialogue, transparency and equity in research conducted in the WPPZ. Given the group’s mission of addressing research mistrust, the PRZC created its Community Research Review Board (CRRB) subcommittee in April 2022 who focus on the evaluation of studies proposed to occur in the community.
This project will be based at Drexel University; Drexel University and the City of Philadelphia have supported the PZRC and its CRRB since their inception, with in-kind support including meeting space, research training, operational guidance, and temporary administrative assistance. However, ultimately, the PZRC aims to operate independently of Drexel University and the City of Philadelphia, as an established non-profit community-driven entity in West Philadelphia. Given this goal, this grant would fund a two-year incubation period where the PZRC/CRRB can build on its newly achieved 501(c)(3) status, granted in April 2023. Activities of the PZRC /CRBB will include:
• Compensating community members for their time and participation.
• Working with organizational-development consultants from the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) to advise on board member recruitment and training, advisory board development, financial/legal education, and fundraising infrastructure and opportunities.
• Planning and hosting a West Philly Research Day in year 2 to bring West Philadelphia research institutions together with community leaders to network, build trust, and collaborate.
• Forming a peer-to-peer network with other established CRRBs around the country, to gain CRRB-specific consultation.
The Community Outreach Leader will be responsible for developing and implementing engagement-focused activities, building relationships with local stakeholders, and organizing community-driven events in West Philadelphia, working in partnership with Principal Investigators Amy Carroll-Scott and Allison Rusgo and Project Coordinator.
This position is supported fully by external funds; therefore, the continuation of employment contingent on receipt of those external funds.
Essential Functions
Outreach Strategy Development 20%
• Work with the PZRC and organizational development consultants (PANO) to create a culturally relevant community outreach plan.
• Collaborate with the PZRC to identify the organization’s stakeholders.
• Build new partnerships with community-based organizations in the Promise Zone area.
Stakeholder Engagement 40%
• Build and maintain relationships with the PZRC’s stakeholders.
• Strengthen relationships between the PZRC and academic institutions in West Philadelphia with a focus on researcher outreach to support the Community Research Review Board.
• Create and distribute information about the PZRC and CRRB to increase awareness of the organization in West Philadelphia via community events and other outreach activities.
• Collaborate with the PZRC’s social media Leader to disseminate outreach materials via online platforms.
Administrative duties 10%
• Keep complete record of outreach events, activities, and contacts along with the people reached.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, events, community interactions, etc.
• Complete daily check in and check out procedures upon entering and returning from outreach activities – canvassing, tabling, workshops, meetings, etc.
• Attend meetings as required.
Event Planning & Execution 30%
• Represent the PZRC at West Philadelphia community events, workshops, forums, etc.
• Assist Project Coordinator with event logistics and materials for West Philly Research Day, including invitations / flyers, space reservations, seating arrangements and set up, agendas, AV equipment, parking, decorations, sign in, catering, presentations, certificates, as well as event break down.
Required Qualifications
- HS Diploma or GED is required.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in community engagement, outreach, or related field is required.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse groups of people.
- Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute community events and activities.
- Experience working with community organizations, local government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms.
Location
- University City – Philadelphia, PA
Additional Information
This is a part-time,Per Diem position classified as Non-Exempt. The offered pay is based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.
For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Per Diem/Casual/Temporary Benefit Fact Sheet.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
