Engagement and Wellbeing Program Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400050 Medicine - Administration

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 110 H

Compensation Range:

$29.33 - $41.06

Responsibilities:

The Engagement and Wellbeing program specialist will help implement the strategic activities of the Department of Medicine (DOM) Office of Engagement and Wellinbeing to promote community health equity solutions in the Rochester region. The Program Specialist will facilitate communication, interaction, involvement, and exchange with health professional and community partners to conduct research, partner on community projects, provide organizational support, translate health equity research, and provide project management and evaluation. The position has both strategic and operational responsibilities within the DOM to help the Office of Engagement and Wellbeing implement the DOM Strategic Plan Pillar #1. In addition, the position provides operational support for the Office of Engagement and Wellbeing.

The Program Specialist will collaborate with department leaders (Director of Community Engagement and Health Improvement, Vice Chair of Community Engagement and Health Improvement and Wellbeing, and core faculty) to set priorities for the community outreach, coordinate with researchers, and evaluate and adapt the Office’s activities to strategically support the DOM Strategic Plan Pillar #1.

Essential Functions:

Community engagement and partnership development:

• Creates and supports linkages for DOM faculty, investigators, and trainees to support establishment of research and health equity problem-solving partnerships. Supports collaboration around key stakeholder and researcher Rochester community health interests. Maintains relationships with community partners by organizing and attending meetings of community partners. Facilitates connections between DOM and community coalitions and boards. Works to strengthen community engagement in DOM research and translation of research to meet community needs. Develops strategic plans for various program areas, identifies and matches potential sponsors and projects, identifies community needs and/or investigator requirements and provides support to both in developing partnerships. Works to strengthen multidirectional engagement between research and external stakeholders to develop clinical and research health equity solutions.

Internal engagement:

• Develops and strengthens engagement with and by faculty, staff, and students across the University with external partners. Provides consultations to researchers who want to engage with the community, convenes small groups of community members with mutual interests/expertise to help advise researchers; solicits letters of support from community-based organizations for research proposals; advises researchers on effective principles of community engagement. Coordinates with other offices/programs across the University (including the Center for Community Health and Prevention, the Wilmot Cancer Center Community Outreach and Education Programs, and the URMC Office of Health Equity Research, among others) to maximize the impact of the University’s engagement on health equity problem solving.

Analysis, translation, and solution development:

• Conducts analysis, summarizes research, and develops communication tools in support Office of Engagement and Wellbeing projects and initiatives. Supports translation of DOM research and existing health equity research to inform problem solving. Provides leadership and knowledge to inform implementation strategies at the community and clincal level. Develop communication tools integral to these efforts. This may involve researching best practices, conducting analyses, meeting with stakeholders and community leaders, and communicating results.

Event organization and management:

• Organizes and oversees meetings and events (approximately 10 per year).  These may include town halls, researcher presentations, professionalization workshops, educational trainings, pathway program events, or other outreach efforts. Identifies and recruits appropriate facilitators/educators, promotes the Office of Engagement and Wellbeing to relevant stakeholders, organizes logistics and facilitates groups as needed. Assists with planning the annual DOM Research in Health Equity Symposium.

Grant and program development support:

• Researches and reports on Office of Engagement and Wellbeing development opportunities. Provides support for research and core faculty projects, as needed. Conducts comprehensive research for grant prospects; develops funding concepts/proposals and data analytic techniques; assists with IRB protocol submission; coordinates community-engaged grant applications with groups of investigators and stakeholders. Oversees development and submission of proposals. Develops and oversees project and operating budgets. Serves as liaison with departmental administration, regarding accounting, budget and personnel matters.

Internal communication and organizational support:

• Coordinates and supports DOM engagement with the URMC Community Advisory Council (CAC). Works with departement leadership to promote multidirectional engagement between CAC and DOM community outreach and community-engaged research.  Attends, contributes to, and facilitates relevant internal meetings in support of functioning and integration of the Office of Engagement and Wellbeing. Collaborates with DOM Communications to disseminate information about Office projects and initiatives.

Other projects and job duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of personal, educational or professional experience studying or working with underrepresented and/or marginalized communities required
• Master's degree with course work in health equity, public health, and/or community related issues preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience in event planning and program development required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Outstanding communication skills, including direct interpersonal skills and strong writing ability required
• Demonstrated ability to work with, motivate, and lead volunteers and create, nurture and leverage partnerships required
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of a diverse student body and faculty required
• Demonstrated understanding, ability to work with, and desire to serve underrepresented populations required
• Ability to analyze, condense and synthesize information and ability to provide accurate analysis and summaries required
• Excellent organization and project management skills, with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects with keen attention to detail required
• Ability to diplomatically overcome objections and effectively persuade key constituents required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.