What: The Director of Programs and Engagement will work closely with the Centers Director, Executive Director, and other senior staff in leading the administration of programs and development of strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, educational institutions, and local government departments, as well as the engagement with these key stakeholders. The role will help strengthen the capacity of and services for communities.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Programs and Engagement will assist in the management of Center for Asian Health Equity (CAHE) /Asian Health Coalition (AHC) staff, programs, internal processes, and engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will possess the skills, creativity, and leadership to establish robust partnerships, implement influential programs, and optimize the passion and creativity of each member of our diverse team. Responsibilities include:
Management of Programs
- Direct all behavioral health programs and initiatives within the Centers Bloom, which promotes mental wellness and substance use prevention/treatment targeting Asian, African, and other immigrant/refugee communities in the metropolitan Chicago area.
- Oversee outreach and capacity building efforts focusing on culturally informed mental wellness and substance use interventions through community engagement and technical assistance.
- Manage a team to implement various levels of prevention strategies.
- Partner with community-based organizations and other healthcare providers, as well as higher level institutions to create, maintain and direct evidence-based healthcare outreach and programming for diverse immigrant communities.
- Oversee all student-related programs and training.
- Develop education programs and service opportunities that embrace the values of social justice, community service, diversity, and inclusion.
- Identify educational and training needs of community organizations that match the expertise of UCM faculty, students, and develop initiatives to meet those needs, in partnership with the organizations.
- Conduct research, data collection, needs assessments, and analyses to support program planning.
- Assist in the development of grant proposals and manages the administration of grants awarded to CAHE.
- Communicate effectively to partners at state agencies, local health departments, funders, and key community leaders.
- Provide strategic input for other CAHE/AHC programs.
- Assist in the hiring and training of program staff , managers and directors.
- Supervise lower level program managers, coordinators, and interns.
- Work with Center leadership on development and implementation of a strategic plan for community engagement at the Center while working in collaboration with senior University administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
- Build internal relationships across the University with other departments to learn from, and collaborate with, other researchers interested in conducting community-based work focused on Asian populations.
- Liaises with community partners, hospital partners and other professional healthcare organizations, locally, statewide, and nationally.
- Responsible for identifying and building relationships with high-impact non-profit agencies in the community.
- Spearhead University programming, such as symposiums, conferences, and outreach.
- Develop and implement a strategic plan and develop opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Chicago and other local universities to work in the community and engage with CAHE programs and student training activities.
- Collaborate with student groups to conduct outreach to other students and support other community service activities of student organizations.
- Act as a resource for faculty members who want to incorporate service learning and community-based projects into their courses.
- Partner with community organizations to identify community and organizational needs that would match the skills and interests of University students or faculty.
- Create awareness at the University of Chicago about different public health issues and problems among Asian populations in Chicago metropolitan area.
- Participate in seeking external financial resources to support initiatives and community projects that cannot be funded from the ongoing budget of the Center.
Competencies:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
- Demonstrated administrative and coordination skills required.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in client-service environment required.
- Advanced computer skills, including working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint required.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and mastery in effectively managing staff and operations required.
- Proven ability to develop long-term relationships with organizations and leaders in the government and policy making community required.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to work closely with senior University and other officials required.
- Ability to work successfully with University students, faculty, and staff required.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously required.
- Ability to work under pressure required.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Four years of relevant work experience, with at least 2 years of experience in a direct community engagement, public relations or fundraising role required.
- Prior experience developing relationships with non-government/private sector institutions preferred.
- Prior experience with partnership renewals by creating innovative opportunities for existing donors to deepen their engagement with the Center in meaningful ways preferred.