What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Outreach Specialist position at Pennington Biomedical Research Center?
Full time
3 days ago
R00102611
At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Community Outreach Specialist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Community Outreach Specialist will play a key role in implementing the LA CaTS Community Research for Optimal Wellness Network (CROWN) project, designed to build a statewide network of community members, organizations, and health professionals to enhance community engagement in clinical research. Reporting to the lead of Pennington's LA CaTS Community Engagement and Outreach Core, the specialist will oversee outreach initiatives, member recruitment, and ongoing engagement efforts. This work will be guided by community advisory boards and a multi-institutional CROWN advisory group. A strong understanding of community engagement principles and experience working with diverse populations is required.
Major Responsibilities
Implement and oversee all project activities to ensure alignment with goals and objectives.
Develop and execute strategies for recruiting and retaining network members.
Coordinate outreach efforts with institutional partners to enhance awareness of the project among both community audiences and health researchers across Louisiana.
Establish and maintain strong partnerships with community members, organizations, clinicians, and other stakeholders dedicated to reducing chronic disease burden and promoting health equity.
principles of community-engaged research to support and advocate for research initiatives.
Develop and/or distribute materials such as infographics, interactive videos, and other content to enhance member engagement and retention.
Prepare well-crafted materials and professional presentations to promote the project.
Represent the project at community meetings and events to foster awareness and participation.
Maintain positive public and community relations.
Track, evaluate, and report on project progress and performance to leadership and stakeholders.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support project objectives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Community Health, Social Work, Communications, Health Administration, or a related field.
2 - 5 years of experience in community outreach, public health, clinical research, or program coordination.
Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders, particularly in community health or health equity initiatives.
Familiarity with health communication strategies, public relations, and event coordination.
Experience managing digital communication tools, including email listservs, social media, or newsletters for community engagement.
Strong ability to develop outreach materials, reports, and presentations.
Knowledge of community-engaged research principles and experience ing them.
Understanding of public health policies, social determinants of health, and health disparities.
Strong networking and relationship-building skills with community organizations, healthcare providers, and institutional partners.
Ability to analyze program impact, track engagement, and report on key outreach metrics.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to travel for community meetings and outreach efforts as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Public Health, Community Health, Social Work, Communications, Health Administration, or a related field.
Five (5) or more years of experience in community outreach, public health, clinical research, or program coordination.
Prior involvement in community-based research or experience supporting clinical trials is highly beneficial.
Pennington Biomedical is committed to creating an inclusive space where our employees feel valued for their skills and uniqueness. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications as listed, but has significant experience within the major job responsibilities, we welcome their application.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC) is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.
Additional Job Description:
Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process.
We will respect the request that we not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made.
A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.
Posting Date:
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and SAME Agency:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center and LSU believes diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the educational experience of our students, faculty, and staff, and are necessary to prepare all people to thrive personally and professionally in a global society. We celebrate diversity and are committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion. We actively seek and encourage qualified applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. PBRC and LSU are also designated as a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency and provides assistance to persons needing accommodations or with the accessibility of materials. For those seeking such accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resource Management at hrm@pbrc.edu.
Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.
