Community Engagement Liaison

Virginia Commonwealth University, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Urbana is seeking a Community Engagement Liaison to serve as a trusted intermediary between residents and city resources, focusing on marginalized communities. This role involves community outreach, conflict mediation, and collaboration with the Urbana Police Department to promote safety and resilience.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in community engagement, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to serving diverse populations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in community engagement, violence prevention, or related field.
• Experience with underserved or at-risk populations.
• Valid State of Illinois Class D driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Support and uphold the City’s mission and values.
• Build strong relationships with residents and organizations.
• Conduct outreach to at risk communities.
• Document outreach and mediation efforts.
• Maintain a database of community contacts.

Skills

Community engagement

Conflict resolution

Trauma-informed care

Empathy

Organization

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Job description

Position Summary:

The City of Urbana is seeking qualified applicants for an exciting opportunity to serves as a trusted liaison between Urbana residents - particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities - and City resources, community organizations, and violence prevention initiatives. Working as a valuable member of the Urbana Police Department’s Community Engagement Team, this non-sworn, civilian position combines proactive community engagement with targeted conflict mediation and violence interruption strategies. The Community Engagement Liaison works to reduce harm, prevent retaliation, strengthen neighborhood relationships, and increase equitable access to services and opportunities. The successful candidate will collaborate with law enforcement and with other City departments, public safety partners, schools, hospitals, and community-based organizations to promote safety, wellness, and community resilience. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated duration of three (3) years, dependent upon continued funding.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• Is passionate about serving their community, proving and supporting trauma-informed care, and making a lasting impact in marginalized communities.
• Has a demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting the Urbana-Champaign community as well as those affecting our community members impacted by violence, underrepresentation, and/or limited resource availability.
• Actively listens and responds with empathy, especially when dealing with sensitive or emotionally charged situations; demonstrates strong personal resilience during highly charged public hearings, maintaining composure and professionalism in challenging situations.
• Demonstrates consistency between words and actions, reinforcing the City’s values.
• Maintains professionalism and focus even amid frequent interruptions or shifting demands.
• Is highly organized and maintains accuracy and consistency in documents, maps, and reports.
• Consistently adheres to rules, policies, and ethical standards – even when no one is watching.
• Strengthens team culture by being open, respectful, and generous with knowledge.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively supports and upholds the City’s mission and values.
• Builds and maintain strong relationships with residents, neighborhood leaders, schools, faith-based groups, and local organizations.
• Conducts proactive outreach to individuals and communities at elevated risk of violence.
• Works with residents and community members to identify and mediate conflicts to prevent escalation and retaliation.
• Provides trauma-informed support and maintains consistent engagement with members of at risk populations.
• Connects residents to community resources including mental health, employment, education, housing, and victim services.
• Develops and facilitates workshops, events, and outreach initiatives focused on safety, wellness, and civic engagement.
• Documents outreach, mediations, and referrals in accordance with City and department requirements and established procedures.
• Assists in developing and maintaining the Urbana Police Department’s community engagement programs, particularly those focused on outreach to at risk populations in the community.
• Assists in developing mechanisms and strategies to facilitate communication between the Police Department and citizens regarding progress toward organizational goals, changes and achievements.
• Assists in representing the City of Urbana, as assigned, through networking and participation in a variety of meetings, public forums and social and civic functions with elected officials, external agencies, and community, neighborhood and business organizations.
• Creates, cultivates, and deepens strategic partnerships with key community members and groups.
• Attends meetings, seminars and forums of interest to keep informed of changing trends or legislative initiatives. Monitors publications and networks for relevant information pertaining to agendas assigned area of work. Reports significant information to Supervisor and members of Urbana Police Administration as required.
• Maintains various records of activities and programs. Prepares general correspondence and summary reports; makes reports on community engagement activities.
• Monitors social and community trends and issues.
• Maintains a database of community contacts.
• Assists with researching, writing, and designing internal and external communication such as press releases and annual reports for the public.
• Maintains strict confidentiality when in contact with or working with sensitive information requiring considerable use of tact, discretion, and judgment.
• Gathers community feedback and provides recommendations to support equitable policies and resource allocation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required / Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience developing, facilitating, and/or supporting targeted community engagement efforts, violence prevention, community outreach, advocacy, social services, or similar work in a closely related field which provides an understanding of human relations issues, programs, and problems; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals of varied backgrounds, (e.g., ethnic, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic).
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with underserved or at-risk populations.
• Must possess a valid State of Illinois Class D driver’s license within 15 days of employment and maintain a safe driving record.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of the various socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of the community.
• Trauma-informed care.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.