Community Engagement Specialist

ccsao; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office seeks a Community Engagement Specialist to lead engagement across Cook County. You will build relationships with community organizations, schools, faith groups, law enforcement, elected officials, and other stakeholders while aligning outreach with office priorities.

The role reports to the Director of Community Engagement and requires strong communication and organizational skills to plan events, conduct outreach, and follow up with partners to sustain

Qualifications

• Experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, or public service.
• Strong relationship-building skills and cultural competency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; highly organized and able to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage community engagement throughout Cook County.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, faith-based groups, law enforcement, officials and other stakeholders.
• Conduct ongoing community assessments to identify needs and opportunities for engagement.
• Represent CCSAO at community meetings, events, and public forums.
• Educate stakeholders on CCSAO services, initiatives, and public safety priorities.
• Coordinate presentations, workshops, and outreach activities.
• Collaborate with internal units to align engagement with office priorities.
• Provide timely follow-up and relationship management to build trust.
• Track and report on engagement activities, outcomes, and feedback.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship building

Public service

Verbal and written communication

Organizational multitasking

Microsoft Word

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Title: Community Engagement Specialist (#479)/2 Positions

Grade: 18

Level: Entry (This may vary for internal candidates only)

Salary: $79,895

Classification: Full-Time/Union

Reports to: Director of Community Engagement

Location: 1100 S Hamilton/Juvenile Courthouse

Bureau: Administrative Services

Deadline Date: October 7, 2026

Primary Function:
The Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for Cook County Wide Engagement efforts on behalf of the State’s Attorney’s Office. This role focuses on building and maintaining strategic relationships, assessing community needs, and educating stakeholders on the office’s services, initiatives, and priorities. The Specialist serves as a key representative of the office in the community and ensures alignment between community needs and internal engagement strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage community engagement throughout Cook County
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with community organizations, schools, faith-based institutions, law enforcement agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders
• Conduct ongoing community assessments to identify needs, trends, and opportunities for engagement
• Represent the State’s Attorney’s Office at community meetings, events, and public forums
• Educate stakeholders on the office’s role, services, initiatives, and public safety priorities
• Identify and coordinate opportunities for presentations, workshops, and outreach activities
• Collaborate with internal units to align community engagement efforts with office priorities
• Provide timely follow-up and relationship management to ensure consistent engagement and trust-building
• Track and report on regional engagement activities, outcomes, and community feedback
• Support planning and execution of community-based events and initiatives
• Work closely with the Director of Community Engagement to ensure scheduling, logistics, and materials are aligned
• Coordinate with the Director of Community Engagement to ensure consistent messaging and outreach materials
• Support Steering Committee engagement and other stakeholder convenings as needed
• Maintain accurate records of partnerships, engagement activities, and key contacts
• Maintain confidentiality of information and systems
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

Required:

• The candidate must have experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, public service, or working with law enforcement and community-based partners.
• Strong relationship-building skills, cultural competency, and the ability to navigate diverse communities are essential.
• The candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word applications.
• The candidate must be a strategic thinker with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred:

• Experience conducting community needs assessments and facilitating outreach efforts is preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

EEO Message: The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO) is an equal opportunity employer, which seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The CCSAO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request, the CCSAO will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals due to a disability or pregnancy. The EEOP report can be found on our website at www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.