Community Engagement Specialist

Cook County State's Attorney Office; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cook County State's Attorney Office is hiring a Community Engagement Specialist to lead county-wide engagement efforts. You will build partnerships with community organizations, schools, faith groups, and law enforcement while aligning outreach with office priorities.

The role requires strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills, with a focus on educating stakeholders about office services and public safety priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in community engagement or public outreach.
• Strong relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cook County wide engagement initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Conduct community assessments to identify needs and opportunities.
• Represent the Office at meetings, events, and public forums.
• Educate stakeholders on services, initiatives, and public safety priorities.
• Coordinate outreach activities, presentations and workshops.
• Collaborate with internal units to align engagement with priorities.
• Maintain records of partnerships and activities.
• Ensure confidentiality of information and systems.

Skills

Relationship-building

Public service mindset

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

MS Word

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Should you have any questions concerning:

The Administrative Services Bureau, please call 312-603-1880

oremail to [e-mail]

Legal hiring for State Attorneys can be directed to

Careers At Cook County State's Attorney Office

Welcome to the Cook County State's Attorney Office Job Board. As one of the largest legal services providers in the nation employing over 700 attorneys, we are committed to not only upholding the law and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, but also fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the community we serve.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office provides a wealth of opportunities to make a difference and serve the community. We are looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about justice, equity, and public service.

Our Job Board is regularly updated with opportunities across a range of roles, from legal and administrative to investigative. Each role is integral to our mission and contributes significantly to our office's effectiveness.

By joining our team, you will be part of a dynamic workforce that values integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. You will have the chance to work on meaningful cases, learn from experienced colleagues, and contribute to creating a safer and more just Cook County.

Explore our current openings below and find where you fit in our mission to pursue justice and serve the public.

To do justice in the pursuit of thriving, healthy, and safe communities.

Our Vision

We're committed to creating a safer, stronger Cook County. That means approaching every case with integrity, demanding accountability, and increasing our presence in the community. Our success is not measured convictions. We believe in doing what's right - fighting for the best, fairest outcomes, whatever form that takes. It's our responsibility to address the historic inequities in our justice system. Everyone deserves a fair shot at justice, regardless of their zip code, paycheck, or the color of their skin.

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

Grade: 18

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

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.

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.

Any problems with your application can be directed towards [e-mail]