Coordinator, Community Outreach & Research

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Houston seeks a Community Outreach and Research Coordinator for C-CURE to bridge university partners with communities, advancing engagement, applied research, and workforce development initiatives.

In this role you will build partnerships with community and government partners, coordinate outreach events, support research projects and internships, prepare reports, and help translate findings into practical programs that address community priorities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of professional community engagement experience.
• Experience coordinating internships, programs, or partnerships.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public safety entities to advance C-CURE initiatives, strengthen collaborative networks, and support community-engaged research activities.
• Coordinates community outreach activities, stakeholder meetings, listening sessions, workshops, and engagement events that foster community participation, strengthen relationships, and promote the Center's programs and initiatives.
• Assists with research projects, program evaluations, data collection efforts, interviews, focus groups, and community-based participatory research activities to support evidence-based practices and program effectiveness.
• Coordinates recruitment, placement, supervision, mentorship, professional development, performance monitoring, and evaluation of undergraduate and graduate student interns participating in community-based and research-focused internship opportunities.
• Develops and disseminates outreach materials, reports, presentations, newsletters, and communication strategies that increase awareness of C-CURE programs, partnerships, activities, and research findings.
• Assists with grant-funded initiatives, community needs assessments, strategic projects, and programmatic activities that support the mission, goals, and sustainability of the Center.
• Maintains program records, tracks partnership activities and program outcomes, and prepares reports to support compliance, evaluation, continuous improvement, and organizational decision-making.

Skills

Community outreach

Public speaking

Case management

Research support

Student mentoring

Written communication

Event planning

Data management

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Education

Master's degree in related field (MSW, sociology, public health, etc.)

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Job description

Department: Academic Affairs Salary: $58,809 - $70,571

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Outreach and Research Coordinator serves as a liaison between C-CURE, community stakeholders, and university partners to advance the Center's community engagement, applied research, and workforce development initiatives. The position fosters strategic partnerships, supports community-informed research and evaluation activities, and coordinates student internship and experiential learning opportunities that strengthen connections between the university and the communities it serves. Through collaboration, outreach, and program support, this role helps translate research into practice, address community priorities, and expand meaningful learning experiences for students. The position contributes to the overall effectiveness and impact of C-CURE's programs, partnerships, and research initiatives.

DUTIES

• Develops and maintains partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and public safety entities to advance C-CURE initiatives, strengthen collaborative networks, and support community-engaged research activities.
• Coordinates community outreach activities, stakeholder meetings, listening sessions, workshops, and engagement events that foster community participation, strengthen relationships, and promote the Center's programs and initiatives.
• Assists with research projects, program evaluations, data collection efforts, interviews, focus groups, and community-based participatory research activities to support evidence-based practices and program effectiveness.
• Coordinates recruitment, placement, supervision, mentorship, professional development, performance monitoring, and evaluation of undergraduate and graduate student interns participating in community-based and research-focused internship opportunities.
• Develops and disseminates outreach materials, reports, presentations, newsletters, and communication strategies that increase awareness of C-CURE programs, partnerships, activities, and research findings.
• Assists with grant-funded initiatives, community needs assessments, strategic projects, and programmatic activities that support the mission, goals, and sustainability of the Center.
• Maintains program records, tracks partnership activities and program outcomes, and prepares reports to support compliance, evaluation, continuous improvement, and organizational decision-making.

MARGINAL DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Community engagement and outreach strategies.
• Social service delivery systems and community resources.
• Program development and evaluation methods.
• Research and data collection methodologies.
• Internship and workforce development best practices.
• Student development and mentoring principles.
• Community-based participatory research approaches.
• Trauma-informed care.

Skills

• Community relationship-building and partnership development.
• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Case management and resource coordination.
• Research support and qualitative data collection.
• Student supervision and mentoring.
• Written communication and report preparation.
• Event planning and program coordination.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving.
• Microsoft Office and data management systems.

Abilities

• Build effective relationships with diverse community stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with academic, community, and governmental audiences.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Mentor and support students from diverse backgrounds.
• Work independently while collaborating within interdisciplinary teams.
• Apply trauma-informed approaches in professional practice.
• Translate community needs into actionable programs and research initiatives.

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primary Work Location

• Primarily office-based, with periodic work conducted in community criminal justice settings as necessary to support program and partnership activities.

Physical Demands

• Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Sociology, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Community Development, Public Health, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in community engagement, outreach, social services, program coordination, higher education, research, or related fields.
• Experience coordinating programs, internships, volunteer initiatives, or community partnerships.

License/Certification:

• None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience working with criminal justice, public safety, behavioral health, youth development, education, or community-based organizations.
• Experience managing student internships, field placements, service-learning programs, or workforce development initiatives.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, focus groups, interviews, and community assessments.
• Experience with grant-funded programs and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of trauma informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.