Community-Engaged Research Coordinator

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Community-Engaged Research Coordinator works with the PI's in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) conducting community-engaged research aimed at eliminating health inequities and addressing the harmful effects of violence and discrimination on marginalized communities. This role is to support this research as well as serve as liaison between the community, the researching staff, and local collaborators in Holyoke, MA & Springfield, MA.

Essential Functions

• Works with Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (PBS) PI's conducting community-engaged research to help sustain reciprocal community research partnerships.
• Builds, strengthens and sustains relationships between PBS PIs and community organizations to support the mission of community-engaged research. This specifically includes working with community stakeholders to develop strategies for answering community questions as well as advancing community priorities related to health and well-being.
• Supports training of undergraduate research assistant(s) and volunteers(s) working on community-engaged research projects as needed.
• Represents community-engaged PI's research group(s) at campus, statewide and community events relevant to their research missions.
• Creates a community advisory committee comprised of adult and youth perspectives. Ensures regular communication and follow-up and completion of assigned project tasks.
• Coordinates meetings (and other events), including reserving meeting space, drafting agendas, confirming attendance, taking detailed minutes, and arranging refreshments as appropriate.
• Researches and maintains an updated list of local community events. Attends relevant events as necessary and coordinates the staffing at community events.
• Assists with dissemination of research findings to community partners and participating families (e.g., newsletters, community presentations and reports), in English and Spanish.
• Works effectively with diverse communities, researchers, faculty, administrators, and others.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support Dean's strategic priorities.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of the principles and practices of community-based research, broad and deep familiarity with community-based organizations, and strong organizational skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate's degree and six (6) years of relevant work experience in forming and maintaining community-based research and partnerships OR Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of relevant work experience in forming and maintaining community-based research and partnerships OR Master's degree and two (2) years of experience in forming and maintaining community-based research partnerships.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Valid driver's license.
• Previous experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's degree in Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, or related fields.
• Experience in forming and maintaining community-based research partnerships can be through Master's program.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• This position is located at both the UMass Amherst campus and the UMass Center - Springfield and will require travel between locations.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm with flexibility to accommodate night and weekend events.
• Some nights and weekends are required.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter which includes a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement (see below). References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan. For this reason, we request that all applicants submit a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement that addresses how you see yourself contributing to our community and campus climate and/or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.