Community trust is essential for engaging underrepresented populations in clinical and translational research studies. The primary responsibility of the Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator is to enhance the visibility of health sciences, foster community trust, and promote community participation in clinical and translational research.
This individual will be instrumental in developing community-centric approaches, utilizing digital, print, and marketing media, as well as establishing Community Advisory Boards for clinical trials at Meharry Medical College. The manager will also oversee outreach and communication efforts to build a robust research participant pool and coordinate community engagement activities, including expositions and events related to strategic research initiatives.
Key responsibilities include scheduling, organizing, and coordinating meetings and research-related events with diverse stakeholders, including community groups. Additionally, the role involves managing digital communications and producing engaging scientific content for community outreach, including audio-visual materials, presentations, and media reports, to showcase Meharry's research contributions across various platforms.
The Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator will work closely with Meharry's Office for Research and Innovation and other divisions of the College. The incumbent will also ensure that research-related content is regularly updated on Meharry's research website.
This role requires a self-motivated individual capable of working independently with diligence and minimal supervision, managing multiple priorities, troubleshoot problems, and staying current with the latest developments in science, healthcare, and technology. It is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about advancing equity in health and education and making a meaningful impact on society and underrepresented communities.



Daily Operations

• Plan and provide implementation support for community engagement activities, establish community-based recruitment programs, and build research participant and community partnerships. Coordinate and track community engagement activities and expositions related to strategic clinical and translational research initiatives.


• Develop community engagement resources for Meharry research investigators and external stakeholders; create and produce written scientific content for the communities, including audio-visual materials and presentations, media and press reports, and digital communications.


• Manage collaborative arrangements and communications with community stakeholders. Organize and coordinate meetings and other study-related events involving various stakeholders, including community groups, project directors, and funding sponsors.


• Coordinate and provide implementation support for all Community Advisory Board Meetings


• Provides content for updating Meharry's research website.


• Stay current with the latest science, health care and technology developments


• Performs other related duties as assigned

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft office products, and program management skills


• Strong oral and written communication skills


• Self-motivated, organized, and flexible


• Able to work independently with little supervision

• Bachelor's degree in journalism with a focus on public health, community health, or related scientific field is required with one year of experience.


• Community outreach/engagement experience is required.