The Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator is a full-time, Shakman Non-Exempt position reporting directly to the Associate Clerk – Public Information Officer. The primary responsibility of the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator is to develop and execute a strategic plan to implement, as well as participate in, a robust community engagement and outreach program which expands the public knowledge of the various programs and initiatives of the Clerk’s Office. The Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator will develop and maintain relationships with constituent, community, and faith-based groups in addition to other interested parties for the purposes of coordinating, scheduling and organizing educational community outreach events. The Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator also requires a flexible schedule in order to accommodate evening and/or weekend outreach events. Overall, the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator serves as the liaison between the various communities of Cook County and the Clerk’s Office for office-related initiatives and programming. The Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator works with the Executive Clerk – Public Policy & External Affairs, Associate Clerk – Public Information, Assistant Chief Deputy Clerk – Public Information Officer, and other senior leadership of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

Essential Job Duties

• Develops and implements the overall strategic community outreach program which expands the public’s knowledge, understanding and engagement with the Clerk’s Office and its initiatives.
• Establishes relationships and contact with advocacy, policy, community and faith-based groups to organize and coordinate outreach events that provide information and access to the Clerk’s Office.
• Executes on initiatives developed by the Circuit Court Clerk, Chief of Staff, Executive Clerk – Public Policy & External Affairs and other senior leadership of the Clerk’s Office related to specific policy initiatives that have been identified as community outreach needs pertaining to the Clerk’s Office.

• Works with other staff to create marketing materials and community outreach content that aids the public in better understanding the many initiatives and services offered by the Clerk’s Office.
• Serves as the liaison and primary contact for all community outreach requests pertaining to the Clerk’s Office.
• Collects, analyzes and utilizes community outreach data to identify and target communities, constituents and residents that can benefit most from one or more of the various community outreach initiatives.
• Works with other staff to develop new programs and initiatives that will improve the community’s understanding and awareness of the Clerk’s Office functions and operations.
• Facilitates, coordinates and collects data associated with each community outreach event for the purpose of providing information and reporting that will be used to improve and revise program initiatives.
• Prepares and submits operational reports as requested.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and goals of the Clerk’s Office among constituent, community, and faith-based groups.
• Provides optimal customer service.
• Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of full-time work experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or civic/community outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of full-time work experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or civic/community outreach in a government or non-profit setting.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to formulate and draft outreach plans, strategies and policies.
• Ability to network with advocacy and policy groups.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of community groups, including but not limited to, faith-based organizations.
• Familiarity with the City of Chicago, and all adjoining Cook County suburbs.
• Ability to maintain sensitive components of the Clerk’s Office’s policy initiatives regarding community engagement and outreach.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work successfully under strict deadlines.
• Computer literacy with industry standard software, including but not limited to, the Microsoft Office Suite of programs.
• Clear and coherent communication skills, including but not limited to writing and speaking.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work with a team and/or independently.
• Ability to make independent, competent and objective decisions.
• Knowledge of governmental processes, as well as the interplay between the Clerk’s Office and various other governmental agencies.
• Ability to review and edit written communications for long periods of time.

• Ability to speak for long periods of time.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule so as to accommodate evening and/or weekend community outreach related events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk or move for extended periods of time, both within and outside of Circuit Court Clerk locations.
• Ability to repetitively use hands to operate standard office equipment, including a telephone, computer, laptop, copier, and printer.
• Ability to attend outreach events located throughout Cook County.
• Ability to lift 10 lbs.

Veterans Preference

When applying for employment with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact veterans.affairs@cookcountyil.gov for additional information.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Important Information:

The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.