Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The MSU School of Social Work is dedicated to educating students for ethical, competent, responsive, and innovative social work practice, and to conducting and disseminating high quality research that improves the well-being of the most vulnerable in society. Our teaching, research, and outreach synergistically promote social justice, positive change, and solutions to the problems facing diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. More than 500 students are enrolled in our CSWE-accredited BASW and MSW programs, and PhD program.

The Kinship Care Resource Center provides support and referrals for kinship caregivers through a website, toll-free phone line, and community outreach. The Project and Outreach Coordinator oversees the grant workplan, ensuring deadlines are met and resources are managed effectively. This role involves coordinating with team members and stakeholders to track progress, address issues, and adjust plans as needed to achieve project goals. Additionally, the Coordinator is responsible for designing and implementing outreach strategies to engage target communities and support activities aligned with project objectives. They build and maintain relationships with community partners, ensuring effective communication and coordination to maximize program impact. The coordinator will support and monitor outreach activities, track progress, and manage grant administrative tasks for the state-funded Kinship Support Program grant. kinship This position will be funded through September 30, 2025, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor progress on workplan activities by organizing and conducting meetings, planning logistics, and identifying solutions to challenges.
• Provide detailed updates on project deliverables, actions, and timelines to program leadership, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborates with Kinship team leaders on strategies to enhance project coordination, facilitate change processes, contribute to a culture of learning, and drive activities that support positive outcomes for kinship families.  
• Facilitate and document project coordination and outreach meetings.
• Apply change management processes to project management initiatives to drive successful project outcomes and ensure smooth transitions for teams and stakeholders.
• Develops program reports and presents to external audiences about the Kinship Care Resource Center activities.
• Co-develop and coordinate an outreach plan to meet historically marginalized populations for the KCRC and its partners, including oversight and maintenance of CRM calendar and reporting mechanisms
• Organize community partner leadership meetings, take and distribute minutes, and collect, analyze, develop strategies for internal continuous quality improvement to support implementation of external stakeholder feedback and communication.
• Oversee the project's social media strategy by working with various teams and partners to create content, track metrics, and respond to inquiries.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Social Work, communications, public health, public relations, business administration or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree in social work, communications, public health, public relations, business administration, or related field
• A minimum of two years' experience in project or grant management within child welfare, health care, higher education, or other public systems, with a proven ability to oversee complex projects, and manage resources.
• Proven ability to facilitate cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and coordinate efforts across diverse stakeholders to ensure project alignment, effective communication, and the successful achievement of project goals
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience contributing to or supporting DEI initiatives in a professional or academic setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Share Point, Teams, and Outlook, and proficiency or experience project management software (e.g. Smartsheet), survey software (e.g. Qualtrics), Customer Relations Management Systems (e.g. Salesforce) and Social Media platforms or scheduling software (Instagram and Facebook)
• Must complete an Internal Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) and a National and State Sex Offender Registry Check and a MDHHS Central Registry Clearance
• Ability to travel as the position requires regular, statewide travel to support outreach and meet with partner agencies
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing, coordinating, and implementing outreach plans, including engagement strategies for diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Experience with change management tools and their implementation to improve processes, support transitions, and ensure the sustainability of practices
• Experience or familiarity with kinship care, child welfare, and/or aging services, including understanding of the systems and support structures within these fields

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should send:

1) a letter of application stating qualifications and reasons for interest in this position;

2) current resume or curriculum vitae; and

3) Three letters of reference. At least one letter should be from a former supervisor, and all letters should address your qualifications, skills, and ability to meet the responsibilities of the role. Please remember that letters of recommendation are due at the time of application.

Special Instructions

Work hours standard work hours with occasional weekends and evenings.

Occasional travel throughout the state of Michigan. This position is located in East Lansing allowing flexibility for some remote work.

Review of application will begin October 16, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

This is an off-dated position funded to September 30, 2025, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/16/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

kinship.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.