Community Engagement Manager-Shen Lab

Community Engagement Manager for Shen Neurolaw Lab

Duration: until 5/31/2026, with the possibility of extension
Preferred Start: [as soon as possible] (flexible)
Commitment: This position will be minimum 20 hours per week, expected 20-25 hours per week
Location: The work for this position is based in Minneapolis

Primary Supervisor: Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD

The Community Engagement Manager will be responsible for building and sustaining robust relationships between the Shen Lab and local community members and organizations to facilitate increased participation, trust, and engagement in neuroscientific and related health research. This role requires a professional with deep experience and expertise in public communication in community settings, and relationship management who can effectively communicate with varied audiences. The ideal candidate will leverage strong advocacy and outreach skills, as well as experience planning and executing community-based events.

This position will be primarily supervised by Dr. Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD. Dr. Shen is a Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, a member of the Faculty in the UMN Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and Co-Chair of the UMN Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences.

Open communication, innovation, and collaboration are valued. Individualized mentorship will be provided by PI Shen, with focused attention on career development and growth.

The specific responsibilities of the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

50% Community Outreach and Recruitment
o Design and execute targeted outreach and recruitment campaigns to engage stakeholders, community leaders, and residents from underserved populations in research studies and educational initiatives.
o Build and maintain strong, transparent relationships with community organizations, policymakers, and advocacy groups to foster partnerships.
o Conduct and facilitate community meetings, listening sessions, and educational workshops (in-person and virtually).
o Collaborate with Lab Members to plan and execute Lab community engagement events
o Utilize Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) tools and other digital platforms for data entry, record management, and targeted communication/email campaigns to track engagement and strengthen relationships.

50% Public Education and Advocacy
o Communicate complex research findings clearly and concisely to non-expert audiences and community members.
o Draft informational materials, in collaboration with researchers and university partners, ensuring materials are culturally competent and accessible.
o Act as a key liaison between research staff and the public, representing the organization at community events and public forums.

Basic Qualifications:
* BA/BS plus at least 4 years of professional experience in a role focused on community engagement, public affairs, policy advocacy, or field organizing; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years
* Proven ability to build relationships between diverse stakeholders.
* Excellent public communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with a focus on communicating in community settings.
* Applicants should be highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience in a non-profit, government, or academic setting.
* Experience in managing accounts or partnerships, showing an ability to maintain long-term, positive relationships.
* Experience serving in a leadership capacity or on a governing board that guides educational programming or community strategy.

Pay Range: $30.00 - 35.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).