The Public Health Institute (PHI) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health, well-being, and quality of life for people throughout California, across the nation and around the world. As one of the largest and most comprehensive public health organizations in the nation, we are at the forefront of research and innovations to improve the efficacy of public health statewide, nationally, and internationally.

Position Summary

Under general oversight by the Equity and Engagement Program Manager (PM), the Community Engagement Specialist (CES) provides community engagement expertise in support of organizing and capacity building efforts for policies, systems and environmental change (PSE) approaches that contribute to the advancement of health equity and racial justice for the Public Health Institute’s (PHI) Center for Wellness and Nutrition (CWN) in collaboration with funders, community stakeholders and other partners.

CWN’s vision is for a healthy nation where wellness is achievable for all individuals and communities, and its mission is to build capacity and leadership in communities and institutions to make optimal health accessible for all. CWN’s priority areas include increasing access to and consumption of healthier foods, with a focus on fruits and vegetables; decreasing consumption of unhealthy foods and sugary beverages and increasing consumption of water; and increasing physical activity opportunities throughout the day using an equity lens.

The CES’s primary focus will include, but not be limited to coordinating and supporting equity-driven community engagement projects. This position requires working with a diverse set of federal, state, and local partners including California Tribes and California Tribal Organizations (CTO) to systematically integrate PSE efforts that increase opportunity for authentic community engagement, tribal consultation, and collaborative healthy community change. Activities may include maintaining communication and facilitating intervention activities with partners and community members. This position requires cultural awareness and humility and demonstrates understanding of community nuances, beliefs, and traditions.

Candidates who are interested in serving California Indigenous populations are highly encouraged to apply for this position. This position will also support ongoing development and implementation of CWN’s Health Equity and Racial Justice Platform.

Employment Type: Full Time

Full salary range for this position: $66,843 to $96,905 per year. The typical hiring range for this position is from $66,843 (minimum) to $81,874 (midpoint), based on 100% FTE. The starting salary is determined based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, as well as budget availability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

95%

• Coordinates the implementation of assigned project(s) to ensure authentic engagement of diverse populations in PSE approaches and / or direct education programing. Diverse populations can include but not be limited to Native American; Latinx; Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LBGTQ) communities.
• Tracks project(s) progress to ensure the timely completion of project deliverables and tasks.
• Contributes to the evaluation of project progress and deliverables; prepares summaries, reports, and correspondence as required.
• Maintains relationships with collaborators including funding agencies, subcontractors, CTOs, local implementers, community partners, stakeholders, and community residence and leaders.
• Coordinates advisory and/or decision-making boards. Including:
  • Organizes and participates in community outreach among cultural organizations, diverse stakeholders and/or community members, attending all relevant meetings as needed.
  • Contributes to the development of culturally appropriate outreach and recruitment promotional materials for community or stakeholder outreach and recruitment.
  • Creates planning timeframes and schedules for community engagement activities.
• Engages community members and collaborative partners in direct education or PSE interventions projects. Including:
  • Provides technical assistance to local implementers coordinating direct education or PSE interventions with diverse populations including but not limited to American Indian Alaskan Natives.
  • Contributes to the development of educational materials, presentations, and activities for both community members and / or local implementers serving these communities.
  • Facilitates intervention activities with community partners and community participants.

5%

• Supports the development and implementation of CWN organizational initiatives, objectives, and strategies related to the advancement of racial equity and inclusion.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 5 year (9 years if no BA) of public health experience with specialization in health equity, nutrition education, PSE approaches, food systems, and or prevention programs.
• At least 3 years (7 years if no BA) of working with California Tribes or California Tribal organizations.
• Bachelor’s degree required; OR substitute with four additional years of related experience.

Other Qualifications

• Experience working with advisory and/or decision-making boards.
• Previous experience living or working with diverse populations.
• Cultural awareness and understanding of diverse CA Tribes and Indigenous populations.
• Knowledge of federal nutrition education programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -Education (SNAP-Ed).
• Knowledge of food sovereignty, indigenous traditional foods, Tribal Ecological Knowledge (TEK), decolonized research and engagement methods, data sovereignty, and / or the historical impacts of colonization.
• Strong commitment to social justice and experience partnering with diverse communities for purposes of health equity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and spoken), with ability to earn trust and respect of colleagues and partners at all levels and from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Strong critical thinking and reasoning skills.
• Comfort working in an environment where multiple languages are spoken.
• Comfort with contributing to a newer program, developing, or trying new ideas.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, and Project), WebEx, Canva, and Basecamp.
• Ability to deal with complex problems involving several variables.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks, and conduct follow-up.
• Flexibility with shifting priorities and competing demands.

LOCATION

• Sacramento, CA or remote within California is preferred; will consider locations adjacent to California within Pacific Time Zone.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS

This position is classified as exempt based on the job duties. However, based on the FTE, salary level of the employee, or federal/state/local laws, the employee may be classified as nonexempt.

PHI WORKFORCE MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

Per the PHI Workforce Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is a condition of employment for all domestic based employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless they are granted a reasonable accommodation under applicable law.

New hires need to provide proof of full vaccination prior to their start date or apply for an exemption/accommodation within three business days after their start date. Depending on the circumstances, new hires who do not comply with this Policy, or who cannot be reasonably accommodated, will either have their employment suspended or terminated. Candidates who are non-compliant will have their offers rescinded.

EEO Statement

The Public Health Institute is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and to make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment opportunity. To this end, the PHI will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are offered employment and employees are treated during employment without regard to these characteristics.

For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

ADA Statement:

The Public Health Institute is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Recruitment Team at least 48 hours in advance at Recruitment@phi.org.

#LI-REMOTE

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We’re so pleased the Public Health Institute is an organization you would like to work with. Do you have questions about this opportunity? If so, email our recruitment team at Recruitment@phi.org.