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Job Description
Who We Are:
Home to more than 18,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 120-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University strives to educate leaders, demonstrate excellence in student learning and career readiness, and pursue research with relevance. Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.
About This Role:
This position serves to implement the Center for Resiliency (CfR) Legislative mission of managing a network hub for disaster resilience in the Southeast Texas four county region. As such, this position is responsible for all engagement and community education / training efforts for the (CfR). This position will work closely with the CfR Executive Director. This position will create and maintain a network of community leaders from local government, non-profit, local industry, local business, local health care, and community-based organizations in the Southeast Texas four county region. This position will supervise the Community Resilience Training Specialist, the Engagement Coordinator, and student interns as part of the CfR internship program. This position will provide administrative and budgetary oversight, planning, and management for the engagement and education section of the Center for Resiliency.
Community Engagement and Network Development:
Establish, develop, and maintain a regional network hub consisting of local government, nonprofit, healthcare, industry, business, and community-based organizations throughout the Southeast Texas four-county region. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community stakeholders to support the Center for Resiliency's legislative mission related to disaster resilience and community preparedness. Maintain and utilize a centralized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform and related databases to track community partnerships, engagement activities, and regional network connections. Conduct outreach activities, relationship-building initiatives, and community engagement efforts designed to strengthen regional resiliency partnerships.
Community Engagement Programs and Educational Initiatives:
Assist in the development, implementation, and coordination of community engagement and resilience education programs, including initiatives such as the Smart Storm program and related community training activities. Coordinate with community partners and Lamar University researchers to support community-based research, education, and training opportunities. Support the development and administration of community partner agreements and program delivery activities associated with engagement and education initiatives. Establish and coordinate regional engagement events, stakeholder luncheons, surveys, workshops, and conferences, including support for the Gulf Coast Regional Community Resilience Conference.
Program Administration, Staff Oversight, and Budget Coordination:
Provide administrative oversight and day-to-day supervision of the Engagement Coordinator, Community Resilience Training Specialist, and assigned student interns. Assist with planning, monitoring, and coordination of the Engagement and Education section budget under the oversight of the Executive Director and Business Officer. Support tracking of expenditures, program resources, and funding allocations associated with engagement and education initiatives. Assist in identifying and coordinating external funding and grant opportunities that support long-term sustainability of engagement and training programs.
Internship Program Management and Student Support:
Coordinate and manage the Center for Resiliency internship program, including placement opportunities with community partners and internal Center operations. Supervise and mentor student interns participating in engagement and resilience-related projects and activities. Collaborate with university departments and academic programs to support student experiential learning opportunities.
Strategic Support and Communications:
Advise the Executive Director regarding regional engagement activities, stakeholder needs, and network capacity throughout the Southeast Texas region. Coordinate with the Operations Manager to support website content, social media outreach, public awareness efforts, and communication initiatives related to Center programs and activities. Prepare reports, updates, and related documentation regarding engagement activities, partnerships, and program outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's Degree in a community / public service-related field from an accredited university and two years of relevant experience OR a Bachelor's degree in a public service-related field from an accredited university and four years of relevant experience. Relevant community / public service engagement experience.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience managing budgets, personnel, and assets for an organization that is directly involved with community engagement at the organization level.
Key Competencies:
General understanding of community engagement activities through relationship building and management at the organization level. Ability to forge relationships with nonprofit, local government, local industry, local business, local health care, and local economic development organizations. Ability to manage a network hub of local community leaders. Ability to manage staff and student internships. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Effective communication and time management skills. Ability to plan and manage an annual budget.
Physical Requirements:
Able to lift 25 lbs. and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing and walking between buildings. Sitting most of the time.
Job Conditions:
The typical schedule is M-F 8am-5pm. This position supports essential functions of the Center for Resiliency and Lamar University and will occasionally work outside of normal business hours. This position will require local travel within the Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana region.
Special Note:
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.
