General Summary
The Community Engagement Coordinator will support the Catalyst Program at Southern Research by overseeing and executing public health engagement efforts statewide. This position is responsible for managing the Catalyst Ambassador Program, coordinating, and attending community outreach events, and providing logistical and operational support for the engagement team-including ambassadors, interns, and external partners.
This role plays a central part in organizing field activity, building community relationships, supporting strategic growth, and ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach to outreach across Alabama.
This position is in-person and is based in Birmingham, Alabama.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Catalyst Ambassador Program, including onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance tracking.
- Coordinate logistics and staffing for community events, clinics, campus visits, and pop-up activations.
- Attend and represent the Catalyst Program at community events across Alabama.
- Maintain internal systems for managing assignments, materials, reporting, and field communication.
- Support planning and implementation of community-based strategies that promote program visibility and participation.
- Serve as a liaison between Southern Research and community-based organizations, health providers, and stakeholders.
- Respond to community inquiries and requests related to the Catalyst Program.
Requirements/Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in public health, communications, social work, community engagement, or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in community engagement, outreach coordination, or public-facing program support.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
- Willingness to travel frequently across Alabama, including some evenings and weekends.
- Valid driver's license and ability to transport outreach materials (up to 30 lbs).
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong interpersonal and soft skills.
- Experience in community outreach or event planning.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office for communication and documentation.
- Ability to communicate complex topics (e.g., health information or research participation) in clear, accessible language.
- Demonstrated professionalism and reliability when working with external stakeholders. 1
Core Values
Cultivating human connection - putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world's most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of though go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.
Operating with precise execution - measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.
Harnessing relentless curiosity - our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions and results.
Stewarding a healthy community - implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don't compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.
Job Specific Behaviors
Initiative - Proactively takes ownership of tasks and follows through reliably
Community-Oriented - Prioritizes the needs, values, and voices of local communities in all engagement efforts
Clear Communication - Explains program information in a simple, accessible way
Professionalism - Represents the program with integrity and maturity in all settings
Collaboration - Works effectively with staff, partners, and community members to meet shared goals
Physical Demands
This position is typically located in an office environment. Occasional domestic travel is required. Position requires ability to work on a computer, sit, and stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
None required
Southern Research Institute
Jul 25, 2025 