Open Position

Advocacy and Engagement Specialist (Bilingual Spanish/English Preferred)

About the Coalition:

Our Mission: Seek systems change by creating community partnerships and

together promoting health equity that centers the voices of impacted community members.

Job summary:

We are hiring a community-driven, compassionate, and highly self-motivated Advocacy and Engagement Specialist with a genuine passion for representation and advocacy. The ideal candidate has lived experience and a deep understanding of health equity, social and racial justice, the social determinants of health, and a commitment to Collective Impact Model. Candidates that reside in the service area, have Bilingual Spanish/English fluency (spoken and written) and bicultural knowledge of the communities the Coalition serves are preferred.

In this role, you will build and maintain relationships with community members and partners from across sectors (i.e. health, education, transportation, etc.) to uphold the Coalition’s mission and advance advocacy and policy efforts for fair access to well-being and healthier communities. As a representative of the Coalition, you will work to foster the Coalition’s partnerships, visibility and advocacy with decision makers across the region and statewide.

The position requires flexibility to effectively support the Coalition’s initiatives. Core work hours may vary as well as locations and will include some evenings and weekends to meet programming and event needs. Some travel between Jackson and Josephine Counties is expected.

A glimpse into day-to-day tasks:

Continuous advocacy and policy advancing efforts, conducting outreach activities, office tasks, attending meetings, supporting workgroups and workgroup co-chairs, information sharing, tracking metrics, completing deliverables and reports, and coordinating community events that enhance collaboration and partnerships. Advocacy & Engagement Specialist will share local input with workgroups and Leadership Committee, as the Coalition makes priorities and engages in local and state policy work.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

This role requires a proactive, compassionate, and people-focused approach to foster meaningful relationships within the communities we serve.

·      Provide an on-the-ground, in-community presence for meaningful connection and advocacy; support representation in collective activism and civic engagement efforts with Spanish-speaking communities and other priority populations.

·      Apply health equity, social and racial justice, and collective impact frameworks across Coalition work.

·      Travel required as needed to support programming and partnerships across Jackson and Josephine Counties.

·      Occasional travel outside of Southern Oregon for conferences, partner or legislative meetings.

·      Build and maintain trusted relationships with priority populations.

·      Represent the Coalition in the community with a professional demeanor and develop strong relationships through outreach.

·      Provide community education that effectively engages and informs diverse audiences.

·      Coordinate community input, gather testimonials and impact stories, and summarize findings to inform Coalition priorities and partners.

·      Ensure community voice is integrated in decision-making, initiatives, and systems change efforts.

·      Deliver presentations, informational sessions, trainings, and workshops to partners and community members.

·      Build on the Coalition's culture, ensuring inclusion to strengthen representation and belonging, through internal communications, member engagement, support and recognition efforts, as well as staff and partners.

·      Maintain strict confidentiality of all internal files, and Coalition information, employees, members, community information, account access and security through the course of work and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

·      Three or more years of experience engaging with priority populations identified by the Coalition, through community, volunteer, or professional work, is required.

·      Demonstrated commitment to health equity, social and racial justice, and the collective impact framework is required.

·      Existing connection with, or demonstrated ability to build rapport with, priority populations is required.

·      Ability to work collaboratively with a team as well as independently is required.

·      Proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks to meet deliverables and deadlines are required.

·      Facilitation skills, including the ability to support committees and groups of staff and volunteers in line with goals and strategic direction, are required.

·      Proficient in internal communications, tracking metrics, and report writing.

·      Experience working in a cross-sectoral environment, supporting multiple partners and supporting shifting priorities is required.

·      Experience supporting or carrying out work that requires consistent alignment with Coalition values and messaging, visual identity and representation is required.

·      Experience coordinating community-facing programs, events, or initiatives, including logistics, communications, and follow-through is required.

·      Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations, are required.

·      Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, including Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, PowerPoint/Slides, Outlook/Gmail, cloud-based document management, data gathering and synthesis platforms, and social media is required.

·      A valid driver's license and reliable transportation, or the ability to meet the position's local travel requirements by other means, is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

·      Bilingual in Spanish and English, spoken and written. Proficiency will be assessed during the interview process.

·      Bachelor’s degree in a social science or humanities discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and lived, volunteer, or work experience.

·      Bicultural knowledge. Demonstrated understanding of the cultural values, traditions, and lived realities of Latino/a/e and Indigenous Latin American communities in Southern Oregon, gained through lived, community, volunteer, or professional experience.

·      Ability to communicate in an Indigenous language of Mexico or Central America (such as Mixteco) is a plus.

·      Experience with policy analysis and advocacy at the local or state level, including legislative or rulemaking processes.

·      Translate complex policy information into clear, plain-language, culturally responsive materials so community members can take part in advocacy.

·      Support community members and partners to share their experiences with decision makers, including through public comment and testimony.

·      Experience with website content updates and maintenance.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods during events, and assist with event setup and breakdown, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Position Details

Employment status: Full-time - 1FTE

Classification: Exempt; 32 core work hours/week and up to 40 hours/week, some evenings and weekends required.

Reports to: SO Health-E Coalition Director

Pay range: $48,000 to $60,000 per year, plus 5% bilingual pay differential for Spanish/English.

Location: This is a hybrid position, remote work with in-person presence for scheduled programming or meetings will be expected.

Benefits: Healthcare, dental and vision benefits. Paid sick leave. Generous PTO allowance, paid office closures.

How to apply: Please send a cover letter and your resume to connect@sohealthe.org. In your cover letter, demonstrate strong connection to the Rogue Valley community, highlight your work and lived experience and any additional knowledge relevant to this role and SO Health-E.

Closing date: Open until filled.

Equal Opportunity

SO Health-E a fiscally sponsored project of Linn Benton Lincoln Health Equity Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, ages, disabilities, veteran statuses, and other backgrounds protected by law. People with lived experience in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply, and we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact connect@sohealthe.org.