Community Engagement Specialist

The Community Engagement Specialist supports equity-driven public health initiatives that center community voice and translate evidence-based strategies into sustainable, real-world impact. This role uses structured engagement approaches to partner with local organizations, community leaders, and representatives of affected populations to identify, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve strategies that reduce health disparities and advance health equity across public health priorities, including access to tobacco cessation services. Through relationship-building, capacity development, and technical support, the Specialist works closely with community-based grantees to implement innovative, evidence-informed activities that meet the needs of underserved communities, including Medicaid recipients, women, people of color, people living with HIV, and individuals affected by substance use disorders, among others. This position primarily supports a Denver-based initiative focused on expanding access to tobacco cessation services and resources for Medicaid recipients through CDPHE’s State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP) strategies. In addition, approximately 25% of the role contributes to broader community engagement efforts across CAI’s public health initiatives. CORE Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to): Identify, engage and work collaboratively with community members and stakeholders to implement best practices strategies, ensuring continuous involvement of community members, and prioritizing community input in guiding initiative activities Cultivate and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, local leaders, and community members to inform program design, support implementation, and strengthen connections between communities and health resources Engage participants with openness, respect, and without judgment, recognizing diverse lived experiences and community members' expertise. Use data and feedback to refine and improve strategies and approaches for engaging the community Serve as a subject matter expert in community engagement, applying equity-centered frameworks and best practices to ensure activities are responsive to community priorities and meaningfully involve affected populations in planning, implementation, and evaluation Work collaboratively across CAI community engagement projects offering support and coordination as needed Maintain project files according to CAI standards STEPP Tasks Utilize strategies in community engagement to build and facilitate a panel of community representatives, leading them through an intentional process to build capacity, knowledge, and cohesion Provide capacity building and technical assistance to selected community-based organizations Provide day-to-day management for activities associated with planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of assigned project’s strategies in alignment with workplan Plan and support preparation for CAI project team, community, and partner meetings Update, maintain, and ensure quality in project management databases (i.e., Quickbase) Record and disseminate team and community and partner meeting proceedings Ensure adherence to funder, federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations Perform other duties as necessary/assigned. Location/Office details indicate Denver, CO with hybrid schedule. Compensation: $72,500 with benefits including insurance, accounts, retirement, and hybrid/remote options.