Community Engagement Coordinator

Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) is seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) to execute community engagement efforts for our new tobacco prevention policy initiative in Bell and South Gate. This initiative aims to mitigate tobacco-related health disparities and reduce youth access to tobacco by strengthening tobacco retail licensing policies. This role is a grant-funded, at-will position, supported through June 30, 2025, by LA County Tobacco Control Prevention Program. It’s based in our Boyle Heights, CA office, with potential for extensions based on funding availability.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for leading and executing policy campaign activities in Bell and South Gate, focusing on data collection, engaging retailers, community outreach and education. These jurisdictions are predominantly Latino, and the goal is to strengthen tobacco retail licensing policies. Additionally, the CEC is also tasked with building and sustaining a cadre of well‐informed Coalition members to advocate for public health policies.

SUMMARY: This role demands experience in implementing prevention programs and working with community-based coalitions to shape public policy aimed at reducing the negative health impacts of tobacco sales/use. The CEC will develop and implement a work plan consistent with the LA County Department of Public Health, Tobacco Control’s guidelines. The candidate should be capable of influencing community health norms and policy change, building relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers, and leveraging public opinion on tobacco use and prevention.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Advocate for smoke-free environments and influence social norms and policies.
2. Collaborate with decision-makers to reduce youth access to tobacco by strengthening tobacco retail licenses.
3. Communicate tobacco risks and mobilize public support for tobacco control policies.
4. Actively engage with media to highlight tobacco control achievements and community health needs.
5. Evaluate community needs, including health resources, political and socio-cultural influences, etc.
6.  Assess existing tobacco ordinances and regulations.
7. Utilize research findings and community feedback for program planning and policy development.
8. Lead project activities, educational trainings, and community coalition recruitment and engagement efforts
9. Summarize research for policy advocacy, effectively communicating with various stakeholders.
10. Translate complex data for broad audiences and maintain a comprehensive Excel data base for creating and progress reports.
11. Oversee a comprehensive social media and community engagement strategy.
12. Participate in Tobacco Retail Licensing initiatives, including training and technical assistance sessions.
13. Perform other relevant duties as required.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING REQUIREMENTS

1. Facilitate and implement policy campaign activities, including conducting key informant interviews, reviewing media and policy records, and collecting public opinion surveys.
2. Develop a Midwest Academy Strategy Chart, lead coalition efforts, and provide public testimony.
3. Mobilize community members to reduce tobacco product access and participate in relevant meetings.
4. Identify and collaborate with key decision-makers and community leaders to support work plan goals.
5. Perform additional duties as needed.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

1. ·A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public health, public policy and/or social sciences, OR two years full‐time experience in public health, public policy, community organizing, or advocacy.
2. ·Knowledge of public/community health principles, theories, and practices.
3. ·Respect and understanding of cultural and linguistic differences.
4. ·Experience in policy development, adoption, or implementation, with expertise in the Policy Adoption Model.
5. ·Proficiency in program planning and evaluation.
6. ·Ability to interact respectfully and tactfully with officials, community leaders, and the public.
7. ·Experience in building collaborative coalitions with residents and community-based agencies.
8. ·Computer literacy, especially in MS Windows-based programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
9. ·Skill in making effective presentations to professional groups and the public.
10. ·Excellent oral and written communication skills.
11. ·Preference for bilingual candidates proficient in Spanish.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• ·        Flexibility to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• ·        Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a reliable, fully insured vehicle.
• ·        The successful applicant must pass a criminal background check and pre‐employment drug screen and provide employment references.

·        The job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.