Research Specialist - Community Engagement & Partnerships

Department

BSD PSY - Lyons Lab

About the Department

To transform mental health through compassionate, innovative interdisciplinary care, pioneering research, and the education of future leaders dedicated to advancing the well-being of individuals, families, and their communities.

Job Summary

The Community Engagement & Partnerships Lead Research Specialist strengthens connections between the organization and its partners, learners, and broader community. This role focuses on relationship-building, outreach, and curriculum integration, ensuring that the perspectives of the communities we serve are reflected in our work. The position also oversees outward-facing platforms and communications, working closely with team members to ensure that digital engagement strategies support broader community engagement goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead outreach and engagement strategies to strengthen partnerships with learners, trainers, and external organizations.

• Collaborate closely with the Teaching & Certification team to integrate community perspectives into curriculum and training development.

• Support the planning and execution of organizational events, conferences, and campaigns.

• Develop and maintain practices and policies that ensure engagement efforts are consistent, inclusive, and effective.

• Manage outward-facing platforms, such as the organizational website and social media accounts, with support from the Multimedia Specialist and Social Media Coordinator.

• Collaborate with the IDEA Team Lead, Multimedia Specialist, and other team leads to align messaging and engagement across initiatives.

• Ability to connect community engagement to curriculum and training strategies

• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.

• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

• Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.

• Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Experience with outreach, partnership development, curriculum development, and/or event coordination.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365; familiarity with content management systems and social media platforms strongly preferred.

• Experience leading projects.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to facilitate collaboration with diverse partners and communities.

• Creative and strategic thinker who can align engagement with organizational and learner goals.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Organizational skills.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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