Community Engagement Specialist

The Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD) is hiring a Community Engagement Specialist (CES) to represent the City’s African American community. Learn more about the Community Engagement Division. 

Here’s what you can expect to do:

• Assess opportunities to strengthen connections between the police and the community, and foster sustainable, positive engagement.
• Plan, organize, implement and lead a community focused intervention, liaison and engagement programs. 
• Facilitate honest and open interaction between the SPPD and our diverse communities.
• Promote public trust by initiating positive community events.
• Bridge awareness of community practices, beliefs, and culture with department standards and perspective. 
• Assist in diversity recruitment efforts for the Saint Paul Police Department.
• For more information and essential functions, see our job description.

Information Specific to this Position:
This position will serve as a key liaison, representing and engaging with the African American community to foster positive relationships and support departmental initiatives through the following: 

• Represent the department as an ambassador at public forums, workshops, presentations, and community events.
• Work regularly with St. Paul Public Schools and other community organizations.
• Build and strengthen relationships within the African American community.
• Participate in community boards and groups such as the African American Leadership Council, Black Ministers Alliance, and NAACP St. Paul Chapter.
• Work closely with the St. Paul Police Department (SPPD) to help defuse situations, support, and assist investigations.
• Serve on the Chief’s Advisory Council and act as an advisor to the Chiefs of Police.
• Help strengthen recruitment within the African American community by organizing events and partnerships focused on diversity, equity, career opportunities, and economic stability.

Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.

Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job. 
A combination of education in Public Relations, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Communications, Education, or a related field, and progressively responsible, full-time experience to equal five years. Experience should be in at least one of the following:

• Working as a community organizer in a formally-established program.
• Planning, organizing, and implementing a community relations program.
• Planning, organizing, and implementing a human services agency program or equivalent.
• Working as an educator.

Some positions may require possession and maintenance of a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license. 
 
Some of the positions in this classification may require an ability to speak/write in languages other than English such as: Hmong, Karen, Spanish, or Somali.

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
2. Upload or submit the following document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
   • A resume (optional)

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.

Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements. 

Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a driver’s license check and a thorough Saint Paul Police Department background check which may include criminal history and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer.

Human Resources Contact Information:
Ellen Friedman at 651-266-6533
ellen.friedman@stpaul.gov

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary : $69,701 - $94,432