Outreach Coordinator

CEDA (Community and Economic Development Association) is a leading nonprofit organization committed to empowering communities and improving lives across Cook County. We’re looking for an Outreach Coordinator to join our Energy Services Department and lead community-facing efforts that help families access essential utility assistance programs.

What You’ll Do:

Under the direction of and reporting to the Outreach Manager, the Outreach Coordinator will develop and maintain community partnerships throughout the Chicagoland Area to meet the needs of the Energy Services programs. Coordinators will be responsible for gaining a strong understanding of the communities served, their challenges, and key partners. Typical outreach activities include relationship building and management, planning and coordination of events and strategic communications to target audiences. This position routinely handles highly sensitive and/or confidential information and will represent CEDA in a variety of capacities. Must demonstrate good independent judgment, an ability to be approachable and professional, solid problem-solving skills, an ability to handle multiple tasks, an ability to be self-motivated and well organized, and maintain strict confidentiality. 

Essential Functions 

• Implement program outreach activities based on strategic direction to ensure target audience is educated, can access and understand eligibility of each program. 
• Own a portfolio of regional relationships and actively listen and understand audiences to strategically align potential partnership opportunities. 
• Coordinate and maintain effective communications with internal and external stakeholders to ensure awareness, engagement, cohesion, and aligned implementation of outreach tactics for promotion of grant agreements. 
• Develop materials, collateral and presentations to support activities and execute strategic dissemination to ensure key messages reach target audiences. 
• Attend local events, as well as plan, coordinate and hold events, trainings and seminars. 
• Actively contribute to social media promotions of programs to identified target audience. 
• Active and ongoing community assessment and analysis to identify important issues and attributes unique to specific communities when engaging them and delivering services. 
• Collect accurate data about diverse communities to maximize understanding of their needs, plan strategies, and evaluate outcomes for program outreach. 
• Drive activities with data collection and analysis to maximize understanding of community needs, plan strategies and evaluate outcomes. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Dedication and experience supporting our local communities combined with an enthusiasm for nonprofit industry. 
• Organization, attention to detail, ability to work independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 
• Excellent public speaking and relationship management skills with proven results 
• Must work well under pressure and with changing priorities. 
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro) or other design software. 
• Computer literate; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Constituent Relationship Management databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred). 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Work Environment/Travel 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works mostly in an office environment that is quiet to moderately loud, depending on the work area. Some local, county, or state travel may be required, including overnight stays. Employee is required to sit, use hands, stand, stoop, walk, talk, and listen while performing duties. General office equipment including personal computers, scanners, copiers, faxes, desk- and smartphones, and software programs. Occasional travel of distance, especially throughout the Cook County region, is required, including rare overnight stays. If using a personal vehicle, must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance that meets State requirements. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Requires normal range of hearing/vision. 

Expected Hours of Work 

It is an administrative support level position requiring the exercise of discretion and independent judgment and is required to work a full time work week, as designated by the CEDA Employee Handbook, with periodic longer hours, including potential evenings, weekends, and odd hours. 

Required Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing or related field. 
• 2 years in Outreach, Community Engagement and/or Communications. 
• Valid Driver’s License required within 30 days of hire. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Knowledge and understanding utility bill assistance programs. 
• Fluency in foreign language (Spanish preferred). 
• Knowledge and understanding of challenges facing populations with low incomes or willingness to learn. 

AAP/EEO Statement CEDA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CEDA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Must possess and maintain an applicable Illinois Driver's License and Auto Insurance that meets the State requirement. 

CEDA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CEDA’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. 

ADA Statement 

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now to be part of a team committed to fighting poverty and making a lasting impact in Chicagoland. Please see the job description for further details.

CEDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. CEDA is a recipient of federal funding and complies with all applicable non-discrimination provisions, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other applicable regulations. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.