Summary/Objective
Reporting to the Outreach Manager, the Outreach Specialist Supervisor leads a team of Outreach Specialists dedicated to fostering community engagement, advancing departmental outreach objectives across Cook County, and playing a key role in developing and implementing targeted outreach strategies, cultivating partnerships, and nurturing community relationships. Must exhibit exceptional leadership qualities, possess strong problem-solving skills, and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining confidentiality while driving the department's outreach initiatives forward. 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
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Develops outreach strategies aligned with targeted demographics and departmental goals.
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Establishes and oversee performance targets for the team.
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Supervises and develop Outreach Specialists, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
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Analyzes data and prepare reports to aid in making strategic decisions about ongoing outreach efforts.
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Ensures that outreach materials are culturally sensitive, accessible, and tailored to the needs of diverse audiences.
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Provides ongoing training, resources, and support to staff and volunteers involved in outreach activities to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
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Fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the Outreach team.
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Collaborates with internal stakeholders to develop compelling outreach materials, including flyers, brochures, newsletters, social media, and other digital content.
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Coordinates and maintain effective communications with internal and external stakeholders to ensure awareness, engagement, cohesion, and alignment with Energy Services program offerings and eligibility guidelines.
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Monitors the adherence of established guidelines of event analysis, preparation, execution, and post event activities.
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Develops communication guidelines and protocols for Outreach.
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Develops and monitors rotating team schedules as Outreach needs are requested throughout Cook County.
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Approves materials, collateral, and presentations to support activities and ensure key messages are disseminated to target audiences in a timely manner.
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Attends local events and plan, coordinate, and host events, trainings, and seminars.
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Prepares management reports.
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Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Strong communication skills; speaking and writing effectively and professionally.
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Dedication and experience supporting local communities combined with an enthusiasm for nonprofit industry.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
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Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members, foster collaboration, and drive results.
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Must work well under pressure and with changing priorities.
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Knowledge and understanding of challenges facing populations with low incomes or willingness to learn.
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Knowledge of relevant tools and technologies for outreach and engagement, including social media platforms and email marketing software.
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Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva or other design software.
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Computer literate; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position supervises the Outreach Specialists within the Energy Services program.
Work Environment/Travel
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works mostly in the field but will occasionally work in an office environment that is quiet to moderately loud, depending on the work area. 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. Travel of distance, especially throughout the Cook County region, is required, including nights and weekends. If using a personal vehicle, must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, 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 30 pounds. Requires normal range of hearing/vision.
Expected Hours of Work
This is a supervisory position requiring the exercise of discretion and 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
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Associate’s degree and 2 years of supervisory experience or
3 + years in a supervisory role
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1 + years of Outreach or Community Engagement experience
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Valid Driver’s License required within 30 days of hire.
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Reliable transportation and ability to transport CEDA Outreach materials.
Preferred Education and Experience
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Experience in Energy Assistance Programs or relevant social service operations.
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Bilingual (Spanish preferred).