Program/Unit Description: Established in 1974 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, The Raptor Center (TRC) is first and foremost a hospital for ill and injured raptors, caring for over 1,000 birds annually. As an internationally renowned veterinary teaching hospital, TRC trains students and professionals from around the world to become future leaders in raptor medicine and conservation. In addition, TRC has a substantial education and outreach program to educate and inspire the public. Through the use of raptor ambassador birds, TRCâ™s education team uses innovative methods to reach over 100,000 people annually through a variety of programming at on and offsite venues and through virtual technology https://www.raptor.umn.edu . All of this work is done with the assistance of a cohort of more than 300 volunteers. Partners for Wildlife is a program located in the College of Veterinary Medicineâ™s Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. The program aims to improve, strengthen, and expand: a) Rehabilitator capacity and competency for treating and rehabilitating impaired wild animals, and b) Public outreach strategies to promote wildlife-friendly behaviors
Position Description: The role is a 12-month, renewable position within the Partners for Wildlife (P4W) team at The Raptor Center (TRC). This role will perform a broad array of duties centered around partnership development and community engagement, with a focus on conservation, wildlife, and stewardship outreach to specific under-resourced communities
Duties/Responsibilities INTERNAL STRATEGY + VISIONING 20% â— In collaboration with the P4W and TRC leadership, develop programmatic vision, goals, and framework for broader community engagement â— Balance and coordinate both P4W and broader TRC community outreach and engagement goals and requirements â— Engage with and consult for P4W and TRC leadership on specific engagement needs and projects
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 40% â— Conduct research and information gathering through varying methods to build organizational knowledge around engagement and accessibility â— Develop and pilot community-specific programming and/or events to engage new audiences within or related to communities of interest â— Develop learning and evaluation processes to support continual improvement of programs and strategies â— Translate processes and learnings into replicable, broader use guidelines, trainings, or other deliverables for dissemination across sector
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 40% â— Identify strategic opportunities and collaborate with TRC leadership to develop partnerships that engage organizations working within and for the communities of interest â— Develop and execute strategies for partnership growth and maintenance, including collaborative projects or events â— Engage existing P4W / TRC partnership networks to share learnings, strategies, and processes with other wildlife rehabilitation practitioners and organizations across the sector
All required qualifications must be included in the application materials
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelorâ™s degree plus at least 4 years of experience (or 8 total years equivalent) experience in communications, partnership development, community engagement, or other related field Advanced oral, written, and public speaking communication skills; ability to adapt messages, themes, and programming for diverse audiences Experience working with one or more of the following communities: Native American/Indigenous, immigrant, and/or rural communities Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams and operating units Enthusiasm for creating and building out new programs or initiatives; high comfort with ambiguity and navigating unknowns Ability to move from plan to execution, including identifying needed resources, obstacles, and collaborative opportunities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Working or experiential familiarity with formal organizations and networks engaged with the above communities of interest Strong relational skills, particularly through experience in coalition building and/or campaign/community organizing Certificate or other formal training experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or access programming Interest or passion in conservation, environmental stewardship, wildlife, or related subject areas
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.