Are you passionate about community safety and justice? Do you believe in bringing people together to foster community engagement and outreach and providing essential services and support to victims of violence, particularly gun violence? If this sounds like you, consider applying to be a Community Relations Specialist in the Equity and Engagement Department with the City of Champaign.

Responsibilities of Position

The Community Relations Specialist is uniquely positioned to support the activities of the Community Safety and Justice Division within the Equity and Engagement Department. This means they play a key role in advancing the division’s initiatives related to public safety, community engagement, and providing support for gun violence prevention and intervention efforts. Not only do they perform behind the scenes program administration and support, but they also engage with community members at various local events and meetings. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: coordination of project activities, giving presentations, customer service, and monitoring/reporting progress toward achievement of program goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, social work, human services, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.

• An equivalent combination of work experience and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

• Report writing experience.

• Data collection, review, and analysis experience.

• Current valid state-issued driver’s license and good driving record.

• Ability to work flexible hours to attend evening and weekend meetings and events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with program/project management relatable to Community Safety and Justice Division activities.

• Experience coordinating work activities of multiple departments or agencies.

• Community relations experience in a municipal environment.

• Grant monitoring experience.

• Experience presenting to stakeholder groups.

Drug screening and criminal background check will be required. The annual starting salary range is $72,826 - $82,905, DOQ, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications must be submitted online no later than Sunday, September 22, 2024.

The City of Champaign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment and a community that values and supports diversity and inclusion. Contact the Human Resources Department at (217) 403-8770 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you require an accommodation to complete this application or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process.

The following locations offer free Internet access and assistance: Champaign Public Library, the Illinois WorkNet Center and the City of Champaign City Building.

Our mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community.

These values guide our work:

Personal Integrity

We act in the best interests of the City

We behave in an ethical and legal manner

We are open and honest

We follow through on commitments

We are loyal to the City

Responsibility

We anticipate issues, problems, and opportunities

We take initiative

We act to prevent and solve problems

We take responsibility for the outcome of our actions and decisions

We hold ourselves and others accountable

Respect

We treat others in a fair, courteous, and equitable manner

We actively listen and seek understanding

We provide a direct response

We embrace ethnic and cultural diversity in the community and our workplace

We are positive and cooperative

We are willing to apologize

Teamwork

We know and respect our roles and responsibilities

We ask who needs to be involved and we involve others appropriately

We define and agree upon the goals

We collaborate to achieve organizational goals

We help others accomplish their goals

We share authority, responsibility, and credit

Results

We take pride in our work

We complete assignments and projects on time and within budget

We evaluate outcomes and seek feedback on our performance

We learn from our mistakes

We innovate