Outreach & Engagement Specialist - SEMO RISE

POSITION SUMMARY Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri (CPSEMO) is seeking a motivated, community-oriented, and relationship-driven professional to serve as the Outreach & Engagement Specialist for SEMO RISE (Regional Industry Skills and Employment), a regional workforce development initiative serving 14 counties across Southeast Missouri. SEMO RISE focuses on two connected sectors with demonstrated regional workforce needs: skilled trades and construction, and information technology (IT), with an emphasis on commercial drone technology and its applications across industries. The initiative seeks to strengthen regional workforce pathways by connecting individuals to relevant education, occupational training, industry-recognized skills, and employment opportunities aligned with employer demand. The Outreach & Engagement Specialist will lead participant recruitment, community outreach, referrals, and engagement activities to increase awareness of SEMO RISE and connect eligible individuals with education, training, and employment opportunities. This position will build relationships with community organizations, workforce development agencies, educational institutions, employers, training providers, and other regional stakeholders to expand the program's reach and strengthen referral networks. The successful candidate will develop and implement outreach strategies, identify potential participants, communicate program opportunities, assist individuals with navigating enrollment and referral processes, and maintain consistent engagement throughout the participant recruitment process. The position will work closely with the SEMO RISE Project Manager and Data & Performance Specialist to align outreach activities with program objectives, document engagement efforts, and monitor recruitment and participation outcomes. This role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational abilities, and a commitment to expanding access to workforce development opportunities throughout rural and underserved communities in Southeast Missouri. GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA SEMO RISE serves the following 14 counties in Southeast Missouri: Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger, Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Dunklin, Wayne, Stoddard, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, Madison, and Butler. The position requires travel throughout the service area to conduct outreach, attend community events, meet with referral partners, engage potential participants, and support recruitment activities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Participant Recruitment and Enrollment Support Develop and implement outreach and recruitment strategies to identify individuals who may benefit from SEMO RISE education, training, and employment pathways. Promote program opportunities to prospective participants through community events, partner organizations, educational institutions, workforce agencies, employers, and other appropriate channels. Communicate program goals, eligibility criteria, available training pathways, participation expectations, and enrollment procedures to prospective participants. Conduct initial outreach and follow-up with interested individuals to encourage participation and support completion of applicable enrollment steps. Identify and address barriers that may prevent individuals from engaging in training or employment opportunities, connecting them with appropriate resources when available. Maintain consistent communication with prospective participants throughout the recruitment and referral process. Coordinate with the Project Manager to align recruitment efforts with enrollment targets, grant objectives, available training opportunities, and regional workforce needs. Support efforts to recruit participants interested in skilled trades, construction, information technology, and commercial drone technology pathways. Help ensure recruitment efforts reach individuals throughout the 14-county service area, including rural communities and populations that may experience barriers to education, training, or employment. 2. Community Outreach and Awareness Develop and maintain a community outreach plan that supports SEMO RISE's goals and recruitment priorities. Establish relationships with community organizations, nonprofit agencies, schools, colleges, technical training providers, workforce development agencies, libraries, public agencies, and other potential referral partners. Attend job fairs, career expos, community meetings, workforce events, educational events, and other outreach opportunities to promote SEMO RISE. Deliver presentations about program services, training opportunities, career pathways, and participation requirements to community groups and partner organizations. Distribute program information, recruitment materials, flyers, digital content, and other approved promotional materials. Identify opportunities to increase program visibility and awareness in communities throughout Southeast Missouri. Collaborate with CPSEMO's communications and program staff to develop clear, accessible, and consistent messaging about SEMO RISE. Promote awareness of career opportunities in skilled trades, construction, information technology, and commercial drone technology and its applications across industries. Monitor community feedback and identify opportunities to improve outreach strategies and increase participation. 3. Referral Coordination and Partner Engagement Develop and maintain a network of referral partners capable of connecting prospective participants with SEMO RISE opportunities. Establish referral relationships with organizations serving job seekers, young adults, adult learners, unemployed or underemployed individuals, and other populations that may benefit from workforce development services. Coordinate referrals between SEMO RISE, educational institutions, training providers, employers, workforce agencies, and community organizations. Maintain clear referral procedures and communicate program eligibility, enrollment requirements, and available opportunities to referral partners. Follow up on referrals, as appropriate, to determine whether individuals have been contacted and connected with the appropriate program resources. Work collaboratively with partners to identify service gaps, address referral challenges, and improve access to workforce opportunities. Maintain professional relationships with referral partners through regular communication, meetings, and ongoing engagement. Identify new organizations and community stakeholders that may strengthen SEMO RISE's regional reach and impact. Communicate partner feedback and emerging community needs to the Project Manager. 4. Participant Engagement and Retention Support Maintain regular communication with prospective and enrolled participants, as appropriate to the position's responsibilities. Encourage continued engagement in program activities by providing timely information, reminders, follow-up, and referrals to available support resources. Help participants navigate program processes, understand participation expectations, and connect with appropriate training or employment resources. Identify potential barriers to participation, including transportation, access to technology, scheduling, childcare, or other challenges, and coordinate referrals to available resources when appropriate. Follow up with participants who express interest but have not completed enrollment or who may be at risk of disengaging from the recruitment or referral process. Coordinate with training providers, referral partners, and the Project Manager to help resolve engagement challenges. Maintain professional, respectful, and participant-centered communication while protecting confidential information. Gather participant feedback about outreach, enrollment, and referral experiences and communicate recommendations for improvement to the Project Manager. 5. Outreach Documentation and Performance Tracking Maintain accurate and timely records of outreach activities, community contacts, recruitment efforts, referrals, follow-ups, and engagement outcomes. Document attendance at outreach events, presentations delivered, partner meetings, and other engagement activities. Track prospective participant inquiries, referral sources, recruitment progress, and enrollment follow-up activities using designated program systems. Collaborate with the Data & Performance Specialist to ensure outreach and recruitment information is accurately entered into approved tracking systems. Provide regular updates to the Project Manager regarding outreach activities, recruitment progress, partner engagement, and emerging challenges. Assist with identifying effective outreach strategies by reviewing participation trends, referral sources, and engagement outcomes. Support the collection of participant success stories, testimonials, and other program impact information, subject to appropriate permissions and confidentiality requirements. Ensure outreach records and supporting documentation are maintained in accordance with grant requirements and CPSEMO policies. Contribute to required program reports by providing accurate information about recruitment, community engagement, referrals, and outreach outcomes. 6. Workforce Pathway and Employer Awareness Develop familiarity with regional workforce needs and employment opportunities in skilled trades, construction, and information technology, including commercial drone technology applications. Promote awareness of training opportunities and career pathways aligned with regional employer demand. Coordinate with employers and training providers to communicate available opportunities and identify potential recruitment events or engagement activities. Support efforts to connect interested individuals with appropriate training providers, career exploration activities, and employment resources. Share information about emerging workforce needs and participant interests with the Project Manager to inform outreach priorities. Help strengthen connections between community outreach, participant recruitment, training participation, and employment opportunities. 7. Administrative and Organizational Responsibilities Maintain professional records, correspondence, outreach calendars, contact lists, meeting notes, and supporting documentation. Coordinate outreach events, presentations, meetings, and recruitment activities. Manage competing priorities and complete assigned responsibilities within established timelines. Collaborate with CPSEMO staff and other SEMO RISE team members to support effective project implementation. Represent CPSEMO professionally and maintain positive working relationships with participants, employers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Follow CPSEMO policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and applicable grant requirements. Perform other related duties as assigned by the SEMO RISE Project Manager or designated supervisor. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Associate degree or bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, human services, education, workforce development, business administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered. At least two years of experience in community outreach, participant recruitment, public engagement, case management, workforce development, community services, or a related field. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations and communicate program information clearly. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with community partners, service providers, employers, and diverse populations. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple outreach activities and deadlines. Proficiency with Microsoft Office or comparable productivity tools, email, online communication platforms, and electronic recordkeeping systems. Ability to maintain accurate documentation and follow established reporting procedures. Ability to travel throughout the 14-county service area as required. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, subject to CPSEMO's applicable driving and vehicle-use requirements. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience working with grant-funded programs or initiatives involving workforce development, education, training, or employment services. Experience recruiting and engaging participants from rural or underserved communities. Familiarity with workforce development agencies, community colleges, technical schools, employers, and community-based organizations in Southeast Missouri. Experience coordinating referrals, maintaining partner relationships, and organizing community events. Experience using participant tracking systems, databases, or customer relationship management tools. Familiarity with skilled trades, construction, information technology, commercial drone technology, or related career pathways. Experience with community presentations, public speaking, recruitment campaigns, or digital outreach. Experience identifying participant barriers and connecting individuals with appropriate community resources. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. Ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds in a respectful and professional manner. Ability to develop effective outreach strategies and manage multiple recruitment activities. Strong follow-through and the ability to maintain consistent communication with participants and partners. Ability to identify barriers to participation and help individuals navigate available resources. Ability to maintain accurate records and meet documentation deadlines. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the SEMO RISE team. Ability to communicate program goals and workforce opportunities to individuals with varying educational and professional backgrounds. Commitment to expanding equitable access to education, occupational training, and employment opportunities. Ability to adapt outreach approaches to the needs of different communities across a multi-county region. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without unlawful discrimination in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. DISCLAIMER This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. Responsibilities may be modified as necessary to meet organizational needs and SEMO RISE grant requirements.