Participant Engagement and Recruitment Specialist

Title: Participant Engagement and Recruitment Specialist

Department: Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Minneapolis, MN

Position Overview

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) seeks up to two dynamic and Participant Engagement and Recruitment Specialists to contribute to the development and implementation of strategies, training, and processes aimed at enhancing participant engagement and reducing barriers to participation, particularly among populations underrepresented in research.

The Participant Engagement and Recruitment Specialists are integral members of a cross-functional recruitment team within the Clinical Translational Research Services (CTRS) core of the CTSI. Each specialist is assigned specific programs and projects, while also engaging in cross-training to provide backup support and gain broader experience across the team. These two positions will place an additional emphasis on enhancing our cultural humility approach and competency in our programs while collaborating with the CTSI's Community Engagement to Advance Research and Community Health (CEARCH) core and our community partners.

Our team is dedicated to advancing research that reflects and respects the diverse voices of the communities we serve. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity in our work. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and who are committed to making a meaningful impact through inclusive practices.

Key Responsibilities

Study Team Support: Recruitment planning, consultations, feasibility assessment for University of Minnesota researchers, and Community Health Authentic Talks (CHAT) Sessions (25%)

• Collaborate with study teams through consultations (led by either the CTRS Recruitment Center or co-lead with CEARCH staff) to create customized participant recruitment and engagement strategies aimed to enhance visibility among a broader audience, ultimately leading to a diverse representation of individuals enrolled in research opportunities.
• Provide objective, critical review of recruitment plans with feedback, recommendations and suggested language, and resources.
• Perform study feasibility reviews from a participant-centered approach and actively participate in the Clinical Research Support Center's (CRSC) Feasibility Review process.
• Collaborate with CEARCH on consultations and CHAT sessions with a focus on bridging both research and community partnerships.
• Conduct parallel reviews in partnership with the CRSC Research Prep Group.

Communication (20%)

• Create recruitment, retention, and dissemination templates and materials (e.g.,website, flyers, and digital ads).
• Develop content for StudyFinder kiosks and promotional materials.
• Enhance and maintain key Recruitment Center resources and web content (e.g. Recruitment Best Practices guide and Recruitment and Retention Guide).
• Regularly check the CTSI Recruitment email and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• Manage social media platforms to promote research studies while highlighting opportunities through a cultural lens and community voice to engage diverse audiences.
• Stay informed about social media trends, platform updates, and best practices to enhance content strategies.

Research Awareness and Community Engagement (15%)

• Develop novel approaches, leveraging CEARCH resources, to solicit and infuse community voice into the work of the Recruitment Center.
• Establish and build strong relationships with community partners, in partnership with CEARCH.
• Help plan and attend community events (e.g., UROC Community Day, State Fair, UMN Summer Institute, and training and outreach events).

Training and Education (15%)

• Develop seminars and workshops, in collaboration with CEARCH and TWD, for study teams on best practices for engaging diverse populations with a cultural humility approach.
• Develop content and teach the Participant Engagement segment of the Foundations for Research Professionals training program.
• Educate researchers on participant recruitment best practices.

Tools (10%)

• Understand StudyFinder and ResearchMatch and work with study teams and the community on how to best engage with and utilize the tools.
• Contribute to StudyFinder enhancements.

Analytics and tracking (10%)

• Utilize programs such as Tableau and Matamo to track and report on tools and initiatives.
• Enter study support, event, training and tool metrics and utilize systems such as: Google Suite, REDCap, CTR Portal, etc.
• Track social media performance using analytics tools, assess engagement, reach, and audience demographics.
• Support the preparation of reports summarizing key metrics and insights, and make recommendations for improvement.

Contribute to the broader CTSI and the national Clinical and Translational Science Award network (5%)

• Engage in opportunities to get involved across CTSI (e.g. Annual Symposium and Poster Session).
• Assist investigators who are interested in using the CTSA Network's Recruitment Innovation Center (RIC) by making the appropriate resource connections.
• Active participation in special interest groups and community of practice forums at the CTSA level.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS with 4 years of experience or advanced degree and 2 years of working experience, including health-related work.
• Skilled in use of cloud-based productivity suites such as: Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Experience engaging community members or community groups.
• Strong communication and organization skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with a variety of health-related community organizations and/or healthcare provider organizations.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience conducting training or educational workshops.
• Strong understanding of cultural dynamics and community engagement.
• Experience creating resources, tools, and guidance documents for audiences with a diverse knowledge of research.
• Skilled in graphic design, web design, and use of marketing and editing tools (e.g.., Canva, InDesign, Photoshop, Drupal).
• Experience in social media management, preferably within a community-focused or research environment.
• Fluent in Spanish, Somali, Hmong or another language prevalent among community members in the Twin Cities.

The University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) mission is to accelerate and improve clinical and translational science research, education and improve health. CTSI provides consultation, training, support, and services to researchers and research teams across the translational continuum. CTSI is part of the national, NIH-funded Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) program/consortium that works together to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of clinical and translational research and science.

Pay Range: $68,000-$81,600; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-90% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).