Position Description: Community Outreach Coordinator (Rural)

The Iowa Cancer Consortium is a statewide coalition working to advance cancer prevention and control in Iowa through advocacy, equity, and collaboration. As a leader in cancer control, the Consortium helps health care providers, public health professionals, cancer survivors, caregivers, researchers, volunteers, and advocates access resources, expertise, and non-competitive collaboration for a bigger impact in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, quality of life, and health equity. The Consortium believes access to cancer services and outcomes should not depend on race, creed, color, national origin, age, ability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Approximately 36% of Iowa’s population lives in rural areas (source) and may face related barriers to cancer care, including provider shortages, increased travel to access care, lack of transportation, and reduced access to clinical trials (source). The Iowa Cancer Consortium is accepting applications for a contracted Community Outreach Coordinator – individual or organizational – to provide cancer control outreach and partnership development to support implementation of the Iowa Cancer Plan within Iowa’s rural communities. This contracted position is for eight hours per week (number of hours is moderately negotiable). The contract period ends on June 30, 2024, with the possibility of annual extension based on ability to meet contract deliverables, organizational and community needs, and available funding. Work hours are flexible but will include at least one weekly team meeting.

The Iowa Cancer Consortium values diverse perspectives and experience. Individuals of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply.

Location

To best facilitate collaboration and partnership building, the Rural Outreach Coordinator must reside in Iowa. Work may be primarily remote, but occasional local and in-state travel is required. Workspace in Coralville, Iowa, is available for occasional in-office work.

Compensation

This contractor position is compensated at a rate of $31.25 per hour. Additional compensation includes:

Financial support for professional training/development in cancer control, health equity, social determinants of health, public health, implementation of evidence-based interventions, group/meeting facilitation, public speaking, and/or related knowledge or skills, based on availability of organizational funding.
Travel reimbursement, provided in alignment with the Iowa Cancer Consortium travel policy.

If needed, the Consortium will also provide a laptop computer or tablet and webcam for the duration of the contract.

Responsibilities

Connect rural Iowa communities and organizations/individuals serving rural Iowa communities to cancer control training, resources, partnerships, and opportunities for input into cancer control activities and planning, and Consortium membership. Work with other organizations and individuals serving rural Iowans to ensure efforts are amplified and not duplicated.
Work with Consortium staff to develop additional contract deliverables based on contractor input and interest and community needs.
Represent the Consortium in alignment with its brand guidelines and values.
Provide staff support for one statewide workgroup or committee that meets regularly (typically monthly to quarterly):
- Work with workgroup (co)chair(s) and Consortium program team to set group priorities and meeting agendas.
- Communicate with workgroup/committee. Distribute agendas, minutes, and other materials.
- Arrange for speakers when needed.
- Facilitate meetings as needed in partnership with workgroup/committee (co)chair(s).
- Communicate with workgroup/committee members and distribute materials.
- Take attendance and record meeting minutes.
- Communicate workgroup activities, priorities, and needs to other Consortium staff.
Collect and report on activities and impact.
Recommend speakers and content for Consortium events and communication.
Maintain honest, constructive, open, and consistent communication with Consortium teammates.
Attend weekly virtual implementation team meeting and/or staff meeting.
Participate in organizational short and long-term strategic planning.
Comply with Consortium bylaws, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications

Required:

Extensive knowledge of and experience related to health- and cancer-related issues facing rural communities in Iowa.
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to addressing issues of equity, institutional and structural racism, bias, and social determinants and their impact on health in underserved and underrepresented communities.
Personal or professional experience with cancer, cancer control, public health, health care.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present to diverse audiences.
Proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google products, and Zoom webinar/web conferencing software. Ability to learn new applications.
Valid driver’s license. (Local and in-state travel is required.)
Must reside in Iowa.

Desirable:

Lived-rural-community experience.
Experience developing organizational partnerships.
Experience with community outreach and engagement activities, with emphasis on working with underrepresented populations and the medically underserved.
Experience with identifying, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based activities.
Knowledge of the Iowa Cancer Consortium and its programs, policies, and partners.

To Apply

All applicants: Please submit a resume and letter describing interest and qualifications to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. CST on November 22, 2023.

Organizational applicants:

An individual must be designated for the Community Outreach Coordinator contract position – the role may not be filled by multiple individuals. Please submit the resume of the designated individual with your letter.
In addition to addressing interest and qualifications, please address the following within your letter:
- How the pay structure within your organization aligns with the compensation offered in this opportunity.
- Availability of organizational leaders, supervisors, and other key players to meet with the selection committee on behalf of the application during the selection process.
- If and how the Community Outreach Coordinator position will be combined with another role in your organization.

Questions

Please direct questions to Kelly Sittig at [email protected] or 319-335-8816.