The Community Engagement Coordinator leads the Community Engagement Core (CEC) of the Environmental Program and the Knowledge Warding Against Toxin Levels (KWATL) Center for Oceans and Human Health—the first Tribally led NIH/NSF Center for Oceans and Human Health. This position ensures that community knowledge, cultural values, and priorities guide environmental research and outreach.
The Coordinator facilitates the Community Voices Panel (CVP), fosters relationships among Tribal partners, researchers, and community members, and develops educational materials that promote understanding of marine and coastal water quality, shellfish safety, and traditional food security. Serving as a bridge between science and community, this role strengthens community understanding of environmental health while honoring Indigenous knowledge and supporting community-driven learning.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Supports the organization’s mission and goals and quality standards. Incorporates KANA’s core values of Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride in all activities and decisions.
- Upholds KANA’s Code of Ethics by conducting professional activities with honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, and good faith in a manner that reflects positively upon the organization.
- Leads the coordination of the Community Engagement Core and the Community Voices Panel, facilitating regular communication and collaboration across the Kodiak region and partners across Alaska.
- Gathers and communicates community feedback to inform program planning and outreach.
- Develops and delivers educational materials and presentations focused on marine water quality, shellfish safety, and environmental health.
- Supports implementation of the ANTHC subaward education curriculum, adapting materials for schools and community audiences.
- Collaborates across Environmental Program areas to support education and outreach on additional environmental topics.
- Incorporates Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and local traditions into all educational programming and community engagement activities.
- Identifies potential funding opportunities to expand community engagement, education, and environmental health programs.
- Assists with sampling events and field-based learning opportunities.
- Represents the Environmental Program at local events and community gatherings.
- Supports, and in some cases leads, grant reporting and documentation for education and engagement activities.
- Ability to adapt to flexible schedules to accommodate community and program needs.
- Ability to attend community meetings, workshops, and events, which may require prolonged sitting or standing and transporting educational materials or equipment.
Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
