Position: Action Engagement Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Keller Science Action Center

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Engagement and Research Coordinator supports an in-depth engagement process and conducts ethnographic research with local communities in Chicago’s Southeast Side. Working directly with neighborhood residents, local organizations, institutional partners, and Field Museum staff, this position plays an important role in community collaboration and research that will contribute to the development of a creative placemaking initiative in a city park. The coordinator will promote and assist with public engagement, support and document partner collaboration, and gather qualitative data through key stakeholder interviews to ensure the project reflects community priorities, stewardship, and long-term impact.

This position will report to the Senior Environmental Social Scientist and work closely with members of the project team.

Position Details

• Part-time, temporary position (10 hours per week)
• 20 weeks/5 months appointment
• Work includes in-person community engagement and field research, and time at the Field Museum
• Must be able to travel independently to and from field sites
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends

Key Responsibilities

• Community Engagement
• Promote community meetings, engagement events, and workshops through flyers, social media, and email
• Support project partner collaboration and community meetings, events, and workshops through preparation and organization of materials; assist with scheduling and logistics
• Document meetings, engagement events, and workshops through notetaking and photography
• Compile data gathered through engagement events and workshops
• Maintain database of community member/organization involvement

Research and Data Analysis

• Work with project staff to identify key stakeholder interviewees
• Contribute to interview guide and modifications
• Conduct 10 key stakeholder interviews
• Provide summaries, key themes, and contextual analysis of each interview
• Provide digital audio file for each interview
• Provide summary of interview findings, themes, key points in contextual analysis, and recommendations at the end of the project
• Scan local, regional, and national publications for relevant articles; share and annotate where applicable

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within six months) from a Master’s or Ph.D. program in anthropology or related social science preferred; recent B.A. considered
• Experience with community engagement best practices
• Experience conducting ethnographic/qualitative research
• Familiarity with South Chicago and/or Chicago’s Southeast Side
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Access to a vehicle and willingness to travel independently to South Chicago and related field sites
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with some evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Calumet region
• Graphic design skills and familiarity with graphic design programs
• Interest in ecology and environmental conservation
• Photography experience

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision from the Senior Environmental Social Scientist.

Supervision Exercised:

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:

10 hours per week for 5 months/20 weeks (part-time; temporary)

Hybrid Eligibility:

Not eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation: Not Applicable.

Pay Range: $25.00-29.00/Hourly

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The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.