EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

The HPPI Portfolio has an opening for a Casual Community Ambassador, reporting to the Senior Research Associate in Chicago. The Community Ambassador will work with a team on an evaluation project specifically related to opioid overdose prevention, response, and recovery in the state of Illinois. Individuals who have lived experience as well as some education around Substance Use Challenges, Mental Health and/or Recovery are encouraged to apply.

EDC casual employees generally work as needed. A casual position receives statutory benefits of Social Security contributions, Medicare contributions, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation insurance and sick leave. A casual position ends when work is complete. 

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures. Under general management guidance, the Casual Community Based Ambassador will work with a team on an evaluation capacity building project in Illinois. Occasional statewide travel for meetings, trainings, and/or conferences in Illinois may be required.

You will:

• Complete evaluation planning, including designing research and evaluation activities, tools, and protocols
• Collect data, including recruiting for and administering surveys as well as conducting interviews and focus groups
• Conduct data interpretation and analysis
• Assist with writing, editing materials, and developing recommendations, presentations, and brief reports to disseminate evaluation findings
• Assist in technical assistance related to evaluation project, including community outreach and engagement with partners and capacity building with community-based agencies
• Participate in engagement and relationship-building with organizations that serve the recovery community in Illinois as well as individuals who receive services from these organizations
• Collaborate with team staff to conduct work
• Integrate community-based perspectives and lived experiences into evaluation project activities and project deliverables

This position requires excellent organizational skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work effectively in groups and independently; strong interpersonal skills; excellent writing skills. Being open-minded, using approaches grounded in humility, and a willingness to learn and grow are key.

Skills & Experience:

• At least 2 years related experience in community engagement, research, and evaluation with social service agencies in Illinois
• Experience and/or knowledge of the interface between mental health, medical, substance use disorder, care management and related human service systems
• Experience with data collection, research, and evaluation activities
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Internet research, MS Excel and other MS Office applications (access to computer required)

Preferred Education, Skills & Experience:

• Individuals who have lived and living recovery experience as well as some education around harm reduction, substance use challenges, mental health and/or recovery
• Experience and/or knowledge about the multiple pathways of recovery
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

EDC affirms its steadfast commitment to uphold the highest standards of conduct, ensuring the protection of all individuals from misconduct, and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of these rights. Safeguarding refers to the measures and practices put in place to protect individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and at-risk adults, from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  

Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups find themselves meeting many of the criteria of a job posting, yet doubting if they should apply. At EDC, we value and strive for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.  Equity and excellence are inseparable.  If you meet some of the preferred requirements but not all of them, and feel aligned with our vision and mission, we encourage you to apply. 

This position offers an anticipated base hourly range of approximately $30 to $33. Salary offers are made based on market analysis and internal equity. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the EDC job opportunities website as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by e-mailing Liz Christensen or by calling her at 800-225-4276 or 617-618-2329.