Community Initiatives Manager - Suicide Prevention Resource Center at University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma

Job Description:

The national Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) at the University of Oklahoma recently formed a Community Initiatives (CI) team. This new team will provide expertise, guidance, resources, and high level support for those who work with communities, coalitions, and other constituents engaged in community-level suicide prevention efforts. 

The Community Initiatives Manager will support the operations of the CI team by conducting outreach to community leaders, experts in the field, and other community-serving organizations. The CI Manager will work under the guidance of the Director of Community Initiatives to organize and contribute to public-facing resources for community suicide prevention efforts, as well as internal work plans, reports, and program evaluation efforts. Candidates for this position should posses experience and expertise in coalition-building, project management, and collaboration. This position may be located remotely or in the Norman, Oklahoma office.

The SPRC values and centers the first-hand experiences of those who have or are facing any form of suicide. We recognize that those with lived experience have profound insight into how suicide affects lives and impacts wellbeing. We acknowledge the complex expertise that comes from these experiences and create equitable spaces where this knowledge can drive our work.

SPRC is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles. We embrace diversity and invite applications from people of all walks of life. We don't discriminate against employees or applicants based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy status, veteran status, or any other differences. If you are invited for an interview and have a disability, please let us know how we can make the interview process accessible for you.  

Specific responsibilities include:

• Work collaboratively with other SPRC initiatives teams and partners.


• Support the CI team to provide informative workshops, training, and presentations.


• Manages a community outreach program team & staff.


• Coordinates outreach internal and external events with community, tribal, and internal partners


• Help plan, manage, and provide input and content for public-facing products, such as websites, handouts, guides, reports, and more. 


• Assist with and monitor technical assistance for leaders of communities and coalitions who are working to prevent suicide.


• Work to ensure that the voices and perspectives of historically excluded and underserved people groups are included in the design, implementation, evaluation, and ongoing improvements of CI. This will primarily be done through collaboration with SPRC advisory councils and contributing partners.


• Work with the CI team to design, implement, and evaluate multiple workflows, such as resource projects, needs assessments, website development and revisions, to achieve goals in alignment with SPRC and the CI. This may include, but is not limited to, writing and revising internal policies and procedures, training, and technical assistance.


• Utilize data to create and implement plans for process and systems improvements.


• Manage and monitor the work of CI contractors/ consultants, such as subject matter experts and event organizers. This includes identifying appropriate deliverables, drafting scopes of work, tracking progress, directing work, and working closely with financial staff to monitor invoicing.


• Commit to develop and maintain a working knowledge of current suicide prevention research, updates, innovations, and advancements, including upstream suicide prevention developments in reducing risk and promoting protective factors.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in related field, AND: 

• 18 months of community outreach-related experience.

Skills:

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills


• Strong and effective presentation skills


• Ability to work independently and as a team member


• Working knowledge of community suicide prevention efforts


• Leadership skills


• Highly skilled in project management and developing training and technical assistance services


• Highly organized and detail oriented


• Project management skills and familiarity with associated software and applications


• Proven collaboration experience and skills


• Software: online conferencing software (e.g. Zoom, Teams), Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe 

Departmental Preferences:

• Master's degree in related field


• 30+ months experience in managing prevention, mental health, public health, and/or coalition-building projects with communities

Advertised Physical Requirements: Standard Office Environment

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.