As the Digital Equity Outreach Coordinator at Merit Network, Inc., you'll be joining a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering high-performance networking solutions across Michigan. With a mission to promote innovative network technology and services, Merit plays a crucial role in addressing the state's digital divide. In this role, you will work to expand broadband access and build capacity in local communities, focusing on enhancing access to digital tools, especially in areas with disconnected populations. You'll have the opportunity to develop and implement digital strategies, conduct essential research, and foster community education and engagement.

In this dynamic position, you will report to the Director of Research and spearhead the coordination of Project Compass. You will collaborate with local stakeholders, conduct impactful research, and coordinate practical solutions to address technology gaps effectively. 

We are seeking a high-energy, passionate individual with a knack for organization and detail management, someone who thrives on handling multiple priorities and has a genuine desire to empower communities. While based in Ann Arbor, MI, you should be comfortable with occasional travel within the state and be capable of working autonomously. 

Read more about the Digital Opportunities Compass working paper here: https://quello.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Digital-Opportunites-Compass-Paper-20220223.pdf

Please Note: This is a term-limited position with an estimated conclusion of April 13, 2027; dependent upon the availability of work and funding.

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

As the Project Compass Outreach Coordinator, this position's key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Program Coordination (60%):

 

• Support the Digital Opportunities Compass framework engagement process within multiple Michigan communities, ensuring impactful involvement and positive outcomes 
• Monitor and document project progress meticulously, proactively identifying and escalating issues to maintain momentum and meet assigned deadlines (E)
• Manage the logistics and scheduling of meetings, task forces and events (E)
• Collaborate with other Merit staff and consultants to execute essential tasks efficiently 
• Coordinate with vendors, when necessary, to conduct work such as feasibility studies 

Community Engagement and Outreach (30%):

 

• Coordinate and support monthly task force meetings, to maintain group momentum and ensure timely follow up action (E)
• Organize logistics and provide on-site support for local listening sessions, workshops and strategic planning retreats to facilitate community involvement (E)
• Assist in the creation, modification and deployment of promotional materials to enhance community awareness and engagement (E)

Writing, Reporting, and Research (10%):

• Support the deployment of resident surveys to gather crucial community data and insights (E) 
• Support analysis and coding of data from community listening sessions, task force meetings, public data sets, resident surveys, etc. to drive evidence-based decision-making
• Support the development of comprehensive recommendations reports to guide strategic action

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Employees must frequently work at computer stations, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employees may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and weights throughout the office or building.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, including communications and community engagement 
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects efficiently
• Strong emotional intelligence, with excellent written, verbal, and presentation-based communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in numerous environments
• Passion for community outreach, with experience in program management or administrative support
• Familiarity with using research platforms (such as Qualtrics) to conduct and analyze surveys

This is a full-time, hybrid, term-limited position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary. 

During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to be on-site for at least 3 days per week at: 

Merit Network, Inc.

880 Technology Dr., Suite B

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Following this probationary period, working on-site will be required two days per week, Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, ad-hoc on-site meetings and events may be needed with adequate notice provided. 

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or remote work modes are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. 

There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

Travel

Some local and state-wide travel is required.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.