Outreach Specialist

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Outreach Specialist is responsible for fostering connections and collaboration between SAMU First Response and community members, potential or existing partners, donors and volunteers, aiming to create mutual understanding, trust, and positive social impact in the lives of vulnerable populations. Within the community outreach, the specialist is the point of contact and represents SAMU as we engage with fellows, interns, volunteers, and other community supporters.

Responsibilities include: 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with perse stakeholders in the community and external audiences.
• Organize events and activities to engage different supporters and the community at large.
• Develop and lead strategies for recruiting and retaining volunteers, interns and fellows.
• Create and deliver an exceptional customer experience for partners, donors, and volunteers by responding to inquiries promptly, providing solutions, information, offering additional assistance when needed, and handling problems efficiently.
• Effectively communicate with cross-departmental teams to understand and coordinate donation and volunteer/internship/fellowship needs across all programs and special projects.
• Coordinate training and orientation for incoming supporters (or providing a refresher to existing volunteers).
• Design recognition and appreciation programs for volunteers.
• Supervise and evaluate volunteer performance.
• Collaborate with other departments to effectively integrate volunteers into organizational activities.
• Resolve conflicts or issues that may arise among volunteers or between volunteers and the organization.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation and contributions.
• Stay aware of best practices in the field of international volunteering and apply them in daily work.
• Work with Outreach Manager and other team members to implement a volunteer and intern program.
• Develope positions or engagement opportunities and post on appropriate platforms and sites.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records related to supporters in each program/project.
• Coordinate and manage volunteer scheduling and follow-up.
• Update bilingual materials and manage all volunteer communication.
• Document and escalate any issues with volunteers in a timely manner.
• Identify gaps/trends and provide recommendations to Managers and the leadership team.
• Support communication efforts, including drafting or editing memos, reports, posts, articles, emails, notes, and/or other written materials as needed.
• Provide general administrative/record keeping support to the team.
• Respondi to public inquiries and evaluating new partnerships and alliances.
• Attend meetings, fairs, and events to represent SAMU in different settings, as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or relevant discipline and 3 years of relevant experience, or Masters and at least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (and preferably a third language like French or Portuguese).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills.
• Experience with media, social media and new trends is preferred
• Flexible and able to manage multiple projects as priorities can change frequently.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Computer proficiency and data entry experience.
• Flexibility to work in different settings and schedules.
• Maintain professional image and demeanor, always representing organization in a polished and ethical manner.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to pass required background checks and health screenings (drugs, alcohol, TB).
• Must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and able to work in-person within the DMV area, with occasional travel/accompaniment to other locations.

ABOUT SAMU FIRST RESPONSE

SAMU First Response is a global medical and social nonprofit organization that provides immediate humanitarian relief to vulnerable populations using a comprehensive and culturally competent approach. Grupo SAMU, our European branch, has over 40 years of experience successfully responding and delivering assistance to communities experiencing complex crises.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Given the migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, SAMU First Response is operating a 24/7 program designed to address the acute needs of asylum seekers and migrants passing through the DC area. SAMU works with local government and partner organizations to ensure that newcomers have access to comprehensive services, including food, clothing, hygiene facilities, transportation, medical/legal support, and short-term respite.

Equal Opportunity employer: SAMU First Response is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. SAMU does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.