Community Ambassador (Casual I)

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.

The Opioid Abatement Strategies Effectiveness Evaluation (OASEE) has an opening for a Community Ambassador (Casual I), reporting to the Senior Research Associate in Chicago. This is a short-term, primarily remote casual position (per diem) through June 30, 2026. 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.

This person in this position is expected to have experience and/or knowledge of substance use disorder and the delivery of related services in the community. For this position, we prioritize individuals who have lived and living recovery experience as well as some education around harm reduction, substance use challenges, mental health and/or recovery.

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. 

You will:

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with others; and to work respectfully with colleagues. Under general management guidance, the Community Ambassador will work with a team on an evaluation capacity building project in Illinois, by:

• Completing evaluation planning, including designing research and evaluation activities, tools, and protocols
• Conducting data collection, including recruiting for and administering surveys as well as conducting interviews and focus groups
• Conducting data interpretation and analysis
• Assisting with writing, editing materials, and developing recommendations, presentations, and brief reports to disseminate evaluation findings
• Assisting in technical assistance related to evaluation project, including community outreach and engagement with partners and capacity building with community-based agencies
• Participating in engagement and relationship-building with organizations that serve the recovery community in southern Illinois as well as individuals who receive services from these organizations
• Collaborating with team staff to conduct work
• Integrating community-based perspectives and lived experiences into evaluation project activities and project deliverables
• Participating in primarily virtual weekly staff team meetings on Teams and video conferencing software
• Traveling once yearly for meetings, trainings, and/or conferences in Illinois

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 related to substance use disorder and the delivery of these services in the community
• Experience with data collection, research, and evaluation activities with social service agencies in Illinois
• Proficiency with computer applications, including Internet research, Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications (access to computer required)

Preferred 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
• Community engagement experience in southern Illinois

Travel

• Ability to travel and to attend in-person meetings and events at various locations across Illinois, particularly southern Illinois

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, from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

This position offers an anticipated hourly rate of approximately $30-33.

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 [email protected] or by calling 202.572.3781.