ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Civic Outreach Squad (COS) is a dynamic, Cambridge community-focused pilot initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between community members and local government. Through on-the-ground outreach, the COS ensures that city policies, programs, and decisions are informed by the voices of those they impact most.
The COS Coordinator leads a pilot neighborhood-based outreach team to strengthen connections between Cambridge residents and City government. This role manages day-to-day logistics, supervises 3 team members, and ensures accurate, timely reporting of outreach activities and community feedback.
The COS Coordinator is a new part-time temporary position in the Communications and Community Engagement Office that reports directly to the Director of Community Engagement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervise a team of 3 Civic Outreach Workers, including field work, scheduling, check-ins, and coaching
Coordinate weekly outreach plans aligned with city priorities and neighborhood needs
Conduct direct outreach through door-to-door canvassing, park engagement, and tabling at community events to share information about City programs, services, and opportunities
Oversee phone banking to reach residents by telephone with timely updates on city initiatives
Track team progress, document outreach efforts, and compile data for internal reporting
Serve as a point of contact between the COS and City staff
Use tablets to collect real-time community input that informs and improves City policies, programs, and services
Build and maintain relationships with community members to foster trust and encourage civic participation
Deliver citywide support for community-centered programming on topics such as climate resilience, transportation, housing, infrastructure, civic engagement, and social cohesion.
Represent the City in a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally competent manner
Identify challenges in the field and offer creative solutions to improve outreach
Participate in team check-ins, training, and learning sessions
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
English language skills to communicate fluently and spontaneously
High motivation and good time management skills
Ability to work in a team environment
Demonstrated leadership, coordination, or peer supervision experience
Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
Commitment to equitable and inclusive community engagement
Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office
Fluency in a language other than English is highly desirable
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Highschool Diploma or GED
Familiarity with the Cambridge community, neighborhoods, and local issues
Sincere desire to work with underserved and underrepresented Cambridge communities
Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, City programs, services, and processes
The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Exposure to all weather conditions. Work outside for extended periods of time. Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting and air conditioning. Moderate noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer and tablet. Call and answer telephones and maintain multiple files. May require minimal lifting of up to 30 pounds. Ability to travel around the city independently. Moderate physical activity including walking, lifting, bending, and stretching.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
Please upload the below documents to complete your application:
Resume
Cover Letter
