Community Liaison

Job Description

Applications are being sought for the position of Community Liaison within the research lab of Dr. Sam Margherio, an affiliate of Virginia Tech's Child Study Center and a faculty member within the Clinical Science Program in the Department of Psychology. Dr. Margherio's research lab focuses on prevention and intervention for behavior problems and/or substance use in teenagers, with efforts to increase access to these programs within schools and community spaces through community-engaged research.

The Liaison will coordinate communication and outreach between the research lab and the school districts and community organizations within the New River and Roanoke Valley communities. The purpose of the role is to foster mutually-beneficial partnerships between the researchers and community. Specifically, the Liaison's responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

-Meet with community partners to establish new relationships and maintain established relationships
-Maintain a database of local families who have consented to participate in research
-Train research assistants on communication guidelines for recruitment
-Coordinate Community Advisory board meetings
-Schedule and coordinate outreach events between the lab/Child Study Center and community partners
-Create newsletters reporting on current results offering tips for well-being for community partners and research participants

Required Qualifications

1) Associate degree or higher in education, psychology, communications, marketing, or related field
2) Reliable transportation (mileage reimbursement provided)
3) Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills
4) Experience meeting deadlines and navigating multiple projects at once

Preferred Qualifications

1) Knowledge and experience working with school systems, especially those within Appalachian communities
2) Experience coordinating community outreach activities
3) Experience with teenagers with mental health or substance use concerns

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience 

Hours per week

15-20

Review Date

06/23/2025

Additional Information

 

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

 

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and