Community Outreach Specialist, Department of Pathology - Georgetown University Medical Center

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

As a top academic health and science center in the United States, Georgetown University Medical Center seeks to provide, in a synergistic fashion, excellence in education — training physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, as well as biomedical scientists — and cutting-edge interdisciplinary research collaboration, enhancing our basic science and translational biomedical research capacity in order to improve human health. Emphasizing service, we are dedicated to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis — “care of the whole person.” Our partnerships with organizations in the region strengthen our work and expand its reach. 

The Community Outreach Specialist supports research efforts in the Department of Neuroscience by building relationships with individuals and organizations in the blind community. This part-time role exists to strengthen community engagement, promote awareness of the lab’s neuroscience research, and help ensure inclusive and effective recruitment for ongoing and future studies. The specialist shares accessible research updates, fosters interest in neuroscience, and facilitates two-way communication between the research team and the community. They play a key role in identifying outreach opportunities, responding to inquiries, and conducting preliminary eligibility screenings for research participation.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Share neuroscience research with the blind community to foster interest and engagement.

• Maintain an active presence in online forums, mailing lists, and social media groups on behalf of the lab.

• Identify and connect with relevant organizations, events, and community leaders.

• Respond to participant inquiries and conduct initial eligibility screenings.

• Collaborate on outreach materials and track outreach efforts.

Work Interactions

The Community Outreach Specialist works closely with members of the research team in the SAMP Lab, Department of Neuroscience to support the recruitment and inclusion of blind participants in neuroscience studies. This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator (Ella Striem-Amit) and collaborates regularly with research assistants, researchers, and other lab personnel to align outreach strategies with study needs.

The role plays a key part in furthering Georgetown University’s research mission, as well as its mission of inclusivity  and public service by building meaningful connections with the blind community and ensuring their perspectives are represented in scientific inquiry.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communication, education, psychology, social work, disability studies, or a related field

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Familiarity with the blind or low vision community through personal experience, advocacy, or prior professional involvement

• Proficiency with email, messaging platforms, social media, and shared document tools (e.g., Google Docs)

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and handle multiple ongoing tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting outreach in a research, academic, or healthcare setting

• Prior involvement with accessibility-focused initiatives or organizations

• Knowledge of basic research practices and participant recruitment processes

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as Hybrid. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: