The Center for Rural School Health & Education (CRSHE, pronounced "crush") in the University of Denver Morgridge College of Education is dedicated to partnering with rural schools to improve health and education outcomes. CRSHE projects are created and implemented in close collaboration with community partners and resources are developed in response to expressed community needs and interests.

All CRSHE initiatives embody principles of social justice, racial equity and community engagement, and contribute to the vision of all children, youth and adults in rural communities living healthy, meaningful lives. We conduct research to identify tailored solutions to achieve health and education equity in rural schools and communities.

CRSHE provides the following services:

1. Strategic planning and support for implementing changes
2. Virtual Professional Development via ECHO-DU
3. Training, technical assistance and professional learning communities
4. Convening funders, University and community partners
5. Research and evaluation
6. Grant writing and management support
7. Community-based participatory research workshops

Position Summary

This director serves on the Center Leadership Team and reports to the Center Associate Director. The Leadership Team meets weekly to provide its best thinking across all areas of the Center. Collaboration and inclusion is highly valued. The Leadership Team supports all Center projects and initiatives whether or not individuals are directly assigned to the projects. This creates a sense of shared ownership and mutual investment; it also positions Leadership Team members to speak broadly about Center activities to partners.  As recipients of this collaboration and inclusion, we extend invitations to each other for co-authorship, co-PIship, etc. The Center employs a highly collaborative leadership style.

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year. 

Essential Functions

This director position is responsible for developing and executing highly engaging, meaningful opportunities to obtain community stakeholder input. This will be accomplished via holding meetings with the CRSHE Steering Committee and CRSHE San Luis Valley Community Advisory Board. On occasion, the Director will form relationships with other community stakeholders to get their input on current or future CRSHE projects. This director will support the Center vision, mission, focus areas, services and resources by overseeing the following essential functions:

Community Engagement

San Luis Valley Community Advisory Board

• Develop and maintain CAB relationships and partnership
• Lead the SLV CRSHE CAB (with Center Director and CAB chair) (e.g., plan meetings, ensure successful completion of CAB Workplan, oversee annual retreat, ensure the CAB handbook of operating procedures is up to date and effective)
• Work with CRSHE staff on CAB meeting logistics

CRSHE Projects

• Assist CRSHE staff/PIs on  the Wellbeing and Equity in Rural Colorado Schools’ San Luis Valley Equity Network by participating in approximately 6 meetings per year
• Facilitate the leadership team in identifying, prioritizing, strategizing and tracking opportunities in the community

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to design highly engaging opportunities for community engagement
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills
• Familiarity with technology
• Knowledge of and ability to connect MCE and university grant and professional development opportunities with CRSHE staff and students
• Understanding of norms, culture, and guiding principles of CRSHE
• Ability to identify CRHSE staff and student needs and assets
• Knowledge of current and potential audiences/venues/outlets for CRSHE outreach and public relations opportunities (e.g., media, national listservs, etc.)
• Strong reputation and communication skills in the community
• Willingness to cultivate relationships including traveling and meeting diverse community members in person
• Knowledge of community needs and assets
• Familiarity with CRSHE partner communities
• Proven track record of collaboration with CRSHE staff
• Ability to convey CRSHE vision to multiple audiences
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

Required Qualifications

• PhD, EdD, or other terminal degree
• 5 years of community-engagement experience
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience working with diverse populations and constituents
• Successful mentorship experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills in meeting and event planning
• Familiarity with best practices for onboarding new Community Advisory Board and Steering Committee members

Work Schedule

The schedule will be coordinated directly with the Center Associate Director. 

While the University's administrative offices are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, faculty schedules vary from term to term and are based on courses taught, service commitments, and research agendas. The University's academic calendars are posted on the registrar's website (the law school is on a semester system and has a different academic calendar).