The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is the nation's leading cancer advocacy organization. Together with our charitable partner, the American Cancer Society, we work in Congress, state legislatures and local jurisdictions to support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

The Community Engagement Manager empowers and supports our Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) constituents to have a voice and ensures their stories are heard and have a place in tobacco control advocacy, public policy processes, and in ACS CAN’s advocacy work. This position will outreach and provide interventions to prevent exposure to, and the use of, tobacco among Orange County AAPI residents in support of ACS CAN’s tobacco control grant and ACS CAN’s advocacy activities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement the scope of work for a three-year California Tobacco Control Grant as directed.  This Grant work currently goes through June 2028 with the potential for renewal. Project activities and deliverables for those activities are completed and documented on a timely basis.  

• Plan and implement tobacco control grassroots advocacy campaigns to develop community capacity and demonstrate constituent support for local tobacco control related policy initiatives that will reduce health disparities and support for cancer related policy initiatives.  

• Accurately and effectively represent ACS CAN and its mission. Act as a liaison between the Orange County AAPI community members and leaders, and ACS and ACS CAN staff and volunteers.

• Work closely with the CA team to enhance and expand partnerships with various alliance organizations with a focus on racial and ethnic diversity and AAPI communities for grassroots development and training opportunities

• Use community organizing and policy, systems, and environmental change best practices.

• Write and disseminate talking points, educational materials, & media campaign resources for a diverse audience of volunteers tailored to the rural environment.  

• Conduct trainings as needed for volunteers and ACS staff in the area and prepare volunteers for interactions with elected officials and their staff, including developing volunteers with personal stories related to ACS CAN’s policy campaigns

• Participate in ACS CAN fundraising activities as directed, towards achievement of an annual fundraising goal.

• Track and evaluate grassroots related projects to ensure successful completion and organizational growth, including development of e-advocacy campaign narratives and message testing.

• Establish and maintain collaborations and partnerships as appropriate.

• Follow ACS CAN, ACS, and California Tobacco Prevention Program (grant funder) policies and guidelines, including COVID vaccination and willingness to follow CDC protocols for safety

• Perform other duties as assigned.

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE

• Associates degree (Course work in Public Administration, Public Health, Political Science, Social Work or in other related fields preferred)

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience in community organizing, outreach, policy campaigns, and/or health promotion experience

OTHER SKILLS

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and communities.

• Effective verbal and interpersonal skills to facilitate effective communication with community members and community groups.

• Ability to work with AAPI communities in a culturally competent manner.

• Strong writing, oral and computer skills to facilitate effective communication.

• Ability to complete work in a timely and efficient manner and ensure work is accurate.

• Ability to work independently with some direction.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strategic mindset - Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into appropriate action and strategies.

• Action -oriented - Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

• Planning - Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.

• Collaborative - Builds partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

• Networking - Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

• Drive Engagement - Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.

• Manage Ambiguity - Operates effectively, even when things are uncertain, or the way forward is not clear.

• Situational Adaptability - Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

• Cultural Competence- Engage diverse community members and cities to recruit, train, develop, and recognize volunteers. Strengthen grassroots capacity through ACS CAN's volunteer structure, maintaining excellent relationships with grasstops and grassroots volunteers. Lead efforts to build a more diverse and inclusive pathway for volunteer leaders

SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR KNOWLEDGE:

• Familiarity with MS Software, competency with Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Canva, and Excel and Social media platforms

The starting rate is $57,100 to $69,000 annual. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.