Job Title: Research Aide, Neighborhood Communications + Technology Coordinator - 45184
Location: UMKC Volker Campus
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 36183
Hiring Department

Department of Architecture, Urban Planning + Design, Center for Neighborhoods

Job Description

This position is responsible for the on-going development and management of neighborhood information and technology for the Center and its partners, including database development, mapping (GIS, online), visual and graphic communications, website development, and social media. The ideal candidate should have the ability to teach basic workshops related to the public use of available government data (for KCMO, Jackson County, State of Missouri and other relevant public agencies) for neighborhood leaders. This position is responsible for the online communications and database development and maintenance for the Center and its relationship with the Department. The position will report to the Center’s Director.

This position will work to train neighborhood leaders and residents to use available technology, including forms of virtual engagement (ZOOM) to communicate and address neighborhood challenges. This includes everything from designing a neighborhood newsletter and flier, to designing a neighborhood website. Candidates for this position should have a demonstrated track record of experience working with technology to address the challenges of cities and urban neighborhoods. Familiarity with civic hacking, use of open data websites from KCMO and other public organizations, and related approaches to using data is welcomed.
UMKC is an equal access, equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that is fully committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

We seek a great communicator who can work with a variety of constituents, including neighborhood leaders, faculty and students, and other community partner organizations. A Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Community Development or Communications or a related field is required. Certifications and experience will be considered for the right candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidate should be a highly motivated and energetic team player with excellent communication skills and experience with community-based, neighborhood development.
Familiarity with neighborhood organizations – particularly communities of concern and the challenges they face is required.
This position requires the ability to be self-directed, responsive to changing needs and priorities, and to multi-task while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

Requirements:

• Ability to work with existing public data systems, system managers and users to gather, organize and analyze useful data for neighborhood organizations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent digital communication skills
• Project management: Ability to conceptualize, develop, manage and complete technology projects from “soup to nuts”
• Ability to work with existing digital technology and to teach others to use technology for good
• Genuine interest in urban neighborhoods and neighborhood sustainability as well as a clear vision of the role of technology in addressing these challenges
• Ability to balance and prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Ability to recognize issues, think analytically and problem solve
• Ability to research issues, summarize data, and prepare reports
• Familiarity and experience in Kansas City preferred
• All final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Background Check prior to beginning employment

Full Time/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary

This is an hourly position with wages estimated at $42,000 – $44,000.

Shift

4o hours per week

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor - Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of this job. If you believe you may have difficulty performing any of the duties or functions of this job, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• EEO is the Law English Version
• EEO is the Law Spanish Version
• EEO is the Law Chinese Version

UMKC Statement on Diversity

UMKC values diversity as central to its mission as an urban-serving research university and as a driver of excellence in teaching and learning. UMKC embraces a broad spectrum of diversities, including race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, linguistic ability, learning style, religion, socioeconomic and veteran status, life experiences, educational level and family structure. For more information on our diversity mission, visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website: http://info.umkc.edu/diversity/

UMKC is the largest comprehensive, fully accredited university in the Kansas City area. Our students come from all 50 states and over 85 countries, enriching our community with diverse perspectives. With more than 125 academic areas, our students have a lot of opportunities to explore on their way to discovering and creating their perfect career. We are at the heart of a thriving urban area where the city’s life and energy influence everything that happens here. We are Kansas City’s university and we can’t wait for you to join us! Find out more about UMKC in the About UMKC section of our website.

Details about UMKC’s community and the benefits of being an employee can be found on our careers page.