What do employers want from community outreach professionals?

1 Communication skills

Communication is the core of community outreach work. You need to be able to communicate effectively with different audiences, such as donors, partners, volunteers, media, and beneficiaries. You also need to be able to use various channels and formats, such as social media, newsletters, reports, presentations, and events. Communication skills also include listening, empathy, and feedback. You need to be able to understand the needs and perspectives of your stakeholders, and respond to their questions and concerns in a respectful and timely manner.

2 Cultural competence

Community outreach professionals often work with diverse and marginalized groups, such as refugees, immigrants, indigenous people, women, youth, and people with disabilities. You need to be culturally competent, which means being aware of your own biases and assumptions, and respecting and valuing the differences and similarities of others. You also need to be able to adapt your outreach strategies and methods to the specific context and culture of the communities you serve. Cultural competence also involves learning from the local knowledge and expertise of your partners and beneficiaries, and collaborating with them in a mutually beneficial way.

3 Project management skills

Community outreach professionals need to be able to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate outreach projects that achieve their goals and objectives. You need to be able to define the scope, budget, timeline, and deliverables of your projects, and coordinate with your team and other stakeholders. You also need to be able to use tools and techniques, such as logic models, SWOT analysis, Gantt charts, and SMART indicators, to manage your projects effectively and efficiently. Project management skills also include problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management. You need to be able to identify and overcome challenges, and make adjustments as needed.

4 Creativity and innovation

Community outreach professionals need to be creative and innovative, especially in times of change and uncertainty. You need to be able to come up with new and original ideas, and test and refine them through experimentation and feedback. You also need to be able to use technology and digital platforms, such as websites, apps, podcasts, and online games, to enhance your outreach efforts and engage your audiences. Creativity and innovation also involve learning from best practices and trends, and applying them to your own context and goals.

5 Passion and commitment

Community outreach professionals need to be passionate and committed to the social causes they work for. You need to be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm and motivation, and inspire others to join and support your mission. You also need to be committed to your own professional development, and seek opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge, and network with other professionals. Passion and commitment also entail being ethical and accountable, and following the principles and values of your organization and sector.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?