Community Development Specialist

Organization: Oka Institute
Reports to: Director of Oka’ 
Type: Full-Time Exempt

Job Overview:

The Oka Institute is seeking a motivated and collaborative Community Coordinator to support our mission of building sustainable communities through long-term water and wastewater planning. This position plays a vital role in connecting tribal and rural Oklahoma communities with the expertise, funding, and planning tools they need to build resilient, sustainable water and wastewater systems.

As a Community Coordinator, you will lead community outreach, facilitate meetings, collect and organize key data, and help develop strategic planning documents. You will work closely with community leaders, tribal governments, and agency partners to coordinate multi-stakeholder projects, support infrastructure improvements, and promote regional collaboration and natural hazard resilience.

This role includes frequent travel to meet with communities, attend field visits, and participate in planning discussions.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage community-based projects focused on water and wastewater system planning, infrastructure needs, and long-term sustainability.

• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions, including preparing agendas, presenting materials, and building consensus among partners.

• Serve as a key liaison between tribal partners, rural communities, funding agencies, and local governments to ensure communication and alignment of priorities

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• Conduct and organize data collection efforts related to infrastructure, demographics, water/wastewater systems, and community needs.

• Develop and maintain community profiles that synthesize information to inform project planning and identify opportunities for collaboration or funding.

• Provide technical assistance and planning support to communities, including regionalization opportunities, source water planning, and hazard mitigation strategies.

• Use project management tools to track timelines, tasks, and deliverables, while keeping internal and external teams informed.

• Support the identification and coordination of funding opportunities, and assist communities in developing applications, supporting documents, and tracking outcomes.

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to promote sustainable infrastructure solutions and best practices in water and wastewater planning.

• Represent Oka’ with professionalism and cultural awareness during field visits, community events, and public presentations.

Qualifications:

• Preferred: Master’s degree or Ph.D in environmental science, planning, public administration, water resources, or a related field.

• Strong public speaking and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to coordinate and engage with multiple partners and stakeholders, especially in rural and tribal settings.

• Foundational understanding of community water and wastewater systems, including distribution, treatment, planning, and regulatory aspects.

• Preferred: Planning-level knowledge of infrastructure development, regionalization, or sustainable water management.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Preferred: Experience using GIS software for mapping or data analysis.

• Comfortable managing multiple concurrent projects, with excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with flexibility for evolving priorities and travel demands.

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout Oklahoma regularly.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience coordinating community, environmental, planning, or infrastructure-related projects.

• Experience leading or facilitating public engagement efforts and working directly with community members or government officials.

• Familiarity with project management software or tools for tracking tasks and organizing team communications.

• Prior work with funding or grant-related processes in a planning or support role is a plus.

• Experience working in rural or tribal communities and an understanding of the unique needs and opportunities in these settings is highly valued.

Salary Range:

$65,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260.

Please ensure you have completed the Affirmative Action Disclosure Statement with your application.

Affirmative Action Disclosure Statement (Fillable).pdf