GMEC Community Outreach Specialist

POSITION:                              GMEC Community Outreach Specialist 

JOB CLASS/GRADE:               Specialist 1 / Grade 8 

WAGE:                                      Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience 

FLSA; EEO; WC:                       Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                            IRCO – Greater Middle East Center (GMEC), 4915 SW Griffith Dr, Suite 216

                                                    Beaverton, OR 97005 

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:               1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

                                                    (Limited duration through April 30, 2026. Contract continuation variable)

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:      (1)

APPLY AT:                                 www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                    Full-Time  with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                          GMEC Programs 

SECTOR:                                    GMEC / Center Managed Funds 

REQUIREMENTS:                     Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. 

                                                    Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of connections 

                                                   with local Arabic-speaking communities. 

                                                    Must possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current 

                                                    auto-insurance and have full use of an automobile during work hours

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
The Greater Middle East Center (GMEC), is an engaged service center established to empower and support communities from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia who are living in Oregon and Southwest Washington. GMEC is proudly guided by an advisory council of community leaders and has a welcoming physical office in Beaverton, Oregon. 

GMEC provides an array of community specific services and programs and connects the communities to resources available to them at IRCO, and externally.

Position Summary
The GMEC Community Outreach Specialist builds and maintains community relationships and fosters dialogue between IRCO, Washington County stakeholders and the Arabic-speaking communities we serve. The Community Outreach Specialist will ensure that hard-to-reach community voices are heard that community needs are understood, and that the community is updated about IRCO’s services. The Community Outreach Specialist will adhere to all policies, contracts and grant obligations are met.

Essential Functions

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Arabic-speaking communities.
• Develop and maintain community contact with multi-background community leaders, IRCO and program external stakeholders. 
• Lead, plan, and facilitate focus group discussions and community engagement events. 
• Assist in organizing, developing, and maintaining positive relationships with community leaders, coalitions, partners and key stakeholders, and working collaboratively to maximize civic engagement to work collectively towards systemic change. 
• Support GMEC programs to communicate, engage, and serve Arabic-speaking clients. 
• Support GMEC programs to increase the quality of services.
• Prepare internal reports of community engagement efforts. 
• Maintain a record of community needs and communicate them to management in a timely fashion. 
• Support outreach efforts to recruit new Advisory Council members. 
• Ensure that IRCO policies and procedures are followed in all GMEC activities. 

Secondary Functions

• Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients
• Participate consistently in regular IRCO internal meetings. 
• Support IRCO events as needed. 

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience

Minimum 1-2 years of work experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong analytical, problem-solving skills

Strong skills in community focused, interpersonal, and organizational communication

Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone

Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multicultural team and organization

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

Hybrid setting job 

Positions require some analysis of problems or decision-making ability

Work under close supervision

Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles

Stable work schedule with no fluctuations

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit packages to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending accounts

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email [email protected]

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.