Outreach & Engagement Specialist

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

The Advancement, Engagement, and Outreach team are seeking an Outreach & Engagement Specialist. This role is responsible for growing community engagement and educator participation through The Henry Ford’s inHub resources. A primary focus of this role is expanding the experiential learning program, Invention Convention Michigan, supporting a LEIO goal of reaching 1% of the K-12 student population in Detroit and Wayne County by 2029. The Specialist will collaborate across teams to build awareness, strengthen relationships, and activate meaningful connections with educators, schools and community partners in Detroit and Wayne County.

This position is a full-time hybrid role reporting to the Sr. Manager, Affiliate Relations and Event Operations and working closely with the Sr. Manager, Curriculum & Professional Development. The role includes in-field engagement, frequent travel to Detroit and Wayne County schools, occasional collaboration with community-based organizations, and opportunities to support professional development for teachers and educators. The ideal candidate brings a passion for education, strong community relationships, and a talent for building connections that enhance program visibility and impact.

Essential Responsibilities

Communication Engagement & Relationship Building

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with educators, school leaders, and community influencers across Detroit and Wayne County
• Promote The Henry Ford’s learning programs and resources, with a focus on Invention Convention Michigan
• Represent The Henry Ford at school visits, community meetings, and local events, serving as an ambassador for programs and initiatives

Program Outreach & Event Coordination

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to plan, coordinate, and execute events such as the Maker STEM Summit, Invention Convention Michigan events
• Collaborate with the LEIO team to provide targeted support and professional development opportunities for educators
• Provide on-site support and logistical coordination for programs and events, ensuring meaningful engagement and positive participant experiences
• Initiate outreach and maintain communication & support to educators, schools and community partners as necessary
• Support initiatives that increase program participation and visibility in Detroit and Wayne County schools and communities
• Plan and deliver occasional professional development sessions for educators, helping them leverage The Henry Ford’s learning resources and experiential programs to support student learning

Impact Tracking & Reporting

• Track & maintain, and report on outreach efforts, reporting regular updates through reports and presentations on program reach & participation
• Assist in evaluating program effectiveness and community impact, providing insights to inform strategy and strengthen initiatives

Team Collaboration & Support

• Contribute to the effective management and resolution of challenges, problems, and opportunities within the team, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and with collaborative solutions
• Assist the Learning Engagement, Outreach, and Impact team by taking on special projects and tasks as needed, offering support for key initiatives that drive the team’s overall success

Your Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience in community engagement, outreach, or program coordination with schools or educational networks developing formal and/or informal educational experiences and cultivating relationships with diverse audiences
• Bachelor’s degree in education, history, STEM, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence participation among educators or community leaders
• Experience supporting programs or initiatives that engage students and schools is preferred

Schedule Expectations

• Frequent travel to Detroit and Wayne County required; occasional nationwide travel may be necessary
• This is a hybrid role with the following on-site/off-site/remote distribution: 40% on-site, 40% off-site, and 20% remote
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, and weekends as needed

Special Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an engaging and dynamic presentation style
• Strong ability to build relationships and demonstrate excellent organizational skills
• Capable of working both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with a strong aptitude for problem-solving and diverse program development
• Familiarity with current trends in K-12 education, STEM education, and development of 21st-century skills is desirable
• Experience working with or collaborating with Detroit schools, districts, and educational networks is highly preferred
• Proficient in computer programs (e.g. MS Office Suite) and emerging media platforms
• Willingness to occasionally travel nationwide as required

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.