Community Coalition Specialist

Posting number: HR -01297

Department: RENEW

Job classification: Community Coalition Specialist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Mental Health, Miscellaneous, Customer Service, Counseling, Community and Social Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION: Under general supervision, the Community Coalition Specialist provides guidance, project management and coordination for community-based prevention initiatives, ensuring integrity, collaboration, and alignment with coalition, agency and grant objectives. This role strengthens coalition capacity, fosters partnerships across sectors, and supports strategic efforts that promote health, resilience, and well-being throughout the community.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This job is not part of a job series.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

• Coalition Oversight and Strategic Coordination: Provides guidance and coordination for community coalitions in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic prevention plans and programs. Facilitates coalition meetings, workgroups, and community discussions to encourage shared decision-making and collaboration. Serves as a liaison between the coalition, fiscal agent, and funding partners to ensure effective communication, compliance, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Strategic and Project Planning: Oversees and supports the development of strategic and project plans that guide coalition priorities and prevention initiatives. Coordinates goal setting, timelines, and measurable objectives in collaboration with coalition members, the fiscal agent, and funding partners. Ensures plans are data-informed, aligned with community needs, and integrated across programs to maximize effectiveness and sustainability.
• Community and Member Engagement: Builds and sustains strong relationships with community partners, coalition members, and stakeholders to advance shared prevention goals. Encourages inclusive participation, supports member development, and fosters a collaborative environment that strengthens community capacity. Promotes active engagement across sectors—schools, organizations, businesses, and residents—to enhance prevention efforts and collective impact.
• Communication and Public Outreach: Demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage, motivate, and inform coalition members, community partners, and the public. Delivers clear and compelling presentations, reports, and technical assistance that advances understanding of prevention and behavioral health initiatives. Leverages digital tools and community networks to strengthen relationships, broaden outreach, and increase visibility of coalition efforts.
• Program and Data Management: Maintains accurate records, prepares reports, and supports budget and fiscal accountability in accordance with funding and evaluation requirements. Contributes to grant development, renewal, and reporting processes by coordinating input, compiling data, and ensuring timely submission to funders.
• Training and Professional Development: Participates in local, state, or national trainings, meetings, and technical assistance opportunities to enhance knowledge of prevention science, behavioral health promotion, and coalition best practices.
• Continuous Improvement and Organizational Support: Contributes to coalition planning, evaluation, and sustainability efforts. Upholds professionalism, discretion, and ethical standards in all interactions and data management.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Performs additional responsibilities to support the success of coalition initiatives and organizational mission.
• This position is expected to support, and be compatible with, the requirements for Washington State Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) certification — including domains of prevention, ethical practice, and continuing education.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to speak and write in both languages.
• Two years of experience of community-based prevention coalitions.
• Knowledge of substance use prevention, prevention science, community development and mobilization, youth development principles, and community organizing approaches.
• Experience with grant writing and reporting.

• Must complete the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) Community Coalition Coordinator Orientation and the Washington Substance Abuse Prevention System (SAPST) Training within six months of employment, if not previously completed, and as required by agency, grant or funding source.
• Must adhere to all required nondisclosure, confidentiality, and data protection agreements and trainings as required by the organization and funding sources.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, health, communications, social sciences, or closely related field OR a High School Diploma or GED with four years of experience in behavioral health promotion or substance use prevention.
• Ability to create and sustain effective relationships with community partners, foster and share leadership among individuals in the community, and build bridges among diverse community members and organizations.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License: Must have a safe reliable vehicle with proof of automobile insurance.
• Background Check: Must have an acceptable background report, at time of hire and every three years afterward.
• Driving Abstract: Must have an acceptable driving report.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

• Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) credential required if stipulated by agency, grant or funding source. Must be held at time of hire or obtained within 18 months of employment, as applicable.

• Flexible schedule required, including evenings and weekends, to support program and coalition activities.
• Travel required locally, statewide, or nationally for meetings, trainings, and events.
• Work is primarily office-based, with occasional duties at community locations hosting programs and coalition activities.
• Renew employees may occasionally encounter individuals in crisis and exposure to blood or body fluids while in clinical service areas.
• This is a grant-funded position - continuation and duration of employment are dependent on available funding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently sits at a workstation to perform administrative tasks, data entry, and reporting with frequent communication with staff, coalition members, and community partners.
• Occasional walking or movement between offices, meeting rooms, and community locations.
• Ability to lift, carry, or transport materials up to 35 pounds to support programs and events.
• Use of near, distance, and peripheral vision, along with depth perception, to perform office and program-related tasks.