Outreach and Education Specialist (Champaign)

Greater Community AIDS Project of East Central Illinois (GCAP)

Job Title: Outreach and Education Specialist

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Type: Entry-Level, Part-Time (10 hours per week), Non-Exempt

Compensation: $24.00 per hour + Monthly Expense Stipends

Schedule: Flexible, with some evening and weekend commitments required based on scheduled events.

About Us

The Greater Community AIDS Project (GCAP) is an East Central Illinois–based nonprofit organization that assists individuals living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Our mission is to empower individuals and families by providing housing and supportive services while actively working within the community to reduce virus transmission.

Job Summary

The Outreach and Education Specialist serves as an ambassador for GCAP by supporting community outreach, public education, and engagement efforts throughout East Central Illinois. Working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, this position helps increase awareness of GCAP’s mission by assisting with community events, educational materials, and outreach communications. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with people, promoting community resources, and helping reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS through education and advocacy. Personal or professional experience with HIV/AIDS is highly preferred.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Community Outreach

• Set up, host, and tear down GCAP outreach tables, vendor booths, tents, and informational displays at community events, including Pride Fest, HIV testing events, Disability Expo, and other public gatherings.
• Represent GCAP professionally while engaging with community members, sharing educational resources, and promoting available services.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with community organizations, social service agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and other community partners.
• Assist the Executive Director and Board of Directors with planning and coordinating large-scale annual outreach events and community engagement activities.

2. Community Education & Communications

• Develop educational materials and messaging related to HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, advocacy, available community resources, and safer sex practices.
• Utilize creative platforms such as Canva, Adobe, Facebook, and Instagram to help develop outreach materials and social media content.

3. Administrative & Program Support

• Maintain outreach materials, promotional supplies, and event inventory to ensure readiness for community events.
• Prepare materials, displays, and educational resources for outreach activities.
• Support general program operations and perform other related duties.

4. Community Representation

• Demonstrate professionalism and compassion while interacting with clients, volunteers, Board members, community partners, and the public.
• Promote GCAP’s mission through respectful, inclusive, and culturally responsive communication.
• Support organizational efforts to reduce stigma and increase awareness surrounding HIV/AIDS within the communities served.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with the ability to communicate confidently in community and public settings.
• Basic working knowledge of HIV/AIDS, community resources, or a willingness to learn.
• Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Facebook, Instagram, or similar communication platforms preferred.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff, volunteers, Board members, and community partners.
• Lived or learned experience with HIV/AIDS preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice while supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Negative tuberculosis (TB) test or physician certification of TB‑free status.
• Hepatitis B vaccination offered at no cost.
• COVID‑19 vaccination required in accordance with applicable laws and approved accommodations.
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds to transport and set up outreach equipment and supplies.
• Must be willing to undergo background check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance for local travel.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Mileage and cell phone reimbursement
• Paid Leave for All Workers (PLAWA): In compliance with Illinois law, this position offers job‑protected paid time off at a rate of 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked. For a 10‑hour‑per‑week schedule, this equals approximately 13 hours of flexible paid leave per year. Accrual begins on day one, and leave is available to use after 90 days of employment.

GCAP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to join its team. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact us at at the earliest opportunity to discuss your needs. We strive to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.