Collective Impact Specialist

The University of Virginia's College at Wise, located in southwestern Virginia, invites applicants for the Collective Impact Specialist. The Collective Impact Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the STRONG Accountable Care Community's (STRONG ACC) cradle-to-career strategy by supporting the implementation of cross-sector initiatives that improve outcomes for economically disadvantaged children, youth, and families across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

This position focuses on activating partners, coordinating strategy execution, and supporting data-informed decision-making within STRONG ACC's collective impact framework. The Collective Impact Specialist works closely with partners, workgroups, and leadership to ensure alignment, accountability, and measurable progress on shared regional goals. This position is supported by grant funding and is expected to continue as long as such funding remains available.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategy Execution and Collective Impact Implementation

• Support implementation of STRONG ACC's strategic plan across priority focus areas (e.g., early childhood, education, workforce development, family stability).
• Translate high-level strategies into actionable workplans, timelines, and partner-driven activities.
• Ensure alignment of workgroup efforts with shared outcomes and performance measures.
• Identify and elevate opportunities to strengthen cross-sector coordination and impact.

2. Partner Engagement and Network Activation

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with cross-sector partners, including education, healthcare, nonprofits, business, and government.
• Recruit and onboard new partners aligned with STRONG ACC priorities.
• Support partners in aligning their programs and initiatives with the STRONG ACC's strategic agenda.
• Promote collaboration across organizations to reduce duplication and increase collective impact.

3. Workgroup and Initiative Coordination

• Coordinate STRONG ACC workgroups and strategy teams to ensure focused, outcome-driven meetings.
• Support development of agendas, action tracking, and follow-up to drive accountability.
• Ensure communication and alignment across workgroups and initiatives.
• Shift workgroups from information-sharing to action and results.

4. Data, Learning and Continuous Improvement

• Support collection, interpretation, and use of data to track progress on key regional indicators.
• Assist in development of dashboards, reports, and partner-facing insights.
• Help partners use data to inform strategy adjustments and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to STRONG ACC's learning agenda and shared measurement approach.

5. Policy and Advocacy

• Monitor and summarize state (TN, VA) and federal policy developments impacting STRONG ACC priorities.
• Support development and coordination of STRONG ACC's annual policy agenda.
• Engage partners in aligned advocacy efforts, including Day on the Hill activities.
• Strengthen alignment between policy efforts and on-the-ground strategies.

6. Communications and Field Building

• Contribute to communications that elevate STRONG ACC's impact, including newsletters, reports, and presentations.
• Support storytelling that connects data, partner work, and regional outcomes.
• Represent STRONG ACC in meetings, convenings, and regional initiatives as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in public health, education, human services, social work, or related field (master's preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in community engagement, coalition building, or membership services
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and drive action across diverse stakeholders
• Experience working with data to inform strategy and decision-making
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment
• Familiarity with collective impact principles and trauma-informed approaches preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (experience with data tools a plus)

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

• Remote position with regular travel across Southwest Virginia and occasionally in Northeast Tennessee
• Occasional evening and weekend work to support partner engagement and events

Location: Remote (must reside in Southwest Virginia)
Reports to: STRONG ACC Director
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

UVA Wise is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence, affordable access, and unwavering support of a collaborative and diverse community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employee fulfills duties as a "responsible employee" under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. A Responsible employee includes any employee: who has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence; who has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee; or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR. A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.