Community Health Educator - Cancer Outreach and Engagement

Overview

The Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) is a world-renowned leader in cancer research, care, and education. Through the Center for Cancer Equity and Engagement (CCEE), we are committed to reducing cancer disparities and increasing access to cancer care for Massachusetts residents and beyond. By fostering meaningful partnerships with communities and connecting researchers with underserved populations, we aim to ensure equitable access to cancer education, prevention, and treatment resources.

The Community Health Educator (CHE)will play a critical role in supporting the mission of the CCEE by coordinating and implementing cancer-related health education and community engagement activities across Massachusetts. Under the direction of the Program Manager and CCEE Leadership, the CHE will focus on regions most impacted by cancer disparities, ensuring that culturally and linguistically appropriate cancer information is shared with the public.

This position will also be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with community partners, supporting communication efforts, and identifying opportunities to address gaps in cancer education and outreach.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid work model: two to three days per week remote. Remote work must be conducted from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).
• Travel required across Massachusetts, such as Lawrence, New Bedford, Fall River, Springfield, Worcester, etc. including evenings and weekends, using personal transportation.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

Health Education (50%)

• Deliver in-person and virtual cancer-focused educational workshops, presentations, and training sessions across Massachusetts.
• Develop health education materials and presentations tailored to community needs in collaboration with DF/HCC researchers.
• Ensure all educational content adheres to health literacy guidelines and is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
• Identify new opportunities to deliver cancer education that address outreach gaps and community priorities.
• Stay informed about industry best practices in cancer education and prevention.
• Represent DF/HCC at community events, health fairs, and other outreach opportunities, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Assist with the recruitment of community members for engagement activities and events.
• Develop and disseminate health promotion and cancer education materials.

Administrative Support (30%)

• Coordinate event logistics, including scheduling, monitoring virtual platforms, and ensuring availability of supplies.
• Organize event planning meetings and follow up on action items.
• Track and report metrics related to community outreach and engagement activities.
• Support the Program Manager with meeting logistics, agenda development, and documentation.
• Assist with the development of project protocols, IRB applications, progress reports, and presentations.
• Maintain an inventory of promotional and educational materials.
• Develop and distribute summaries of CCEE initiatives to inform community partners and stakeholders.

Partnership Development (20%)

• Identify and establish new partnerships with community organizations to expand the impact of DF/HCC’s cancer education efforts.
• Support the coordination of Community Advisory Board meetings.
• Collaborate with partners to ensure cancer education aligns with community needs and priorities.
• Build capacity within community-based organizations and health centers to deliver cancer education and resources.
• Represent DF/HCC at community meetings, coalitions, and events to strengthen partnerships and expand outreach efforts.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with community partners and identify opportunities for regular engagement.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, community organizing, social science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in public health or health-related fields (excluding internships).
• Minimum of 4 years of experience conducting health education and outreach in diverse communities.
• Experience building community partnerships and fostering collaborative relationships.
• Experience developing health education materials and using social media for outreach.

Preferred Education and Certifications:

• Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) or similar certification.
• Master’s degree in public health or a related field is a plus.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bilingual fluency in Spanish/English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Knowledge of cancer as a disease process and the cancer care continuum.
• Specialized knowledge in health disparities, health equity, and social determinants of health.
• Familiarity with culturally and linguistically appropriate health education approaches.
• Strong personal initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse populations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, virtual platforms (Zoom, Teams), and design tools (Canva, Adobe Acrobat Pro).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.