ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Civic Outreach Squad (COS) is a community-centered initiative focused on direct, data-informed outreach to ensure that City policies, programs, and decisions are shaped by the voices of Cambridge residents. Through on-the-ground outreach-including door-to-door canvassing, event tabling, park conversations, and phone banking-the COS helps expand civic participation and equitable access to City services.
Civic Outreach Workers are trusted messengers who connect directly with Cambridge residents, particularly those historically underrepresented in civic processes. They serve as the frontline representatives of the City, sharing information, gathering community feedback, and helping ensure that resident experiences inform City programs and services. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys community-facing work, thrives in dynamic outdoor settings, and is committed to building trust with residents across diverse neighborhoods.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Field Outreach
Conduct door-to-door canvassing, park engagement, and event tabling to share information about City programs and services.
Represent the City in a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive manner during all interactions.
Perform phone banking to provide residents with timely updates about City initiatives.
Data Collection & Feedback Gathering
Use tablets to collect real-time community input and feedback.
Accurately document conversations, concerns, and emerging themes for review by the COS Coordinator and department staff.
Community Relationship Building
Build and maintain positive relationships with residents to strengthen trust and encourage civic participation.
Serve as a helpful, knowledgeable point of contact for residents seeking information about City services.
Program Support & Collaboration
Support citywide initiatives related to climate resilience, transportation, housing, infrastructure, civic engagement, social cohesion, and neighborhood preparedness.
Participate in team check-ins, trainings, and learning sessions.
Collaborate with fellow Outreach Workers and take direction from the COS Coordinator to ensure smooth field operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
English language fluency required; multilingual abilities highly desirable.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in dynamic field environments.
Strong time management, reliability, and follow-through.
Comfort engaging with residents in varied settings and weather conditions, including door-to-door outreach.
Commitment to equitable and inclusive community outreach.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
High school diploma or GED.
Interest in municipal government and public service.
Commitment to working with communities that are historically underserved and underrepresented.
Ability to effectively engage with individuals of diverse identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
Willingness to learn and communicate information about City programs, services, and processes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in community outreach, customer service, grassroots organizing, or similar community-facing roles.
Familiarity with Cambridge neighborhoods and local issues.
Experience working with Cambridge communities, especially those historically marginalized.
Fluency in one or more languages commonly spoken in Cambridge - Amharic, Arabic, Bangla, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese.
WORK SCHEDULE:
Civic Outreach Workers are part‑time, temporary staff members who report directly to the Civic Outreach Squad Coordinator. The position will run from August 2026 - June 2027, with the possibility of renewal based on COS program needs and individual performance. This position requires availability across multiple weekdays and weekends for up to a maximum of 16.5 hours per week. Schedules are set week-to-week on a rolling basis and outreach areas rotate across Cambridge neighborhoods.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: This role involves significant outdoor outreach activity in all weather conditions, as well as time in a standard office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This is a physically active role involving hours of prolonged walking, regular movement, and routine bending and stretching during outreach shifts in all weather conditions. Ability to travel around the city independently. Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer and tablet. Call, text, answer telephones, and maintain multiple files. Occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
Please upload the below documents to complete your application:
Resume
Cover Letter
With over 100,000 people located in a 6.5 square mile area, Cambridge is a unique community with a strong mix of cultural and social diversity, intellectual vitality and technological innovation. It is a City that prides itself on providing a wide range of services to Cambridge residents that is unique in the Commonwealth, reflecting the strong and ongoing support of the City Administration, the City Council, and ultimately, the residents of Cambridge. Driven by the needs of our citizens, the City’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector of public and private life.