Risevoic
Community Research Associate / Project Coordinator
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Department Overview
The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) has a 50-year history at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. The UCEDD at OHSU works to improve the health and quality of life of Oregonians with disabilities through education, community service, research and information sharing.
Function/Duties of Position
This grant funded position is for the Community Research Associate / Project Coordinator for the National AAC Peer Support Network Project. This key position is involved in development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of strategies that build UCEDD community engaged research capacity and partnerships. It is a critical role for dissemination, collaboration, and communication with disability organizations locally, regionally and nationally involved with AAC and peer support. Research sites/studies may span a diverse range of domestic and national regions to support research activities (e.g., virtual workgroup meetings, virtual coalition meetings, in-person meetings for dissemination, leadership meetings, etc.).
This position engages and collaborates with community partners, locally and nationally, to promote the health and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families across the lifespan.
Required Qualifications
- Master's in relevant field AND 2 years of relevant experience ORBachelor's in relevant field AND 4 years of relevant experience.
- 2 years’ experience in research and community services, or a combination of related experience, preferably coordinating teams on projects emphasizing quality improvement.
- National experience working with people who use or need AAC and successfully communicating with them.
- Experience disseminating information in accessible formats.
- Experience leading meetings with AAC users and disability organizations through virtual platforms.
- Experience setting agendas for coalition meetings with AAC users and disability organizations.
- Experience collating, organizing and sharing information into accessible shared internet drives for AAC users and disability organizations.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint; Google Drive and ZOOM platform; Excellent organizational and communication skills; Ability to work independently in a multi-task environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in social work with 10 years experience in DD field.
- Experience with project management for national consortium of organizations and people who use or need AAC. Experience with community-based disability organizations.
Additional Details
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All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
This position facilitates communication and coordination among AAC users and disability organizations by organizing virtual workgroups and in-person meetings. It ensures accessible information sharing and builds partnerships that enhance research and community engagement across diverse regions.
Proficiency in accessible communication, virtual meeting leadership with AAC users, and advanced organizational skills are critical. Familiarity with tools like Zoom, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office, combined with community engagement experience, makes a candidate stand out in this specialized research setting.
Yes, gaining experience in managing national projects and coordinating multi-stakeholder coalitions at OHSU provides strong foundations for leadership roles in community-driven research and advocacy within the developmental disabilities field.
While not mandatory, certifications in project management (like PMP) or advanced degrees in social work can enhance candidacy. Local knowledge of disability services and AAC technologies is highly valued given Portland's active community engagement landscape.
Portland has a growing demand for specialized project coordinators in health and disability sectors. Candidates combining research coordination skills with community outreach experience, especially those familiar with AAC, find advantageous opportunities amid moderate competition.
Salaries generally range between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and education level. In Portland, roles at institutions like Oregon Health & Science University offer competitive compensation aligned with nonprofit research coordinator market trends.
OHSU leverages this role to enhance community-engaged research, emphasizing accessible collaboration with AAC users. The coordinator supports dissemination and partnership-building efforts, directly advancing the university’s commitment to improving quality of life for people with disabilities.
This role uniquely combines virtual coalition facilitation, accessible data management, and national partnership development focused on AAC users. Unlike generic project coordination, it requires tailored communication methods and specialized community engagement strategies.
Portland offers reliable public transportation options including buses and light rail, easing commutes to OHSU’s campus. This accessibility benefits project coordinators who participate in frequent meetings and community events without relying solely on personal vehicles.
Candidates holding a bachelor's and four years of relevant experience, particularly in research or community services, meet the baseline qualifications. Demonstrated skills in AAC communication and virtual meeting facilitation further strengthen their competitiveness.