Ascension, LLC is seeking an experienced Stakeholder Engagement / Communications Specialist to support public health program implementation, stakeholder coordination, strategic communications, and organizational change initiatives for the State of Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH).

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience engaging diverse stakeholder groups, developing clear and actionable communications, facilitating productive meetings, and translating complex program information into messages that support understanding, collaboration, and informed decision-making.

This position plays an important role in helping DPH strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders, communicate program priorities, identify concerns, and encourage participation in public health initiatives.

Ascension seeks a professional who combines strong interpersonal communication, strategic planning, facilitation, and analytical capabilities with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality products within a limited part-time schedule.

Candidates with experience supporting state or federal health agencies, public health programs, government consulting engagements, organizational change management, or community outreach initiatives are particularly encouraged to apply.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Stakeholder Engagement / Communications Specialist provides professional consulting and coordination support to strengthen stakeholder participation, improve communications effectiveness, and facilitate collaboration throughout public health program implementation.

The contractor works closely with program managers, subject matter experts, government representatives, and other stakeholders to identify engagement requirements, develop communications strategies, coordinate outreach activities, facilitate discussions, and document stakeholder feedback.

The role requires a self-driven, organized, resourceful professional capable of working in a dynamic consulting environment with minimal supervision.

The successful candidate demonstrates sound judgment, professional discretion, cultural awareness, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to anticipate stakeholder concerns before they become barriers to program execution.

The contractor supports the development and maintenance of stakeholder engagement tools and products, including stakeholder registers, communications plans, meeting agendas, briefing materials, feedback trackers, and engagement summaries.

Primary anticipated deliverables:

• Stakeholder analysis and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Outreach and communications plans.
• Stakeholder-facing communications materials.
• Meeting agendas, presentations, and facilitation materials.
• Meeting summaries and stakeholder feedback reports.
• Engagement tracking logs and action-item registers.
• Communications effectiveness assessments and recommendations.

The contractor is expected to work approximately eight hours per week over a 40-week assignment, prioritizing scheduled engagement activities and deliverables rather than maintaining daily operational coverage.

Position Responsibilities and Anticipated Activities

The Stakeholder Engagement / Communications Specialist performs the following activities as required by approved project workplans and assignments:

Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement Planning

• Identify internal and external stakeholders involved in public health programs, initiatives, and organizational change activities.
• Conduct stakeholder assessments to understand interests, influence, communication needs, expectations, and potential concerns.
• Develop stakeholder engagement plans that define objectives, communication channels, engagement frequency, and expected outcomes.
• Maintain stakeholder registers, contact lists, engagement schedules, and participation tracking records.
• Recommend strategies to strengthen stakeholder participation, collaboration, and program acceptance.

Strategic Communications and Outreach

• Develop communications plans aligned with program objectives, implementation milestones, and stakeholder needs.
• Draft stakeholder announcements, briefing materials, newsletters, presentations, talking points, and informational resources.
• Translate complex program information into clear, concise, and accessible messages for diverse audiences.
• Coordinate outreach activities with program leadership and designated stakeholder representatives.
• Review communications materials for accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and alignment with approved messaging.
• Support communications associated with program implementation, process improvements, and organizational change initiatives.

Meeting Facilitation and Stakeholder Coordination

• Plan stakeholder meetings, working sessions, interviews, workshops, and engagement activities.
• Prepare meeting agendas, discussion guides, presentations, and supporting materials.
• Facilitate structured discussions to gather stakeholder input, identify concerns, and encourage collaboration.
• Document meeting discussions, decisions, stakeholder feedback, and action items.
• Track outstanding stakeholder commitments and follow-up activities.
• Coordinate with program managers and subject matter experts to resolve communications gaps and engagement challenges.

Engagement Monitoring and Reporting

• Collect qualitative and quantitative stakeholder feedback to assess engagement effectiveness.
• Analyze participation trends, stakeholder concerns, and communication outcomes.
• Develop engagement summaries, progress updates, and recommendations for program leadership.
• Monitor communications activities against established engagement objectives and project milestones.
• Identify emerging stakeholder risks, communication barriers, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain organized documentation and engagement records using approved collaboration and information management tools.