Community Engagement Manager in Sunderland

Join Us at Civia Health

Location: Remote/UK

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Site Manager (Sunderland) / Recruitment Delivery Director

About Us

Civia Health is providing large population access to a network of sites for ambulatory disease research making participation seamless, convenient, and engaging - integrating cutting-edge research within accessible, everyday spaces, to collapse the time and cost of clinical trials for our clients. We envision a world where our communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, have seamless access to life-changing medical research, accelerating discoveries, improving health equity, and redefining the cost of developing new population health improvements. Our team is passionate about making a real difference in people's lives, and we're committed to building a collaborative, fast-paced, and fun work environment.

Purpose of the Job

The Community Engagement Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and nurturing community partnerships that directly generate potential patients for Civia and/or Thrive and strengthen our presence in the communities we serve. This role uses strategic community engagement, trusted relationship building, and deep local insight to advance chronic disease clinical trials and broaden access to research participation.

A core requirement is a strong understanding of patient pathways, disease indications, and the reality that not every patient is the same. The Community Engagement Manager must recognise the diverse needs, motivations, barriers, and health determinants that shape each community and tailor engagement and messaging accordingly. Success also requires a practical understanding of local healthcare systems, including referral structures, primary and community care networks, health inequalities, chronic disease prevalence, and how to insert Civia and/or Thrive into these ecosystems in a credible, value-adding way.

The role demands the ability to conduct effective stakeholder mapping, identifying high-value partners, organisations, influencers, and access points that can support patient identification and funnel growth. They must apply disciplined judgement to prioritise high-value opportunities and use a “do not proceed” mindset when activities do not provide meaningful patient recruitment return or community value.

As a community-facing representative of Civia and Thrive, this individual must confidently and credibly represent both brands in external interactions. They will build trust rapidly with community leaders, partners, and local influencers while communicating our mission clearly and respectfully. This is a self-starter role requiring high levels of autonomy, personal motivation, and ownership. The Community Engagement Manager must be comfortable driving their own outreach schedule, identifying opportunities, developing new partnerships, and delivering results without day-to-day direction.

The Impact You Will Have at Civia

• Build and nurture a strong, authentic network of community partnerships that consistently produces potential patients for Civia’s research initiatives and supports recruitment targets.
• Use a deep understanding of patient pathways, chronic disease indications, and community health needs to engage populations effectively and inclusively.
• Ensure Civia’s clinical trials are trusted, diverse, and successful by embedding meaningful relationships within communities and expanding access to research.
• Conduct effective stakeholder mapping to identify high-value partners and networks, ensuring Civia invests time and resources where the greatest recruitment impact can be achieved.
• Serve as a credible, trusted representative of Civia in all community-facing activities.
• Operate independently with strong self-motivation, managing your own schedule, outreach planning, and regional presence.
• Provide a warm, participant-centred experience that supports individuals through their initial connection with Civia and Thrive.
• Lead and support tactical tasks and special projects as priorities shift in a fast-growing startup environment.
• Support hands-on operational and participant-facing duties as needed to help Civia scale effectively and remain closely connected to community needs.

Key Responsibilities (Projects A–F)

• A. Community Partnership Development Identify, prioritise, and onboard high-value community partners who can support Civia and/or Thrive initiatives. Build structured partnership plans that deliver measurable value to Civia and Thrive recruitment goals. Maintain relationship quality and ensure meaningful contribution to funnel growth.
• B. Community Activation & Awareness Deliver educational sessions, health outreach, and engagement events. Tailor messaging and materials to local health needs and demographics. Surface insights and barriers that influence participation. Build awareness and trust in Civia and Thrive opportunities.
• C. Patient Pathway & Referral Development Establish referral pathways that convert partnership activity into potential participants. Train partners on how to identify potential participants and refer them into Thrive effectively. Monitor performance and adjust strategies rapidly.
• D. Study Specific Engagement Develop study-specific community engagement plans based on indication, population, and geography. Work with Recruitment Delivery Directors to support funnel strength and identify local risks. Provide weekly updates on engagement results and impact on study timelines.
• E. Insights, Metrics & Reporting Track partner activity, referrals, event outcomes, and conversion trends. Deliver structured insights to country leadership and study teams. Recommend actions based on evidence and community feedback.
• F. Cross Functional Collaboration Ensure alignment between on-the-ground insights and country recruitment strategy. Support consistent and high-quality community experience across all touchpoints for Civia and Thrive.

Competencies

• Core Competencies Relationship Building, Local Insight & Cultural Intelligence, Execution & Ownership, Communication Excellence, Stakeholder Mapping, Judgement & Prioritisation, Data Informed Decision Making, Adaptability & Resilience.
• Civia Specific Competencies Patient First Mindset, Insight Driven Action, Operational Discipline, Cross Functional Collaboration, High Accountability & Early Escalation.

Phenotype Profile

• Ownership & Accountability Operates with full ownership of their geography and partnerships. Personally accountable for relationship quality, referral volumes, and delivered ROI. Focuses on measurable outcomes, not activity for activity’s sake. Treats Civia’s community reputation as their own to safeguard.
• Strategic Community Builder Deeply understands community needs, health barriers, and motivations. Builds trust-based relationships with diverse partners (faith leaders, advocates, local influencers). Rapidly reads community ecosystems to identify true influencers and activation points.
• Disciplined Prioritisation & ROI Mindset Invests time in relationships and activities with the highest probability of generating participants. Confident in applying “do not proceed” decisions when value is unclear. Views community engagement as a measurable acquisition funnel.
• Influential Communicator & Advocate Warm, credible, culturally aware communicator. Persuasive without being transactional; builds belief in Civia’s mission. Comfortable engaging confidently across all community environments.
• Highly Self Driven & Entrepreneurial Thrives with autonomy and minimal oversight. Moves fast on emerging opportunities. Builds structure proactively—networks, processes, and pathways.
• Methodical, Insight Driven Operator Uses evidence, data, and feedback loops to refine strategy. Tracks interactions and referral outcomes accurately. Learns patterns quickly to target high-value communities and reduce barriers.
• Mission Alignment & Integrity Deeply aligned with improving equity in chronic disease research. Builds trust authentically and respectfully. Represents Civia Health with humility, especially in underserved communities.
• High Standard of Professionalism Present Civia clearly, consistently, and confidently. Protects the brand through respectful, reliable relationship management. Acts as a frontline representative of Civia Thrive within the community.

What You Bring to Civia

Required

• 5+ years in community partner and community engagement in clinical research or related sectors.
• Experience in the design and delivery of outreach campaigns to raise awareness and grow participation in clinical trial opportunities with community partners and the community.
• Understand how to effectively support clinical trials through working with partners in the healthcare and research and innovation ecosystem.
• Experience of leading virtual and local community outreach initiatives to build trust and awareness for clinical trials.
• This includes but is not limited to community events, workshops and sessions to raise awareness on research and clinical studies and includes developing educational materials tailored to patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Monitor community engagement campaign performance metrics and use data insights to optimize ongoing and future marketing initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functional teams to ensure messaging aligns with study protocols, Civia Thrive and participant needs.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Comfort with ambiguity and a willingness to perform participant-facing and operational tasks.
• Performing “other duties as assigned,” including low-level operational or administrative work typical of a startup.

Preferred

• Experience in clinical trials or patient recruitment.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead initiatives to make a real impact on patient access to clinical trials.
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with room to innovate.
• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A chance to help shape Civia’s community and community partner engagement approach as we grow.

Ready to Make an Impact?

• Mission with Meaning: Be part of a purpose-led team committed to health equity and real-world impact.
• Startup Energy, Proven Expertise: Work fast, adapt quickly, and help build something new; guided by seasoned visionary professionals who’ve seen what needs to change.
• People First Culture: We care deeply about our patients, participants, and each other. Collaboration, transparency, and bold, straight-talking are core to how we work.
• Invested in Your Growth: We don’t just hire for today; we’re building the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.

If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful—and work with people who care deeply about doing good work—apply today by submitting your resume and cover letter to the link above. We’re excited to learn more about you!