The Midwest D-CFAR Scientific Working Group (SWG) is seeking nominations for Community Champions to support our efforts to end the HIV epidemic in Missouri.

A Community Champion is an individual with lived experience with HIV who is not affiliated with an academic institution or a department of health. They should be affiliated with a community-based or community-controlled organization (as a staff member, advocate, volunteer, or other representative).

We encourage individuals who are passionate about community engagement, advocacy, and advancing research that is responsive to the communities most impacted by HIV to apply. Selected Community Champions will contribute meaningfully to research development while helping ensure that community voices remain central throughout the process.

Scope of Work
The Community Champion will serve as a bridge between communities and academic partners, collaborating to develop community-informed research ideas. Champions will play an integral role in shaping and advancing proposals that reflect community priorities, needs, and experiences.

Responsibilities may include:

• Meeting with investigators to provide feedback on proposal ideas.

• Facilitating connections between community members and researchers.

• Providing input on D-CFAR initiatives under the guidance of Kneeshe Parkinson (SWG coordinator) and D-CFAR leadership.

Duration
The appointment will last one year, with the potential to continue service for up to three grant cycles based on performance and program needs.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: January 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM (CST)

• Notification of selection: February 9, 2026

Additional details regarding eligibility, expectations, and compensation are included in the nomination application. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of Community Champions committed to collaboration, impact, and innovation.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact our SWG team at SWG@midwestdcfar.org.