Community Engagement Specialist

Job Description:

Community Engagement Specialist

Description

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field plus three (3) years of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, or a closely related field plus one (1) year of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license

Notes to Applicants
The Transportation and Public Works Department’s Public Information Office is seeking a full-time Community Engagement Specialist to act as a liaison between the City of Austin and the public for a host of small and large-scale mobility projects. This position will be responsible for developing and delivering community engagement strategies, holding engagement sessions and workshops, and coordinating large public events such as Open Houses. This person will engage with partner City departments as well as develop strong relationships with community groups and interested stakeholders. This role is part of a team of Community Engagement leaders who collaborate on projects both within their geographic focus area and on citywide initiatives. A strong command of International Association for Public Participation (iap2) strategies and techniques is preferred but not required.

Watch the video linked below to learn more about Austin Transportation and Public Works and its role in the region’s mobility landscape.

Inside TPW : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu4fqWGoH0E

Working for the City of Austin provides a number health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. For more information on City of Austin Benefits click here!

Regarding your Application:

A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Please list your complete employment history (to include all job duties responsibilities and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”). Resumes will not be used to qualify for the position and will not be used to recommend salary.

Assessment:

This position may require a skills assessment.

Close Job Posting:

Department may close the job posting at any time after 7 days.

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:

This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.

Office Location Notes:

Office location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

Austin Transportation and Public Works positions are not at 100% remote operation.

Video Conferencing Software Technology:

The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department uses the communication platform, Microsoft Teams, to conduct virtual interviews.
Pay Range
$30.29 - $37.86

Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Hours may vary depending on departmental needs and initiatives.
Job Close Date 10/03/2024 Type of Posting External Department Transportation & Public Works Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 5202 E. Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX, 78741 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience engaging with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds and experiences, including community leaders, key stakeholder groups, residents, service providers, local officials, and elected representatives on potentially sensitive subjects. Experience engaging with Austin’s historically underserved and hard-to-reach communities is preferred.
• Experience in determining target audiences and developing engagement campaigns tailored to their specific engagement needs, including language use, imagery, and best methods.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to read, write, and fluently speak English; fluency in other languages is preferred.
• Understanding of best practices surrounding community engagement, public communications, and local government.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Assists with the planning, development, and implementation of strategies and programs to help facilitate community involvement with City departments, programs and initiatives. Researches and helps develop and implement City policies, procedures, and protocol designed to engage community input on various City programs and initiatives. Researches best practices in community engagement nationally and globally and briefs staff on these best practices. Maintains a database of community organizations, publications/media outlets, and large events (festivals, sporting events, etc.) to assist with outreach opportunities. Maintains an email and phone database of participants in engagement events to inform of past and future opportunities to engage. Monitors digital engagement on SpeakUpAustin.org, social media, phone messages, text messages, etc., and moderates online discussions as needed. Helps conduct neighborhood need assessments, meets with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community groups to identify needs and available resources. Assists with the facilitation of public dialogues and consensus building to identify and resolve issues between the City and various community stakeholders; assistance may include securing venues, arranging for language interpreters, greeting attendees, and note-taking. May also facilitate such dialogues. Assesses various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and presents findings to City staff. Keeps accurate records of comments made by public in meetings and other settings (online forum, etc.), analyzes, and summarizes key themes and findings. Consults with City staff to develop and implement public information training materials, bulletins, and presentations. Assists with maintaining effective relationships with community leaders, City Officials, the media, and the general public. Helps track community issues through various media such as written reports, conferences and community meetings. Plans forums, walking tours, conferences and other community events and meetings with City staff. Conducts community research and responses to technical documents issued by City departments, developers and other jurisdictions. May represent the City at Council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events as needed.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May train and lead others as well as oversee the work of student interns or temporary employees

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of community organizing and neighborhood development techniques.
• Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and time management.
• Skill in data analysis, problem solving, and summary of key findings and conclusions.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in interpersonal communication.
• Ability to review and research large volume of materials and summarize in easily comprehensible formats for City staff.
• Ability to develop new initiatives and work with service providers to plan and coordinate services.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Ability to work with community representatives to identify and address local needs.
• Ability to use conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to work well with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds and experience, including community leaders, residents, service providers, local officials and elected representatives.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field plus three (3) years of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or; a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, or a closely related field plus one (1) year of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs. Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Briefly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and educational requirements.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a valid Texas Driver License. Do you have a valid Texas Driver License or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid Texas Driver License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No (disqualifying)

* Briefly describe your experience engaging with stakeholders and community members on a specific project, how you measured success, and the challenges that you faced.
(Open Ended Question)
* Although the basic work schedule for this position would be days, there will be times when you will be required to work evenings and weekends, to accommodate for the business needs of the organization. Can you work a varied schedule as needed?

• Yes
• No

* Do you understand that this position is required to work in office 50% of the pay period?

• Yes
• No

* All applicants applying for this job posting should submit a complete application; resumes submitted should mirror the completed application. Starting salary for the top candidate (s) will only be based on overall relevant experience from your employment application, not the resume or cover letter. Your application will be considered incomplete if your application and resume do not mirror and if your application states “see resume”. Do you understand these statements?

• Yes
• No

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents