Community Engagement Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

Working under general supervision of the Manager of Communications, the Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for collaborating with internal personnel, as well as a diverse array of public and community representatives to build a comprehensive approach to public engagement. This position will utilize strategic community building and organizing techniques to engage residents, property and business owners, and community and non-profit organizations. The Community Engagement Specialist is a key contributor to the promotion of City efforts, with a focus on transparency, education, and openness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations in draft and final form for the Board of Aldermen.
• Facilitates and tracks community questions/inquiries; ensures timely, complete, and appropriate feedback is given to all inquiries; partners with appropriate City officials to answer questions or issues beyond the scope of expertise.
• Assesses various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and presents findings to City staff.
• Supports the drafting and editing of key external communication materials and written correspondence for the Communications Department, the Office of the Mayor, and the Board of Aldermen.
• 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.
• Promotes a positive and professional image of the City of Frederick by being knowledgeable about City programs, news and events.
• Researches and helps develop and implement City policies, procedures, and protocol designed to engage community input on various City programs and initiatives.
• Maintains a database of community organizations, publications/media outlets, and large events to assist with outreach opportunities.
• Supports the maintenance and monitoring of social media interaction on platforms to enhance communication with the public.
• Disseminates news releases and other information in the absence of the Communications Manager, including supporting emergency communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations or a related field; equivalent experience will be accepted in lieu of post-secondary education.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, community development, marketing and communications, public information, or a related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):

• Communication Skills-excellent verbal, written, graphic design and interpersonal communication skills, including an ability to effectively present information and engage diverse audiences.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills.
• Organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Working knowledge of various software programs, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Adobe software, e-mail marketing systems and social media platforms operating in a Windows environment.
• Communication and customer service skills sufficient to deal effectively with the public, vendors, and staff, using written and/or verbal communication.
• Time, project management and problem-solving skills; Adapt to frequent changes in workload
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move about in an office type setting, to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, to compile, retrieve information from computers, telephones, phones, etc., to draft and write, to handle paperwork and position self in the course of work. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word and for conveying details or important instructions to others accurately, quickly, and at appropriate sound level. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with an open workspace shared with others.