City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Community Engagement Specialist

Under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, assists with the development, implementation, and coordination of various project and program activities to promote, support and integrate community involvement into City governance.

1. Assists with the planning, development, and implementation of strategies and programs to help facilitate community involvement with City departments, programs and initiatives.
2. Researches and helps develop and implement City policies, procedures, and protocol designed to engage community input on various City programs and initiatives.
3. Researches best practices in community engagement nationally and globally and briefs staff on these best practices.
4. Maintains a database of community organizations, publications/media outlets, and large events (festivals, sporting events, etc.) to assist with outreach opportunities.
5. Maintains an email and phone database of participants in engagement events to inform of past and future opportunities to engage.
6. Monitors digital engagement on SpeakUpAustin.org, social media, phone messages, text messages, etc., and moderates online discussions as needed.
7. Helps conduct neighborhood need assessments, meets with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community groups to identify needs and available resources.
8. 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.
9. Assesses various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and presents findings to City staff.
10. Keeps accurate records of comments made by public in meetings and other settings (online forum, etc.), analyzes, and summarizes key themes and findings.
11. Consults with City staff to develop and implement public information training materials, bulletins, and presentations.
12. Assists with maintaining effective relationships with community leaders, City Officials, the media, and the general public.
13. Helps track community issues through various media such as written reports, conferences and community meetings.
14. Plans forums, walking tours, conferences and other community events and meetings with City staff.
15. Conducts community research and responses to technical documents issued by City departments, developers and other jurisdictions.
16. May represent the City at Council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events as needed.

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

• 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.

• 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

• Valid Texas driver's license