Community Engagement Coordinator

Aspen Fire Protection District•Aspen, CO

About The Position

The Community Engagement Coordinator provides communications, outreach, and public education support in a public safety environment. Working with the Wildfire Resiliency Department, Fire Marshal, and District leadership, this position delivers accurate public information and supports wildfire resiliency, prevention, and life-safety programs. The Coordinator develops and distributes communication materials across print and digital platforms and serves as a liaison between the District, community members, and partner agencies. The role translates technical information into clear, practical messaging. This position supports leadership and operations by preparing outreach materials, program communications, and emergency messaging. Work is performed under general supervision and requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, including time-sensitive situations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Three (3) or more years of professional experience in communications, marketing, outreach, public relations, or a related field.
Ability to successfully pass a background check.
Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate, and engaging content for external communications.
Demonstrated graphic design skills, including experience creating visual materials such as flyers, brochures, digital graphics, and presentations.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with diverse audiences, internal staff, and external partners.
Proficiency with basic office technology and communication tools, including email, word processing, and digital file management systems.
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
The district reserves sole discretion in determining equivalency.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or higher in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.
Experience working in public safety, government, special district, or nonprofit environment.
Familiarity with wildfire mitigation, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, or life-safety education.
Public Information Officer (PIO) certification or equivalent emergency communications training.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate effectively with community members in both languages.
Experience managing social media accounts, websites, or digital communication platforms for an organization.
Experience coordinating community outreach events, public education campaigns, or engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Communications & Marketing The Community Engagement Coordinator serves as the District’s primary communications lead, ensuring consistent, accurate, and engaging messaging across all platforms.
Develop, design, and distribute educational and promotional materials across print and digital platforms, including newsletters, social media, campaigns, and collateral.
Manage and maintain AFPD’s website and social media platforms, ensuring timely updates, coordinated messaging, and effective communication during routine operations and emergency events.
Coordinate with regional partners, local governments, nonprofits, and emergency agencies to align public information and messaging across jurisdictions.
Support District branding and media relations efforts, including press releases, public service announcements, and advertising.
Track analytics and engagement metrics while maintaining proficiency with content management systems, media platforms, and email marketing tools.
Community Outreach & Engagement The Community Engagement Coordinator builds and maintains strong relationships with residents, community organizations, and partner agencies to advance AFPD’s mission.
Coordinate with the Executive Assistant to support public office hours and front-desk communication needs.
Represent AFPD at community meetings, HOA events, workshops, fairs, and public forums, serving as a visible and trusted District representative.
Plan and deliver wildfire preparedness, defensible space, and life-safety presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
Support Firewise recognition and renewal efforts and serve as liaison for First Due, Community Connect and the Neighborhood Ambassador Program, including outreach, coordination, and content development.
Foster inclusive outreach strategies that serve Aspen’s diverse and multilingual population and perform other related duties as assigned.
Event Planning & Public Education Programming The Community Engagement Coordinator plays a key role in planning and executing AFPD’s community engagement events and educational initiatives.
Plan and coordinate community events, preparedness workshops, open houses, and educational programs.
Manage event logistics including materials, equipment, staffing support, and on-site engagement.
Support fundraising and awareness events in partnership with the Aspen Wildfire Foundation, as appropriate.
Ensure events align with District goals and communication priorities.
Wildfire Resilience & Prevention Support This role provides targeted communications and outreach support to AFPD’s Wildfire Resilience Team and Fire Marshal’s Office.
Develop and deliver wildfire mitigation and defensible space messaging for residents, property owners, and visitors.
Support prevention and life-safety education campaigns.
Highlight program outcomes and mitigation successes to demonstrate community impact.
Collaborate with program managers to translate technical information into clear, accessible content.
Operational Collaboration & Incident Support Community Engagement Coordinator works collaboratively across AFPD divisions and supports operational needs as required.
Track and report outreach metrics and campaign performance to inform continuous improvement.
Provide communications and Public Information Officer (PIO) support during incidents or urgent public information needs, under direction of command staff.
Maintain organized records of outreach activities, materials, and contacts.