Community Engagement Specialist II

City of Lincoln/Lancaster County•Lincoln, NE

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) Department Community Engagement Specialist II is a key member of the LTU Communications and Public Affairs division. This position assists in enhancing public engagement for LTU Transportation and City of Lincoln. This important role offers a variety of opportunities to showcase a person’s ability to plan and coordinate public engagement events in a fast-paced environment, connect with and engage the community through face-to-face meetings, presentations, email, phone calls, mailings, and develop educational and marketing materials that will assist in educating the Lincoln community of important municipal infrastructure projects across the city. Under the direction of the Public Information Officer (PIO) and general supervision of the Project Delivery Manager, the individual will be responsible for collaborating with project engineers, communication specialists, website designer, design and construction project managers, engineers, and outside consultants to develop strategic public engagement plans, and design, write, and edit documents and materials like open house poster boards, postcards, fact sheets, flyers, letters, PowerPoints, and more for various types of projects such as street improvements, watermain replacements, and sidewalk improvement projects.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in broadcasting, journalism, communications, marketing, business or public administration emphasizing public relations, public affairs and public information work or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities and skills.
Possession of a valid driver’s license is preferred

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience with IAP2 public engagement principles and strategies.
Knowledge of tools, including graphic design, Canva, AP Style writing and editing.
Ability to apply consistent style, tone and standards to written and graphic communications.
General knowledge of Transportation-related topics
Experience with website and social media platforms and content.
Strong public relations skills.
Can work in a fast-paced environment and meet quick deadlines
Proficient project management skills to successfully prioritize and deliver multiple projects.
Ability to read Excel sheets
Experience in networking and relationship-building skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate information in a positive manner.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor-vehicle to travel to and from off-site locations to support/attend business meetings, training and related events.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, and to be on call as needed for emergency response.

Responsibilities

Collaborating with key project members to create community engagement plans
Collaborating with LTU Communications and Public Affairs team to ensure sharing of information and additional communication needs are met
Connecting with businesses and residents affected by future or current construction in person, by phone, text, or email
Creating content to mail to neighborhoods
Planning, creating, and hosting public community engagement events
Ensuring accessibility and language access needs meet community engagement guidance and language access plan requirements on all public material and at public events
Submitting regular website updates and project messaging consistent with AP Style writing to engage, inform, and assist the public during design and construction phases of projects.
Taking print-worthy photos and videos, preparing PowerPoint presentations, and presenting information at public events.
Contribute to other Communications-related obligations like write talking points, media responses, responses to members of the public, news releases, marketing initiatives, education, promotions, social media, brochures related to Transportation-related projects.
Visits sites and businesses across the city for the purposes of meeting with internal and external partners, planning and participating in community events and meetings, engaging with community members and marketing programs and services.
Occasionally works evenings and weekends and is on call as needed for emergency response and snow operations.
Participates in strategic planning with the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Communications and Public Affairs division and City Communications division.
Performs other duties as assigned.