Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Resource Recovery

City of Austin

12d•$31 - $39

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Community Engagement Specialist Purpose: 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. ARR seeks a creative and multi-talented Community Engagement Specialist to join its community engagement team. Primary responsibilities include leading the department’s language access program, Zero Waste Block Leader program, community presentations, planning community events, building and maintaining relationships with neighborhood and community leaders, and developing a strategic plan for grassroots community engagement that supports the department’s programs and goals. The successful candidate will be an ambitious professional with an empathetic and inclusive work philosophy. They will demonstrate the ability to focus and work well under pressure, including high-stakes community meetings. They are confident in their communication skills, are highly self-motivated, curious, and creative, and can work independently or with a team. If this sounds like you, apply to join our team!

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Experience planning and leading grassroots community engagement efforts related to sustainability.
Experience working with diverse communities with varied cultural and language preferences.
Extensive experience in public outreach and education, including presenting to the public on behalf of an organization.
Experience developing, facilitating, and evaluating engagement initiatives.
Ability to travel to more than one location.

Responsibilities

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