Education & Outreach Coordinator - Solid Waste

City of Kirkland • Kirkland, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Kirkland's Public Works Department is seeking an Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Solid Waste division. This role is responsible for coordinating the City's recycling programs, behavior change campaigns, and communications and outreach efforts aimed at reducing waste and promoting proper recycling practices. It's an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about sustainability, community engagement, and public education on recycling and reuse. The Public Works Department is dedicated to ensuring the City's infrastructure is safe, functional, and sustainable, overseeing services like stormwater management, transportation, water and wastewater systems, street and grounds maintenance, and capital improvement projects. As the City's largest department, they are committed to Kirkland's vision and their mission, playing a crucial role in making Kirkland a livable, sustainable, and connected city. They pride themselves on being trusted stewards of public resources, infrastructure, environment, and quality of life, fostering a 'One Team' approach, striving for excellence, and attracting and retaining diverse, talented employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, parks and recreation, journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, environmental education, public policy, public administration, community planning, or related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing communications, education, and/or outreach programs, including: two years program/project management experience in communications/education/outreach or a related field, preferably working in or with public agencies; and training and/or experience in community-based social marketing, graphic design, inclusive community engagement, project management, grant writing, conflict resolution, and/or video production.
• Or: Any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s license and ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Knowledge of a range of public involvement and/or education/outreach methods and strategies.
• Knowledge of current literature, trends, and developments in the position's specialization.
• Knowledge of the use of web-based communication and social media for communicating with the public.
• Knowledge of public surveying techniques and various methods of application in governmental issues.
• Skilled in verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in operating personal computer hardware and software in developing written and graphical material; familiarity with artificial intelligence.
• Skilled in organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret data to analyze community and program needs.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to foresee and address potentially sensitive political situations.
• Ability to effectively de-escalate and respond to angry or upset customers.
• Ability to work with a diverse community and team.

Nice To Haves

• Civic or community organization experience is preferred.
• Ability to speak, read, and/or write other languages besides English, particularly languages with larger populations in Kirkland such as Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop outreach campaigns to inform, educate, and engage the public regarding Department programs, projects, and relevant topics.
• Stay abreast of community trends and emerging issues, identify messaging needs, evaluate efficacy of existing materials, and create project plans including tactics and schedules.
• Provide outreach in support of one-time projects as well as ongoing programs.
• Develop community engagement and/or behavior change programs to build public support, solicit input and ideas, and help achieve division goals.
• Identify needs and assess gaps, set goals, research and develop possible approaches, and create project plans, budgets and schedules.
• Implement outreach campaigns, community engagement, and/or behavior change programs.
• Coordinate and host events, develop, procure, and distribute giveaways, and evaluating program and campaign efficacy.
• Coordinate with local, regional, and community-based outreach staff and partners on large-scale goals, programs, policies, and projects to meet goals and engage with the public effectively, which may include regional benchmarking.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders within and across departments to develop and implement programs, policies, and outreach campaigns to engage with the public effectively, which may include developing a strategic marketing plan and branding.
• Develop annual program outreach and engagement strategy and budget.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate long-term outreach, education, engagement, and behavior change strategies.
• Analyze the effectiveness of programs and campaigns and assess progress towards Department goals.
• Prepare reports with recommendations and updates on goals and projects.
• Create a variety of communications materials for use in social media, traditional media, digital, print, and other channels, as appropriate.
• Write communications material including press releases, email, social media, and advertising campaigns.
• Design, assist with, or oversee design of signs, advertising, and other visual materials, which may utilize artificial intelligence to streamline processes.
• Create content for website and social media, including writing copy and designing or sourcing graphics.
• Manage and maintain division online presence, including City website and social media content and engagement.
• Coordinate and promote events and activities to educate and engage with community members.
• Provide planning and logistical support.
• Maintain understanding of current best practices and industry standards for public engagement, behavior change, and awareness outreach, especially in equitably reaching target audiences.
• Translate complex and/or technical industry information for a non-technical audience and communicate the value and importance of programs and goals.
• Edit, review, and proof annual reports and other material generated by others for accuracy, comprehension, and communication best practices.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of current trends and practices in program industry and region.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.
• May write or support preparation of grant applications.
• May manage grants and fulfill grant reporting requirements.
• Procure and manage consultant services to support outreach and engagement campaigns and programs.
• May include writing Requests for Qualifications, Proposals and Bids, interviewing and selecting contractors, approving contractor work and invoices, and negotiating and recommending contract changes.
• Serve as backup Public Information Officer during emergencies and disasters working within the City’s Emergency Operations Plan.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City’s emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Benefits

• Competitive Wages
• Awesome benefits
• Childcare Programs: The City offers agreements with two local childcare providers that offer discounted rates for employees at 10 locations within 20 miles of Kirkland.
• Training and Career Development: Access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level