Public Involvement Planner II, or III - TPP Division - Austin, TX

Texas Department of Transportation•Austin, TX

About The Position

Public Involvement Planner II: Performs high-level, professional and administrative work including developing and implementing [complex] public involvement and community outreach programs. Provides leadership and assistance in public involvement and communication efforts for transportation projects. Coordinates public involvement activities to comply with regulations and to achieve strategic objectives. Work requires contact with departmental managers, high-level executives, governmental officials, private entities, and the public. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product. Public Involvement Planner III: Performs high-level, professional and administrative work including developing and implementing complex public involvement and community outreach programs. Provides leadership and assistance in public involvement and communication efforts for transportation projects. Coordinates public involvement activities to comply with regulations and to achieve strategic objectives. Work requires contact with departmental managers, high-level executives, governmental officials, private entities, and the public. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field.
Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
4 years of experience in public involvement, planning, public affairs community engagement or related communications work (for Public Involvement Planner II)
5 years of experience in public involvement, planning, public affairs community engagement or related communications work (for Public Involvement Planner III)
Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent
Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience in public engagement, community outreach, or related roles, preferably in government or nonprofit settings.
IAP2 training/certification
Proficiency in using digital engagement tools and social media platforms.

Responsibilities

Design, plan, and implement innovative engagement strategies to involve the public in state initiatives and decision-making processes.
Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and forums both in-person and virtually to ensure inclusive participation and present training to TxDOT staff, consultants and MPO partners.
Develop accessible and engaging content for public communications, including presentations, reports, newsletters and digital platforms.
Build strong relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration.
Analyze feedback and input from public engagement activities and present actionable insights to agency leadership and policymakers.
Advocate for transparency and accessibility in all engagement efforts.
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support the agency's outreach goals and public involvement campaigns with a focus on providing excellent customer service.
Assists in the development and updating of department policies and procedures
Assists with budget preparation and management.
Conducts research and analysis on complex public involvement issues;
Serve as a lead worker or project lead.
Represents the Department at industry related conferences and seminars
Responsible for special projects and initiatives;
Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.