Public Outreach Coordinator

Trans Dist Comm of Hampton Rds•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) seeks a customer-service-oriented and energetic Public Outreach Coordinator to plan, lead, and manage public outreach and engagement activities across the Hampton Roads region. The position serves as a central liaison among HRT, community stakeholders, and partner organizations, developing inclusive strategies that inform the public, build trust, increase awareness of transit services, and strengthen support for bus, ferry, and light rail. The coordinator helps advance HRT’s mission through meaningful two-way communication and by translating community input into insights that inform agency decisions and improve service delivery. The coordinator leads outreach related to transit services, projects, studies, and agency initiatives. The role includes planning meetings and events, coordinating communications and public responses, guiding outreach staff and contractors, maintaining community relationships and engagement records, and advising agency leadership and project teams. Outreach must be equitable, transparent, accessible, and aligned with applicable requirements, including those related to public hearings, Title VI, ADA, and language access. The coordinator also evaluates engagement outcomes and ensures community input is considered in planning and decision-making. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with a background in public engagement, community outreach, communications, or planning. A valid driver’s license is required. Work includes some evening and weekend engagements, occasional seasonal overtime, and physical effort such as transporting materials, setting up displays, making presentations, and keyboard use. The role is classified as non-essential personnel and is non-exempt.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, urban or transportation planning, public administration, community development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated background in public engagement, community outreach, communications, or planning, including experience working with diverse populations.
Knowledge and demonstrated skills and experience in developing and implementing community relations and public involvement plans.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear, accessible materials and presenting information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and collaborate across departments and with external partners.
Knowledge of MS Office software and proficiency with computer systems and software applications relevant to assigned work.
Ability to conduct quality research, maintain complete and accurate records, and become an expert on HRT services and the transit field.
Valid driver’s license; must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of hire if the applicant has an out-of-state license and Virginia is their current state of residence.
Ability to perform the position’s physical tasks, including transporting equipment and materials, making onsite presentations, setting up displays, and using a keyboard device.
Ability to work some evenings and weekends for public speaking and outreach engagements; duties may require seasonal overtime.
Ability to perform all duties safely and follow safety policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of marketing, media, and advertising principles and services.
Experience in a transit agency, government, or nonprofit organization.
Familiarity with public involvement requirements, accessibility standards, and equity-focused engagement practices.

Responsibilities

Support development, implementation, and refinement of public involvement in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, including public hearings, Title VI, ADA, and language access.
Plan and execute outreach strategies that educate community organizations, stakeholders, and residents about HRT services, initiatives, and projects.
Develop audience-specific outreach plans and communications, draft community-facing materials, organize public comments, and coordinate timely responses to inquiries.
Lead public outreach for service changes, including new services and modifications or discontinuation of existing services, and coordinate follow-up communications.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate community meetings, public forums, events, and engagement activities, including logistics, vendor support, and information distribution.
Provide direction to public outreach staff and contractors and participate in cross-departmental teams for special, high-profile, or sensitive projects.
Serve as a primary liaison between HRT and community members, maintaining relationships with community leaders, neighborhood associations, advocacy groups, civic organizations, partner agencies, and other organizations.
Design inclusive engagement approaches for diverse populations, historically underserved communities, and equity-focused initiatives.
Coordinate HRT participation in community events, public education programs, disability advocacy activities, and other community relations efforts; collaborate with communications and marketing teams on web-based outreach as appropriate.
Coordinate clear, timely, and consistent public communications during service disruptions, emergencies, and controversial projects.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on outreach using qualitative and quantitative measures, including participation and equity outcomes.
Analyze public feedback and prepare reports for agency leadership and project teams, identifying trends and recommendations.
Track community input and support its meaningful incorporation into planning, service design, and agency decisions.
Maintain departmental contact databases, outreach records, and public engagement documentation in accordance with HRT records management policies and procedures.
Develop and maintain a multi-year public outreach strategy aligned with HRT’s strategic plan, capital programs, and service priorities.
Advise leadership and project teams on community sentiment, risks, and engagement strategies for service changes, capital projects, and policy initiatives.
Serve as a subject matter expert on public engagement practices, including equity-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement planning for major initiatives.
Coordinate with planning, operations, marketing, and customer service to support consistent messaging and community alignment.
Represent HRT in regional working groups, task forces, and advisory committees related to transportation, equity, and community development.
Support grant applications and reporting by documenting outreach activities and community support.
Promote safe behavior around public transportation, including light rail rights-of-way, and obtain Operation Lifesaver certification.
Assess outreach needs of departments such as security, procurement, recruitment, technology, and operations, and develop responsive outreach plans and initiatives.
Perform duties safely, promote safety awareness, follow safety procedures, and report unsafe conditions and hazards.
Perform other duties as assigned.