Public Outreach Coordinator

Hampton Roads Transit•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

The Public Outreach Coordinator plans, leads, and manages Hampton Roads Transit’s public outreach and engagement activities. The role serves as a central liaison between HRT, community stakeholders, and partner organizations, developing inclusive strategies that inform and engage residents and build trust across the region. The Coordinator advances awareness and support for HRT’s bus, ferry, and light rail services and translates community input into insights that can inform agency decisions and service delivery. The position leads outreach planning for service changes, transit studies, agency initiatives, and other projects. It advises agency leadership and project teams on community sentiment, engagement strategies, and potential risks; supports equitable, transparent, and accessible public involvement; and coordinates with departments and external partners to ensure consistent communication. The Coordinator also oversees outreach documentation and records, evaluates engagement outcomes, and supports grant applications and reporting by documenting outreach activities and community support. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with a demonstrated background in public engagement, community outreach, communications, or planning. A valid driver’s license is required, and an out-of-state license must be replaced with a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of hire when applicable. The position is non-exempt and classified as non-essential personnel. Work may include evening and weekend engagements, physical effort such as transporting materials and setting up displays, and seasonal overtime.

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.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accessible materials and present information to varied audiences.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and collaborate across departments and with external partners.
Knowledge and demonstrated skills and experience in developing and implementing community relations and public involvement plans.
Knowledge of MS Office software; proficiency with computer systems and relevant software applications is essential.
Ability to conduct quality research, maintain complete and accurate records, and develop expertise in HRT services and transit.
Valid driver’s license; acquire a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of hire if holding an out-of-state license and Virginia is the applicant’s state of residence.
Ability to perform some physical effort, including transporting equipment and materials, making onsite presentations, setting up displays, and operating a keyboard device.
Availability for some evening and weekend public speaking and outreach engagements; duties may require seasonal overtime.
Perform all duties safely and follow applicable safety procedures and policies.

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 the development, implementation, and refinement of public involvement in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including public hearing, Title VI, ADA, and language-access requirements.
Lead planning and execution of 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 content, organize public comments, and coordinate timely responses to public inquiries.
Lead outreach related to service changes, including new, modified, or discontinued services, and coordinate follow-up communication.
Plan and facilitate community meetings, public forums, outreach events, and engagement activities, including logistics, vendor support, and information distribution.
Provide direction to outreach staff and contractors and participate in cross-departmental teams for special, high-profile, or sensitive initiatives.
Serve as a liaison between HRT and the community; address questions and concerns and maintain relationships with community leaders, neighborhood associations, advocacy groups, civic organizations, and partner agencies.
Design inclusive public involvement approaches that address diverse populations and historically underserved communities and support 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.
Support communication during service disruptions, emergencies, or controversial projects by coordinating clear and consistent messaging with relevant departments.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on outreach activities using qualitative and quantitative measures of effectiveness, participation, and equity outcomes.
Analyze public feedback and prepare reports for agency leadership and project teams, identifying trends and recommendations.
Track community input and help ensure it is considered in planning, service design, and decision-making.
Manage departmental contact databases, outreach records, and public engagement documentation in accordance with HRT records management policies and procedures.
Develop and maintain a multi-year 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 related to 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 promote consistent messaging and community alignment.
Represent HRT in regional working groups, task forces, and advisory committees concerning transportation, equity, and community development.
Support grant applications and reporting by documenting outreach activities and community support.
Encourage safe customer behavior on or near public transportation, including light rail rights of way, and obtain Operation Lifesaver certification.
Assess outreach needs across departments, including security, procurement, recruitment, technology, and operations, and develop comprehensive outreach plans and initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Perform duties safely, promote safety awareness, follow safety procedures, and report unsafe conditions and hazards.
Transport equipment and materials, make onsite presentations, set up displays, and operate a keyboard device as needed.