Public Outreach Specialist

Las Vegas Valley Water District•San Jose, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, participates in planning, coordinating and implementing logistics for a wide variety of District, Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and Springs Preserve public outreach and engagement programs, activities and special events; represents the organization and participates in events such as trade shows and meetings of business groups and community/homeowner associations to build and maintain community partnerships and promote programs and activities; serves as liaison with vendors to coordinate event arrangements; and performs related duties as assigned. Public Outreach Specialists perform a variety of public outreach and engagement duties to promote District/SNWA/Preserve conservation, construction and community partnership programs. Incumbents participate in planning and coordinating logistical arrangements for internal and external District/ SNWA/Preserve special events, conservation activities and promotions and serve as liaison with vendors and volunteers. Incumbents coordinate and participate in community outreach, customer service and partnership events and activities. Work requires initiative and creativity, good organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with managers, vendors, clients, sponsors and a variety of other stakeholders. Assignments are typically carried out within a framework of established policies and procedures.

Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in public relations, communications or a closely related field; and one year of responsible professional experience involving the implementation of community outreach programs and projects, including event planning and coordination experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Practices, techniques and methods of outreach, public relations and customer service as applicable to assigned areas of responsibility; basic methods and techniques of project management; methods, techniques and terminology applicable to event planning and coordination; some understanding of principles, practices and methods for the development and maintenance of community partnerships; principles and practices of sound business and public communications; safety regulations and District safety policies applicable to employees and public venues; District policies, procedures and practices regarding the release of public information, public notification and recordkeeping; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; basic human resources policies and procedures.
Apply established program/project management practices and methods in planning and coordinating logistical arrangements for a wide variety of program and event types; work with initiative, flexibility and attention to detail and exercise sound judgment within established guidelines and levels of authority; operate a computer using word processing and other standard software; apply critical thinking skills to anticipate and identify operational questions, issues and needs; evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions and courses of action; understand, interpret, explain and apply law and regulations applicable to areas of responsibility; present detailed information, ideas and recommendations clearly and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders; prepare clear, complete and accurate written materials and records; exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive issues and volatile people and situations; establish and maintain highly effective relationships with managers, staff, partners, consultants, vendors, and others encountered in the course of work.
A valid Nevada driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy may be required for certain assignments.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish language proficiency
Experience supporting marketing, communications, and community outreach programs
Demonstrated experience developing and translating Spanish-language content
Coordinating multiple projects simultaneously
Delivering high-quality written and verbal communications
Experience supporting media relations
Conducting interviews
Engaging with Spanish-language media outlets is highly desirable

Responsibilities

Participates in planning, coordinating and implementing logistical arrangements for programs, special events and large meetings hosted by the District/SNWA/Preserve; serves as liaison with partners, participants, vendors and sponsors; coordinates arrangements for event staffing and volunteers; works with other agencies and facilities to ensure events meet permit and other requirements and conform with District goals and standards; participates in developing site plans/maps, room layouts and specific location assignments for vendors, sponsors, exhibitors, stages, etc.; orders food, equipment, materials and supplies in accordance with program and event plans and budgets; performs onsite troubleshooting and proactively resolves issues within scope of authority; participates in post-event debriefings and analysis of event details to identify lessons learned and areas for future improvement.
Represents the District/SNWA/Preserve and its programs/projects with community partners; establishes and maintains agency relations and attends events, public meetings and other outreach activities; makes presentations when assigned and responds to or refers questions, requests for information and complaints to more senior staff; provides information and assistance regarding assigned programs and service areas; participates in promoting the organization’s mission and goals, building awareness and generating support for District/SNWA/Preserve programs and activities.
Provides support and participates with other Public Services staff in developing outreach campaigns and strategies to promote water conservation partnerships; drafts materials, presentations and online communications for review; conducts assigned outreach activities to communicate and promote program purpose and objectives and to develop interest in mutually beneficial outcomes; stays alert for creative and innovative ways to achieve shared interests with optimal use of District/SNWA/Preserve facilities and environmental resources.
Assists other Public Services staff with customer notifications and implementation of outreach plans; assists with drafting and distribution of communication materials including notifications to targeted businesses, homeowner associations and other stakeholders.
Develops, promotes and ensures fulfillment of program and event sponsorship packages.
Attends professional and industry meetings and serves on industry/association committees and other groups on behalf of the organization.
May coordinate and provide guidance to volunteers and interns assisting with assigned projects and activities.