Community Engagement Specialist

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field plus three (3) years of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, or a closely related field plus one (1) year of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.

Notes to Applicants
Austin Energy is looking for someone who is passionate about connecting with people and making a positive impact in our community! In this pivotal role, you will be part of a dynamic team that serves as the knowledgeable face and enthusiastic voice of our municipally-owned utility when it comes to Austin Energy’s major initiatives. The ideal candidate should be able to showcase extensive community involvement, know how to build trust among stakeholders and excel at partnership development. Your strategic agility will help navigate the rapidly changing utility industry, leveraging a high-tech, high-touch approach to achieve organizational objectives, while addressing opportunities and challenges through stakeholder engagement around strategic initiatives.

This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Benefits:
Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Assessments:
Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

WHEN COMPLETING THE CITY OF AUSTIN APPLICATION :

The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history. A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates. Any gaps in employment must have an explanation and dates of unemployment. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history.

Resumes will not be accepted. Statements such as “see resume” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your employment application. Supplemental information or changes to your application will not be accepted after the job posting closes.

The responses to the supplemental questions must reference the employment history listed in the employment history section. Once the requisition has closed, the application cannot be changed to update work history, supplemental questions, or any other information.

We reserve the right to verify high school and college education for the top candidate(s).

If you have any questions regarding your City of Austin employment application, please use the official website of the City of Austin as reference. www.austintexas.gov

VETERAN INTERVIEW PREFERENCE :
Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 verifying honorable discharge, at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK :
The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 7 year criminal history background check.

Driving Requirement:
This position requires a Valid Texas Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Job Offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards.
Pay Range
$30.29 - $37.86

Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Work outside of regular days/hours may be required due to business needs.
Job Close Date 09/17/2024 Type of Posting External Department Austin Energy Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin TX 78723; Hybrid Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience in the utility or energy sector
• Demonstrated ability to confidently and effectively present to large groups and diverse audiences.
• Background in organizing and managing community events, workshops, and public forums.
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for community engagement, including social media management, content creation, and analytics.
• Ability to engage with and understand the diverse cultural backgrounds and needs of the community.
• Ability to write, speak and communicate fluently in Spanish.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Assists with the planning, development, and implementation of strategies and programs to help facilitate community involvement with City departments, programs and initiatives. Researches and helps develop and implement City policies, procedures, and protocol designed to engage community input on various City programs and initiatives. Researches best practices in community engagement nationally and globally and briefs staff on these best practices. Maintains a database of community organizations, publications/media outlets, and large events (festivals, sporting events, etc.) to assist with outreach opportunities. Maintains an email and phone database of participants in engagement events to inform of past and future opportunities to engage. Monitors digital engagement on SpeakUpAustin.org, social media, phone messages, text messages, etc., and moderates online discussions as needed. Helps conduct neighborhood need assessments, meets with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community groups to identify needs and available resources. Assists with the facilitation of public dialogues and consensus building to identify and resolve issues between the City and various community stakeholders; assistance may include securing venues, arranging for language interpreters, greeting attendees, and note-taking. May also facilitate such dialogues. Assesses various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and presents findings to City staff. Keeps accurate records of comments made by public in meetings and other settings (online forum, etc.), analyzes, and summarizes key themes and findings. Consults with City staff to develop and implement public information training materials, bulletins, and presentations. Assists with maintaining effective relationships with community leaders, City Officials, the media, and the general public. Helps track community issues through various media such as written reports, conferences and community meetings. Plans forums, walking tours, conferences and other community events and meetings with City staff. Conducts community research and responses to technical documents issued by City departments, developers and other jurisdictions. May represent the City at Council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events as needed.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May train and lead others as well as oversee the work of student interns or temporary employees

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of community organizing and neighborhood development techniques.
• Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and time management.
• Skill in data analysis, problem solving, and summary of key findings and conclusions.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in interpersonal communication.
• Ability to review and research large volume of materials and summarize in easily comprehensible formats for City staff.
• Ability to develop new initiatives and work with service providers to plan and coordinate services.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Ability to work with community representatives to identify and address local needs.
• Ability to use conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to work well with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds and experience, including community leaders, residents, service providers, local officials and elected representatives.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, o

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position include graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field plus three (3) years of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or; Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, or a closely related field plus one (1) year of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or; Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications referenced above. Detail how you meet the educational requirements (if applicable), account for the years of related experience (if applicable), and explain any substitutions of experience for education, or vice-versa (if applicable).
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in the utility or energy sector. If none, please write N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience presenting to large and diverse audiences. What were the topics and who were the audiences?
(Open Ended Question)
* In your work experience, what digital tools and platforms have you used for community engagement?
(Open Ended Question)
* Detail your proficiency speaking, writing and reading in Spanish. If none, please write N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a Valid Texas Driver License. Do you have a Valid Texas Driver License or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Valid Texas Driver License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that external new hires meet the City's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three (3) moving violations or a total of six (6) Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• Yes

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents

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