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
The City of Austin’s Office of Police Oversight ( OPO ) provides impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, informs the public to increase transparency, and creates sustainable partnerships throughout the community. We are a small team that embraces human-centered design and procedural justice. OPO is separate and independent from the Austin Police Department.

OPO seeks one Community Engagement Specialist to foster relationships throughout the community with outreach events and public engagement initiatives. This role will directly engage with the public online and in person and represent OPO to various community members and stakeholders, from elected leaders and policymakers to nonprofit groups and faith-based organizations.

You should apply if you have the following:

• A demonstrated experience in community engagement and outreach
• Strong digital production and marketing skills across platforms, including social media, e-newsletters, video, etc.
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills
• Experience in utilizing plain language or accessible design practices in creating accessible communications for diverse populations, including non-English speaking communities and people living with disabilities
• An interest in human-centered design, design thinking, or agile frameworks
• An interest in open data, government transparency, accountability, and public participation.

To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!

When completing the City of Austin employment 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.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates.

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.

Benefits:

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

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education and if you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
• Successful candidates must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems ( CJIS ) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.

Assessment: A presentation will be a part of the interview process.
Pay Range
$30.70 - $38.37
Hours
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday - Friday
Occasional evenings and weekends will be required.
Job Close Date 02/18/2025 Type of Posting External Department Management Services Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Exceptional skill in public speaking and demonstrated experience speaking to and building relationships with a diverse groups of people and a wide range of stakeholder groups varying in size
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and outreach
• Strong digital production and marketing skills across platforms, including social media, e-newsletters and video
• Experience in utilizing plain language or accessible design practices in creating accessible communications for diverse populations, including non-English speaking communities and people living with disabilities
• Training and experience in facilitating public dialogue, directing conversation and building consensus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated skill and experience in event planning, organization and coordination
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

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
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, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position are 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; a 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. Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet the minimum qualifications for this position?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have any Spanish language proficiency?

• No
• Yes - Can read.
• Yes - Can read and speak.
• Yes - Can read, speak, and write.

* This position requires a valid Texas driver’s license. Do you have a valid Texas driver’s license or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid Texas driver’s 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 moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Provide an example of how you led a community-based project or initiative, including a description of the communications strategies employed to reach underrepresented populations. Describe tactics like public presentations, community events, marketing and outreach efforts, or other relevant strategies that illustrate your style or strengths as a community engagement professional.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe when you developed content for people with disabilities or non-English speaking community members. What was your process for identifying the accessibility needs of community members? What strategies or tactics did you employ to improve accessibility? How did you measure success or integrate feedback from community members?
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in creating digital content and managing digital platforms, including but not limited to video, email newsletters, social media, graphic design, or website content. In your answer, please include which position on your application where you gained this experience, what specific role you played, and your familiarity with respective software or platforms.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a very stringent Criminal Background Investigation (CBI). Candidates must pass a CBI that meets the standards according to the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). If selected as a top candidate, do you agree to submit to a CBI?

• Yes
• No

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Resume Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

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