Public Engagement Program Manager

OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY!

Apply through ARCH at: https://www.indeed.com/job/public-engagement-program-manager-4029c3992778c59a

Under general supervision, develops and oversees comprehensive public engagement plans related to proposed service changes, service development and other public-impacting projects; builds and maintains relationships with transit partners and stakeholder groups; plans and staffs a variety of outreach events; and assists in development and implementation of social media, website content and community relations plans to promote ridership and build community good will.  Creates print and electronic communications for news releases, brochures, presentations, and other internal or external communication.

1. Reporting to the Corporate Communications Manager, manages and executes the agency's public engagement plans for assigned projects; develops and implements strategic communications and engagement plans; and updates tools and plans as necessary.
2. Leads, coordinates, schedules and reviews the activities of staff, volunteers and consultants assigned to public engagement outreach.
3. Serves as project manager for any required public engagement related to service changes, fare changes and proposals affecting how the agency serves our riders; evaluates and recommends the most effective and appropriate strategies and tactics for reaching intended audiences; coordinates with other departments as needed; serves as primary point of contact with stakeholder groups and community members; and creates reports on public input activities.  Hosts public virtual meetings as an official representative of the agency.  Coordinates and participates in public engagement and outreach activities through the Agency's service area.
4. Leads the development and maintenance of public engagement materials, including web-pages, social media posts, newsletters, flyer's, fact sheets, rider alerts, surveys and engagement tracking tools; works with agency staff and consultants to get materials produced, updated and distributed.
5. Administers and coordinates customer messaging related to public communications about service changes, policy changes and changes to how our service affects riders.
6. Oversees the development of translation of agency communications; advises and assists staff on communications for English language learner (ELL) populations.
7. Develops strategies for addressing concerns raised by stakeholders, community groups or riders that may positively impact the rider experience, particularly when it comes to equitable service issues.
8. Attends and participates in meetings and committees related to agency outreach projects; participates in external work groups when necessary; meets with stakeholder organizations and community groups; prepares and presents presentation materials, staff reports and other documents as needed; maintains awareness of new developments in the field of public engagement; and incorporates new development/tools as appropriate into programs.
9. Ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; and ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Demonstrated experience exhibiting excellent communication and project management skills to represent the agency in a strong and positive manner.
2. Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, business or public administration, English, Marketing or closely related field.
3. Five years’ experience working in outreach, customer service, community relations, or public relations that includes leading outreach or public relations projects.

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered in place of #2 and 3 above.

Preferred

1. Bilingual.
2. Previous experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, identify and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Entry Requirements for: Knowledge and Skills

Qualification to enter this position requires knowledge of the following:

1. Cultural Competency: Inclusive communication strategies that include but are not limited to representation, cultural competency, people first language, and an inclusive review process.
2. Utilizes our core values of equity and inclusion to analyze the impact of public engagement outreach to diverse, historically under-served audiences, to inform and improve use of Community Transit services.
3. Operations, services and activities of a typical public engagement program.
4. Excellent interpersonal communications skills.
5. Advanced principles and techniques for the preparation and presentation of written and oral information.
6. Principles and techniques for effective presentations to diverse audiences.
7. Communications and public relations theories, principles and practices and their application to outreach programs.
8. A variety of writing styles, particularly AP Style, including correct grammar, usage and punctuation.
9. Social media principles and website content management.

Qualification to enter this position requires skill in:

1. Applies an intentional focus on equity and inclusion to support an equitable and inclusive work environment.
2. Project management, including scoping, tracking deliverables and budget management.
3. Working collaboratively with teams across multiple disciplines to facilitate approvals, meet deadlines and produce quality products.
4. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships or partnerships with diverse groups and individuals, including agency leadership, elected officials, vendors, partner agency staff, community groups, businesses and the general public.
5. Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
6. Strong communication skills, including utilizing a variety of styles, public speaking skills and developing and presenting ideas orally and in writing.
7. Distilling technical information into concise, easy-to-understand messages for public consumption.
8. Working effectively under pressure, managing multiple assignments, setting objectives, meeting deadlines and adjusting to changing priorities.
9. Using personal computer software programs relevant to assigned work, including Microsoft Office, tracking systems and content management systems, compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
10. Leading and delegating daily tasks; communicating and providing work direction and feedback to assigned staff, including consultant staff.

Physical Requirements

Reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, repetitive motions, carrying, pushing, pulling.

Application Process

All new Community Transit employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be granted an accommodation as outlined in our policy on or before their first workday. 

Apply on-line OR at ARCH Staffing: https://www.indeed.com/job/public-engagement-program-manager-4029c3992778c59a

Please attach a resume and cover letter.  Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background checks, reference checks and various performance tests. 

Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.  If you have a family member, or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Human Resources Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.   EOE AA M/F/ Vet/ Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.