What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Engagement Specialist II position at City of Lincoln & Lancaster County?
Job Posting Information
Community Engagement Specialist II
The City of Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) department Community Engagement Specialist II is a key member of the LTU Communications and Public Affairs division. This position assists in enhancing public engagement for the LTU Transportation Project Delivery division and City of Lincoln. This important role offers a variety of opportunities to showcase a person’s ability to plan and coordinate public engagement events in a fast-paced environment, connect with and engage the community through face-to-face meetings, email, phone calls, mailings, and develop educational and marketing materials that will assist in educating the Lincoln community of important municipal infrastructure projects across the city. Under the direction of the Public Information Officer (PIO) and general supervision of the Project Delivery Manager, the individual will be responsible for collaborating with project engineers, communication specialists, website designer, project managers, and outside consultants to develop strategic public engagement plans and design, write, and edit documents and materials like open house poster boards, postcards, fact sheets, flyers, letters, PowerPoints, and more for various types of projects such as street improvements, watermain replacements, and sidewalk improvement projects.
Nature of Work
A day in the life of this position may include:
- Collaborating with key project members to create community engagement plans
- Collaborating with LTU Communications and Public Affairs team to ensure sharing of information and additional communication needs are met
- Connecting with businesses and residents affected by future or current construction in person, by phone, or email
- Creating content to mail to neighborhoods
- Planning, creating, and hosting public community engagement events
- Ensuring accessibility and language access needs meet community engagement guidance and language access plan requirements on all public material and at public events
- Submitting regular website updates and project messaging consistent with AP Style writing to engage, inform, and assist the public during design and construction phases of projects
- Taking print-worthy photos and videos and preparing PowerPoint presentations and presenting information at public events
- Contributing to other Communications-related obligations like writing talking points, media responses, news releases, marketing initiatives, education, promotions, social media, and brochures related to Project Delivery projects
The Project Delivery team will teach this individual about engineering and construction techniques and terminology to help provide a solid foundation for all forms of written and verbal communication.
Desirable Knowledge, Abilities & Skills/Desirable Training & Experience
- Knowledge and experience with public engagement principles and strategies
- Knowledge of tools, including graphic design, AP Style writing and editing
- Ability to apply consistent style, tone and standards to written and graphic communications
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet quick deadlines
- Experience with website and social media platforms and content
- Strong public relations and customer service skills
- Proficient project management skills to successfully prioritize and deliver multiple projects
- Ability to read Excel sheets
- Experience in networking and relationship-building skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate information in a positive manner
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor-vehicle to travel to and from off-site locations to support/attend business meetings, trainings, and related events
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, and to be on call as needed for emergency response
Other Job Functions
- Visits sites across the city for the purposes of meeting with internal and external partners, planning and participating in community events and meetings, engaging with community members and marketing programs and services.
- Participates in strategic planning with the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Communications and Public Affairs division and City Communications division.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
The City of Lincoln offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, group life, Employee Assistance Program, and employer matched retirement plan. The City also offers excellent paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday time off. Hybrid remote work options are available after completion of six months of work, at the discretion of department directors and direct supervisor.
Lincoln is a growing city of nearly 300,000 residents and has enjoyed a steady annual population growth rate for the past 30 years. The City has earned top national rankings for its quality of life and thriving economy. Recent ratings include the fifth safest capital city, the seventh best city for renters, the 10th best city for young professionals, the number one city in America for retirement, and the number one safest city for pedestrians in the nation. Lincoln is home to the state’s capital and a variety of universities. Residents enjoy an award-winning trail network, excellent educational system, low crime rate, high-tech infrastructure, and great climate for job seekers and entrepreneurs. Lincoln consistently earns top national rankings and has been named the "Happiest City in America". More information on the Transportation and Utilities Department can be found here: https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in broadcasting, journalism, communications, marketing, business or public administration emphasizing public relations, public affairs and public information work or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities and skills.
- A valid driver's license is preferred as this position will be transporting materials to events.
We value each City of Lincoln employee and one way we demonstrate this is by providing an attractive and competitive total compensation package that adds value to our employees' professional and personal lives. The following benefits are available for this position:
- Pay increases are available upon completion of the 6-month new employee probationary period, and annually thereafter based on performance.
- We encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering 11 days of vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave annually that you begin accruing upon hire; plus 11 paid holidays and 2 personal convenience days.
- All medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family begin the first of the month following hire, no need to wait!
- 30 days of Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Programs offering work/life services, wellness coaching, short-term counseling, legal assistance, and financial coaching.
- Up to 4 days of Funeral and Bereavement Leave
- $70,000 of Life Insurance
- $1,250 of Tuition Reimbursement
- 401(a) Retirement Plan. If you make a 7% contribution, the City will contribute 9%
- Employer provided Post Employment Health Plan for eligible medical expenses that occur after you leave City employment.
- Optional benefits include:
- Medical and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Allstate Voluntary Plans
- Supplemental Term Life
- Deferred Compensation Plans
Salary : $70,000
