Community Engagement Coordinator

The Position

The Department of Public Safety is pleased to announce a Community Engagement Coordinator. This position will expand community outreach programs, improve community engagement and participation, increase social media effectiveness, and enable the continued building of relationships between Public Safety and the public that Rohnert Park residents expect.

The ideal candidate will possess high ethical standards, excellent communication skills, leadership abilities, be a team player, have a willingness to learn and adapt to change, and be committed to providing excellent and friendly customer service.

RPDPS MISSION STATEMENT
“The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is dedicated to working collaboratively with the community to maintain trust and safety by providing professional service with compassion and integrity”

TO APPLY
To be considered for this opportunity, please visit "Job Opportunities" at www.rpcity.org for an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. Work history must include all employment for the last ten years. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to proceed in the recruitment process.

PLEASE NOTE:
You may submit a resume or other relevant documents to further describe your qualifications; however, "See Resume" will NOT meet the requirements to submit a complete application, including employment history, or be accepted in lieu of responses to supplemental questions.

If you need assistance applying online, please click on the Application Help/FAQ's link: www.governmentjobs.com/home/faq

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, develops, designs, implements and evaluates activities relating to the City’s community engagement and outreach programs; assists department management staff in representing the City to a variety of private, public, and community organizations and regulatory agencies; provides responsible technical and administrative assistance to department management staff; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises direct or general supervision over professional, technical, administrative staff, and/or volunteers.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey level specialized class that is responsible for the administration of various community engagement and outreach programs and projects, including meeting facilitation, publicity campaign administration, analysis, and program or project development and evaluation. Successful performance of the work requires independent judgment and a strong knowledge of federal, state and local policies and programs, social media platforms and trends, and communications and marketing best practices. The work has technical and programmatic aspects, requiring the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and regulations and may involve frequent contact with the media, staff, legal counsel, and the public, as well as performing various research functions.

Ideal Candidate

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Develops and implements a variety of communications programs and outreach strategies to engage the community
• Designs and implements social media campaigns and other outreach and education programs in response to department and community needs.
• Represents the department at community meetings and forums related to department publicity of activities, policies, and engagement efforts, and acts as liaison to various local organizations.
• Leads or assists in concept development, coordination, implementation, and participation in special events, including community meetings, school events, fairs, and other programs to increase public engagement and facilitate collaboration between the public and the department.
• Works with community-based organizations, public officials and consultants, and others to develop and implement programs related to community engagement and outreach.
• Collaborates with other City officials and staff; participates in coordinating marketing program activities with other City functions including Community Services and the City Manager’s office.
• Attends and/or participates in public meetings, committees, and workshops including interdepartmental working groups.
• Evaluates work processes and makes recommendations for improving program operations.
• Writes news releases, news stories, web copy, public service announcements, newsletters, articles, brochures, copy for annual reports, and other publications and collateral for internal and external audiences; researches, writes, proofreads, and edits materials; coordinates media communication by routing to the appropriate responder when directed.
• Compiles information, writes and presents reports and advises staff and decision-makers.
• Analyzes data, researches and compiles information related to the efficacy of outreach programs.
• Applies existing and emerging technologies to inform and engage the community, including a wide variety of social media platforms and other interactive and innovative tools.
• Confers with representatives of other departments, committees and vendors as required by project assignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic principles, practices, and funding sources for planning and implementing community engagement and outreach programs and projects.
• Basic principles and practices of project management.
• Principles and techniques of conducting analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Public relations techniques.
• Techniques of contract administration.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
• Methods and techniques of writing for a variety of media publications and platforms, in a professional manner.
• Principles and practices of writing in a variety of styles, including business, promotional, and talking points.
• Methods and practices applied in design and implementation of communications projects and programs.
• Public/media relations industry practices and trends.

ABILITY TO:

• Monitor project and programmatic administrative, budgeting, and fiscal activities.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the assigned department and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Apply writing style and techniques appropriate for differing business and journalistic/public relations purposes and for a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Research, develop, proofread, and edit written materials accurately and concisely.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Effectively conduct meetings and make presentations to various groups.
• Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues; collect relevant information; evaluate realistic options; and recommend/implement appropriate course of action.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Appropriately implement communications projects and programs and keep abreast of politically sensitive matters.
• Recommend various modalities of disseminating marketing and other positive communications regarding the City and its services.
• Maintain accurate files, records, and archives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, media, sociology, public policy, business administration, or a related field, and three (3) years of professional work experience in public relations and/or communications, or a related field.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new-hire employees will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation. Employees must contribute 50% of the normal cost rate to CalPERS, which is currently 6.25%.

Medicare Taxes are withheld, but the City does not participate in Social Security.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Delta Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium cost to employee and eligible dependents.

HOLIDAYS: 12.5 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL LEAVE PROGRAM: 12.67 hrs/month accrual for paid time off. Accrual schedule increases with service. The maximum Annual Leave cap is 500 hours.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: City-paid $50,000 life insurance policy and $1000 for dependents, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program, Bilingual Pay, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Health Care Tax Free Dollar Account Program, Catastrophic Leave Program, and free use of the City's Sports Center and lap swim in the City's swimming pools. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance, participate in deferred compensation program and join in a credit union. The City is a non-smoking workplace.

EMPLOYEE UNIT: This position is in the Rohnert Park Employees' Association Unit. Positions in this unit that are Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) receive 50 hours of Administrative Leave.