Public Outreach Coordinator

Hiring Salary:  $46,000

Plan, coordinate and manage execution of public outreach activities for Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). This position serves as a key liaison within HRT and with eternal stakeholders to identify, develop and implement public outreach. This includes program development and collaborating with public, private, community and civic organizations to achieve HRT goals for the Regional Transit System Plan. As a representative of HRT, the Public Outreach Coordinator is a lead ambassador who builds trust with stakeholders and increases public and customer awareness to achieve greater support for HRT’s 10-year initiatives for increased bus services and amenities.

Public outreach staff will identify key stakeholders and use targeted delivery methods to educate and engage the community, current and future transit customers, employers, and current HRT employees. Internal departments will assist as needed including customer service, planning, operations, human resources, government relations and Hampton Roads Transit’s Transportation Demand Management Program (TDM).

Essential Job Functions:

(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned)

• Assist in development and implementation of public involvement/information policies and processes that meet all applicable state and federal guidelines.
• Helps develop and implement strategies to educate organizations and citizens to build support and enhance viability for the Regional Backbone Service Plan.
• Develops and implements specific outreach efforts and communication plans tailored to maximize the involvement of target audiences. This includes but is not limited to drafting informational materials for distribution, documenting, and organizing public comments/responses, public requests for information on the Regional Backbone Service Plan as each fiscal year introduces new/additional services.
• Functions as key liaison for enhanced two-way communication between HRT and the community, critical information sharing, and addressing community questions and concerns. Seeks opportunities for open and positive dialogue with community leaders and organizations and attends community programs to educate and distribute information on new transit initiatives.
• Maintains positive working relationships with community and neighborhood-based organizations, customer groups, private agencies, and other public agencies.
• Internal communications will include regular engagement with staff to update and educate them on new transit initiatives as outlined in the Regional Backbone Service Plan. This will include bi-yearly board changes, enhancement of customer amenities, construction of new transit areas, and the new Operations base in Virginia Beach.
  • Setup of Town Hall meetings with staff to include President/CEO, Senior Executive Team, and various department Directors/Managers.
  • Pop-Up Meetings will be conducted to engage employees of HRT facilities and make it easy for employees to get information.
  • Assist other Marketing/Communications staff to make sure all avenues of Internal Communications are utilized to keep employees informed of changes/ updates for the 757 Express.
• External Communications include but not limited to:
  • Public Meetings – in person and virtual public meetings will be organized and advertised to engage a district-wide audience.
  • Pop-Up Meetings – Conduct Pop-Up Meetings to engage the public by bringing the meetings to where transit customers are.
  • Community Events – attend community events to distribute printed information on new transit initiatives.
  • Door-to-Door – Conduct door-to-door outreach to reach small businesses, employers, churches, residential communities, and other entities.
• Manages public outreach contact database.
• Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Function

Knowledge of marketing, social media, and advertising principles and services is helpful. Knowledge of MS Office software is essential. Ability to contribute positively to interdepartmental teambuilding, coordinate with internal staff and outside agencies and individuals. Demonstrated ability to conduct quality research and maintain complete and accurate records and become an expert on HRT services and the field of transit. Must possess effective communication skills including writing and public speaking, to be able to communicate information clearly, accurately, and effectively for a variety of audiences. Bilingual in a second language is a plus.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions:

Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Basic critical thinking skills associated with software applications used is expected. Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated.

Software Applications:

MS Office software

Safety Responsibility:

Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures and policies. Take an active part in reporting unsafe conditions and any hazards within the workplace to their Supervisor, Manager and/or the Safety Department.

 Training and/or Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in communications, Public Relations, English, Marketing, Political Science or Public Administration, or related field preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered as meeting the requirements.

Required Experience:

Considerable experience as a Public Outreach Coordinator or similar job experience required.

Licenses or Certificates:

Possess a valid Driver's License. Acquire a Virginia Driver's License within 60 days after the date of hire (in instances when an out of state license is not the applicant's current state of residence).

Special Requirements:

This position is classified as non-essential personnel.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Physical Demands:

Work requires some physical effort in transporting equipment and materials, making onsite presentations, setting up displays, and operation of a keyboard device. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Unusual Demands:

Work involves some evening and weekend work for public speaking and outreach engagements. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties may require some seasonal overtime.