Public Outreach Coordinator

The Public Outreach Coordinator plans, leads, and manages public outreach and engagement activities for Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). Serving as a central liaison between HRT, community stakeholders, and partner organization, this role designs and delivers inclusive outreach strategies that inform, engage, and build trust across the region.

This position plays a critical role in advancing HRTs mission by fostering meaningful two-way communication, increasing public awareness of transit services, and strengthening community support for all modes of transit (bus, ferry, and light rail) across HRTs diverse service area. The Public Outreach Coordinator acts as a lead ambassador for the agency, ensuring outreach efforts are equitable, transparent, and aligned with organizational goals. The Public Outreach Coordinator plays a strategic advisory role by translating community input into actionable insights that inform agency decisions, improve service delivery, and strengthen public trust in Hampton Roads Transit.

Essential Job Functions:

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

• Support the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of public involvement in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including requirements related to official public hearings, Title VI, ADA, and language access.
• Lead the planning and execution of comprehensive public outreach strategies that educate community organizations, stakeholders, and residents about HRT services, initiatives, and projects.
• Develop and implement targeted outreach plans and communication strategies tailored to specific audiences, including drafting community-facing content; tracking and organizing public comments; and coordinating timely responses to public inquiries.
• Serve as the department lead for public outreach related to service changes, including the introduction of new services and the modification or discontinuation of existing services. Coordinate follow-up activities to ensure accurate, consistent, and effective public communication.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate community meetings, public forums, outreach events, and engagement activities related to transit studies and agency initiatives including managing logistics, vendor support, and dissemination of information to maximize participation.
• Provide leadership and direction to public outreach staff and contractors, ensuring alignment with agency goals and outreach best practices; lead and participate in cross-departmental teams to support special initiatives and high-profile or sensitive projects.
• Act as primary liaison between HRT and the community, addressing questions and concerns, and maintaining strong working relationships with community leaders, neighborhood associations, advocacy groups, civic organizations, and partner agencies at the local, regional, and state levels.
• Design and manage inclusive public involvement approaches that address needs of diverse populations, including communities historically underserved by transportation systems, and support equity-focused initiatives.
• Coordinate HRT participation in community events, public education programs, disability advocacy activities, and other community relations efforts; collaborate with internal communications and marketing teams to support web-based outreach as appropriate.
• Maintains positive working relationships with community and neighborhood-based organizations, customer groups, private agencies, and other public agencies.
• Support public communication efforts during service disruptions, emergencies, or controversial projects by coordinating clear, timely, and consistent messaging in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on outreach activities using qualitative and quantitative metrics to assess effectiveness, participation, and equity outcomes.
• Analyze public feedback and prepare summary reports agency leadership and project teams, highlighting trends and recommendations.
• Track community input and ensure it is meaningfully incorporated into planning, service design, and decision-making process.
• Manage and maintain departmental contact databases, outreach records, and documentation related to public engagement activities.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year public outreach strategy aligned with HRTs strategic plan, capital programs, and service priorities.
• Advise leadership and project teams on community sentiment, risks, and engagement strategies related to service changes, capital projects, and policy initiatives.
• Serve as subject matter expert for public engagement best practices, including equity-centered and trauma informed engagement approaches.
• Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement planning for major initiatives, identifying key influencers, community leaders, and partner organizations.
• Coordinate closely with planning, operations, marketing and customer service to ensure consistent messaging and community alignment.
• Represent HRT in regional working groups, task forces, and advisory committees related to transportation, equity, and community development.
• Supports grant applications and reporting by documenting outreach activities and community support.
• Support and encourage customers to use safe behaviors when on or near public transportation, including but not limited to light rail right of way.
• Become Operation Lifesaver certified in order to help further HRTs mission of providing safe transportation services.
• Assessing the needs of various departments within the organization, including security, procurement, recruitment, technology, and operations, and responding with comprehensive public outreach plans and initiatives.
• 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 Functions:

Knowledge and demonstrated skills and experience in developing and implementing community relations and public involvement plans. Knowledge of marketing, media and advertising principles and services is helpful. Knowledge of MS Office software is essential. 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 strong communication skills including writing and public speaking, to be able to communicate information clearly, accurately and effectively for a variety of audiences.

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 problem-solving 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/Required Experience:

• Bachelors degree in communications, public relations, urban or transportation planning, public administration, community development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Demonstrated background in public engagement, community outreach, communications, or planning, including experience working with diverse populations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accessible materials and present information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across department and with external partners.
• Experience in a transit agency, government, or nonprofit organization; familiarity with public involvement requirements, accessibility standards and equity-focused engagement practices is desirable.

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. 

HRT is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the HRT employment application and/or the interview, contact HRT Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.