Community Engagement Specialist

Division: Communications & Marketing

Closing Date: Until Filled

Location: 1201 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

Salary Range: $55,458.24 - $64,250.40

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Community Engagement Specialist, under direct supervision, represents HART and serves as liaison with business, civic, and community organizations. The position delivers quality customer service, participates in outreach and awareness initiatives, and assists in creating and implementing programs that promote the organization's image in a positive and community-oriented way. Community Engagement is responsible for being the face of HART and the voice for the community's needs, with extensive knowledge of our transit system, our geographical area, and our various stakeholder audiences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Represents HART to riders, various organizations, and the general public, to enhance the image of the Authority. Provides helpful and concise education to the community and receives feedback through listening and understanding.
• Establishes outreach targets and potential leads for new and sustaining relationships and meets reporting requirements.
• Supports HART participation in community events and meetings:

• Schedules outreach events.
• Coordinates and fills out forms and completes calendar appointments.
• Schedules and confirms staffing for events.
• Organizes collateral to be distributed at events.
• Staffs info tables and speaking engagements.
• Make presentations to community organizations and interested groups about HART.
• Report outcomes after event.

• Develop relationships within identified targeted opportunity markets. Enhances HART presence in these identified communities by attending meetings and scheduling presentations.
• Responds to community requests and concerns with prompt follow-up communications. Engages with the public in a way that allows them to feel comfortable and heard.
• Assists with the distribution of public information to community locations. Assists with ridership development initiatives to enhance public awareness and understanding of transit services.

• Supports grassroots outreach programs that engage a broad spectrum of diverse groups, such as youth and students, seniors, and people with limited abilities. Chooses the most effective and appropriate engagement approach based on the audience.
• Proactively identifies potential enhancements or impacts related to customer experience.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma required. Associates degree from an accredited educational institution preferred.
• Experience in community relations, special events, or public transit preferred.
• Must be able to demonstrate or promptly gain a strong knowledge of Hillsborough County and experience with HART services.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) desirable but not required.

Machines, Tools, & Equipment Used:

• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems, as well as a computer for both data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Florida Driver's License or the ability to obtain within in 10 days of hire or moving to the State of Florida.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of public transportation.

• Knowledge of geographical area of Hillsborough County.
• Knowledge of HART services and routes.
• Microsoft Office 365 including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word.
• Principles and techniques of sales, public relations, and marketing.
• Principles and techniques of public outreach and participation programs.

• Event planning, execution, and coordination.
• Basic project management techniques.

• Ability to deliver outstanding customer service.

• Ability to organize, track, and report department metrics.

• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and clearly explain operational/technical service information in simple terms.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including written, visual, and public speaking.
• Ability to interact positively with a variety of personalities, both internally and externally.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop communication materials and presentations.
• Ability to create and maintain mailing lists and other types of databases.
• Ability to follow directions, exercise sound professional judgment, and achieve program objectives.
• Ability to work under stress and interruptions.
• Ability to be a flexible and effective team player.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to follow established safety and security procedures.
• Ability to collaborate with department colleagues.
• Rules, regulations, procedures and functions of the Authority.
• Standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment. This position will participate in many off-site events that require loading and unloading supplies (a staff car will be available), of which some are held outside exposed to the elements. General hours will be Monday - Friday during standard business hours, and is occasionally required to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Ability to hear, see, speak, and perceive color, depth and texture.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 40 pounds.
• May be exposed to potentially intimidating and/or unreceptive members of the public; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, extreme noise and physical harm.

It is the responsibility of all HART employees to provide a safe and secure environment for HART customers, contractors, visitors and fellow co-workers. HART employees are also responsible for:

• Adhering to stated policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security, and quality management.
• Recognizing and reporting all accidents and hazardous conditions.
• Assisting in the development of workplace safety procedures for their respective departments.
• Promoting workplace safety procedures within their department.
• Adhering to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

EEO Compliance : HART is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or other status protected by Federal or State law.


ADA Compliance : Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application process and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.