Community Outreach Specialist

Job Title

Under the supervision of the Veteran Services Director, develops strategies and leads initiatives to increase awareness of the Veterans Services Department. Builds relationships with veteran organizations and other providers of service to veterans. Collaborates with department staff and community partners to increase the numbers of veterans receiving services. Provides communications and public relations support for the department. This is a full-time, benefited position based out of the James Street Complex located at 12251 James Street, Holland, MI 49424. Typical working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note: In the Fall of 2026, the Veterans Services Department will be moving to the Fillmore Campus at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Participates in coordinating, planning and implementing public outreach initiatives to promote Ottawa County Veterans Services to other service agencies, community organizations, nursing homes, veteran facilities, veterans families and the general public.
2. Prepares internal and external communication.
3. Creates materials for presentations to residents, community organizations and veteran organizations.
4. Receives and responds to requests for information about the department from the media, community organizations, professional groups, business organizations, and the general public.
5. Coordinates, participates and facilitates community outreach in person, virtually and through public and social media.
6. Attends veteran member organization meetings (e.g., VFW, American Legion) nursing home and senior center events, libraries and other public events and facilities where veterans and their families gather in order to promote department activities and initiatives.
7. Attends and participates in Ottawa County Department of Veterans Affairs Committee meetings.
8. Researches employers partners for veteran related events.
9. Logs, tracks and maintains records on outreach and engagement activities. Prepares narrative and statistical reports on community outreach, information sharing about the department and veteran engagement.
10. Interacts with staff, elected officials and the general public in person or by telephone to respond inquires, share information about services and promote the department.
11. Behaves in a manner consistent with Ottawa County's values whenever on County premises or acting in an official capacity as representatives of the County.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Associate Degree in communications, marketing, business management or related field. Bachelor's Degree preferred. Two years experience interacting with the public to disseminate information and build relationships; or, any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Experience with Veterans preferred. Veteran Preferred.

Additional Requirements and Information

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. English language skills, including spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage.
2. Computer literacy, including thorough working knowledge of database management, Internet, MSWord, Excel and PowerPoint, desktop publishing and graphics application software.
3. Ability to design and develop materials for a variety of audiences with widely divergent cultural and socio-economic background and divergent levels of educational attainment and English fluency.
4. Ability to maintain positive working relationships with Veterans, members of the media, community organizations and other Veteran related partners.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
6. Excellent interpersonal and human relation skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a normal office environment. While performing the essential functions of this position the employee may be occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. Working conditions are moderately quiet. Availability to work on weekends and evenings for meetings and events. Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer