Outreach/Community Engagement Specialist

The hiring salary range is $60,060.20 - $82,585.70 annually, commensurate with experience. Telework eligibility is determined by county policy and the approval of the hiring department. Charles County Government is seeking an experienced Outreach/Community Engagement Specialist to coordinate Recreation, Parks and Tourism’s community engagement and outreach activities, effectively engaging with the public and building relationships to ensure the needs and preferences of the community are being met. Under the supervision of the Media & Communications Project Manager, develops, monitors, coordinates and supports the outreach efforts of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, maintains communications to support effective community engagement, including various print publications, social media, web and e-communications networks; and performs related functions to increase community outreach and engagement. Represents Recreation, Parks and Tourism in local organizations, develops contacts, serves as liaison to more effectively engage the public. Attends community and neighborhood events on behalf of Recreation, Parks and Tourism to connect with the community and hear concerns, provide information about department offerings, and advocate for broader participation. Coordinates, facilitates and assists with scheduling engagement activities including surveys, mailings, forums and meetings, online initiatives and other outreach. Actively monitors and utilizes social media and online tools to promote community projects and engagement initiatives, and coordinates responses for online discussions. Reviews and evaluates existing engagement strategies, systems and activities, and makes enhancements to improve effectiveness. Ensures that the needs of culturally and economically diverse communities are met and works to identify and eliminate existing barriers to participation. Collaborates with the Media & Communications Project Manager to plan, develop and deliver coordinated communications about engagement activities through a broad range of communications channels. Stays abreast of community developments related to the need for informed and engaged community participation. Assist in creating, editing, and distributing engaging content for a range of media formats – website, print, news releases, brochures, social media, e-newsletters, etc. Assist in creating the Department’s quarterly GUIDE publication, including compiling content from throughout department, working directly with graphic designer and print vendors on proofing and printing process. Coordinates marketing implementation with other departments, as needed. Collaborates with divisions and other departments on special projects, displays, and other outreach events. Takes photographs and maintains department photo library. Responds to inquiries from internal clients and the public via email, online form submissions, social media, and telephone. Performs data entry, compiles information, and sends monthly reports as directed. Performs other job duties as assigned. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience working in community engagement and public affairs; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training. Licenses or Certifications: Must possess a valid driver’s license. Special Requirements/Qualifications: Work is subject to frequent interruptions and deadlines and requires tailoring and delivering work products and services to meet the needs of diverse groups. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Charles County Government goals and priorities, with emphasis on encouraging, facilitating and increasing effective, two-way community engagement to enhance the participation and support of the community in the work of Charles County Government. This includes keen awareness of cultural diversity to effectively engage representatives from all parts of the community. Knowledge of Charles County community organizations, including business, civic, government and professional groups, with an emphasis on encouraging, facilitating and increasing community support and understanding and engagement with Charles County Government. Skill in community engagement and demonstrated proficiency in developing informational brochures, newsletters, and presentations to inform and engage the community in gathering feedback on the work and priorities of Charles County Government, while enhancing its public image. Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information (verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem. This includes ability to recognize subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant information and make balanced recommendations and decisions. Examples include developing, improving and managing a planning framework for community engagement and outreach; developing and making audience‑specific appeals to increase community engagement; and arranging for and overseeing execution of events. Skill in using technology (e.g., MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, web-based tools, and social media including, but not limited to, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) to plan, schedule, and communicate to effectively promote and support all community engagement efforts. Skill in working with people of diverse backgrounds and tailoring and delivering public engagement products and services to meet the needs of diverse groups is preferred. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to effectively share information to reach a broad spectrum of the community and to engage with constituents in conversations so that they will understand and share information with the community about Charles County Government. Ability to demonstrate interpersonal skills to interact with contacts in a businesslike, customer service‑oriented manner by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and working in harmony with supervisors, staff and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings. It may include moving about to carry supplies that require an individual to lift up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; set up for community meetings, and perform related functions; use fingers to operate office and communications equipment, such as a computer (for sustained periods, at times) and a telephone; and reviewing all kinds of written documents containing small print, symbols and special notations. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision or hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Generally, work involves only exposure to normal, everyday risks. Department/Division: Recreation, Parks & Tourism/Administration Pay Grade: 112 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Telework Eligible:Yes Reports To: Media & Communications Project Manager Supervises: None #J-18808-Ljbffr CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT