Community Engagement Specialist

Description

Title Community Engagement Specialist Department Director's Office Status Full Time Office Location Webbs Norman Center Reports To Executive Director FLSA Status Exempt Position Description The primary goal of this position is to create greater awareness and understanding throughout the community of the Rockford Park District and the significant role we lead in the region's economy, health and wellness, youth development and overall well-being of the community. This position reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for engaging the community, partners, and stakeholders to advance the organization's strategic objectives. The role leads community engagement and outreach efforts, including designing and executing outreach strategies, coordinating events, cultivating and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders, and planning as well as overseeing the organization's annual community dinner.


ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUES Agency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.


RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTURE DefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.


ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENT DefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned
Organizational Excellence

• Assist the Executive Director and Rockford Park District Foundation on the development of a community-wide engagement strategic plan.
• Attend community events, trade shows, and expos representing the Rockford Park District to share information about programs, services, and specific ways for the public to get involved.
• Work closely with the Rockford Park District Foundation, Marketing Team, and Director's Office team to ensure consistent and strategic messaging across all platforms.
• Participate as a member of the director's team in planning and coordinating community engagement activities and events.
• Assist with preparing outreach and engagement reports and maintain the outreach database to evaluate the success of stakeholder engagement.

Compliance

• Maintains a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attend safety training programs and educational in-service trainings as required.
• Understand and applies public relations and communication laws, theories, principles, and techniques in preventing and resolving communication legalities and public concerns.

Leadership by Values

• Establish and maintain a high level of citizen confidence and support by cultivating and promoting positive relationships.
• Establish and maintain exceptional relationships with all internal team members and external stakeholders.
• Support and ensure a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging exists in all areas of the Park District.

Events & Outreach

• Lead the development of an annual community event to celebrate achievements, educate the public, and gain increased support for the District.
• Meet with key stakeholders, audiences, and industries to present and demonstrate how the Rockford Park District impacts their lives and professional work.
• Identify and implement new outreach strategies to better engage with diverse stakeholders, participants, and donors.
• Assist the Communications Manager in creating content for engaging outreach materials, including newsletters and social media.
• Maintain a stock of promotional items for giveaways to increase overall brand awareness.

Partnerships

• Form working relationships with groups and individuals to achieve the District's mission, specifically serving as a liaison to community partners.
• Develop external advocacy and support for the Park District that results in new donor and sponsorship opportunities.

Requirements

Education/Experience Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, or related field required and 4 - 8 years of related work experience preferred.


Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Strategic Planning & Advocacy: Ability to assist leadership in developing community-wide engagement strategic plans and developing external advocacy that leads to new donor and sponsorship opportunities.
• Advanced Public Speaking & Presentation: Proven ability to professionally network and present to diverse audiences, specifically demonstrating the District's impact to key stakeholders and various industries. This includes ease with the media and being interviewed on television or radio.
• Large-Scale Event Management: Leadership skills to design, coordinate, and execute an annual community gathering to celebrate achievements and gain public support.
• Strategic Messaging Coordination: Proficiency in working across departments (Marketing, Foundation, and the Director's Office) to ensure consistent and strategic messaging.
• Project Management & Multitasking: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and outreach strategies while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Interpersonal & Relationship Skills: A strong "team orientation" and the ability to foster relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including employees, donors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Technical & Operational Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Knowledge of public relations and communication laws and principles.
• Ability to maintain an outreach database to track and evaluate engagement success.
• Flexibility & Travel: Availability to work nights and weekends as needed and a valid driver's license for travel
• Ability to professionally network and publicly represent the district
• Knowledge of Rockford Park District Programs and Services
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Have a team orientation approach when working with others
• Experience in working with the media or in the media industry
• Experience in being interviewed and/or appearing on television and radio
• Experience in customer relations
• Must be comfortable playing a leadership role in the organization and in the community

Physical Requirements 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:
Light work:

• Exerting more than 50 pounds infrequently
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to10 pounds of force frequently

Exerting a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.


Work Environment 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:The role is primarily situated in a typical office environment. However, it may occasionally require working extended hours and adapting to a variety of weather conditions.


Benefits The Rockford Park District offers an extensive benefits package designed to support employees' health and wellness, financial security, and overall work-life balance. Key highlights include:


Health & Wellness Health Insurance : Choose from three PPO Plans administered by BlueCross/BlueShield of Illinois, including a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an option for a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Dental Insurance: Coverage through BlueCross/BlueShield, with a $2,000 individual annual maximum.
Vision Insurance : Provided by EyeMed, offering discounts on frames, lenses, and other vision services.
Wellness Program : Empower Health Services offers a variety of programs and resources to support employee well-being, including wellness challenges and health resources.
Employee Assistance Program : Confidential counseling and support for personal and work-related challenges through SupportLinc.

Financial Security Retirement Plans: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension with voluntary additional contributions & optional 457(b) deferred compensation. Life Insurance: Employer-paid life & AD&D (2x salary, up to $300K) plus optional voluntary coverage
Critical Illness & Accident Insurances: Provides financial support by covering out-of-pocket costs for covered critical illnesses and offering optional accident insurance for additional protection.
Tax-Free Accounts: HSA (with HDHP) & FSA for medical and dependent care expenses
Employee Crisis Fund: Provides financial assistance of up to $2,500 for unforeseen emergencies such as medical crises, loss of a primary residence, or a family tragedy. Repayments are made through bi-weekly payroll deductions with flexible terms.


Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Personal Days, Bereavement, and various leave programs.

Additional Benefits Employee Participation Program: Use for District programs or passes including: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Golf Membership, or up to $400 on a card to use throughout Park District facilities.
Exclusive Discounts: Local partners, safety shoe reimbursement, and more
Unique Benefits: Legal, identity theft, and pet insurance options
This robust benefits package reflects the District's commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace.