Community Relations Specialist

The Community Relations Specialist under direction, assists in the organization and development of a community relations program to advance community harmony, and performs field work to carry out the objectives; does related work as required. The Community Relations Specialist reports directly to the Deputy Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Organizes an effective work program of community relations.
• Plans, develops, and executes an approved program of survey and research relating to community problems.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Encourages community groups to organize and negotiate with private organizations and APA to promote acceptance of the objectives of a program to advance community harmony.
• Speaks to private, civic, government, fraternal, and religious organizations to promote peaceful neighborhood events.
• Visit local merchants and chamber to provide information regarding APA related functions.
• Keeps abreast of the latest sociological materials and journals concerning residence, race, relocation, education, and intergroup relations.
• Gathers and compiles statistical data pertaining to changes in neighborhood and to project anticipated problems.
• Prepares reports.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Out-of-town and overnight trips are possible.
• Some off-site work at other program sites is possible.
• This position requires attendance at community meetings, events and engagements that may occur outside of normal business hours, including evenings and occasional weekends as needed.

BENEFITS

• Generous Paid Leave Time
• Vacation
• PTO
• 12 Observed Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Comprehensive Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription
• Group Life/AD&D Insurance and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Optional benefits available
• Tuition Assistance

The Allentown Parking Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, veteran eligibility, disability, national origin, or any other legally protected status. No question on this application is asked for the purpose of disclosing any applicant's legally protected status. Applicants requiring accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Human Resources Manager.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and/or five (5) years of experience in community relations or community organization work concerning intergroup relations and/or experience in field work.
• Must pass a drug and alcohol test.
• Must pass a background screening, including criminal and credit record checks.
• Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and record in compliance with requirements established by the company's auto insurance provider.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of planning and implementation of a program for the purpose of promoting cooperation, understanding, and harmony between APA, community groups, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the collection, preparation, editing, and distribution of information for the purpose of promoting the services and activities of the organization.
• Knowledge of methods effective in securing the cooperation of civic, business, and community groups, government agencies, and the public in general.
• Knowledge of and ability to prepare reports and official correspondence.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Knowledge of the attitudes of community groups and the general public regarding APA.
• Ability to implement a community relations program to promote cooperation, understanding, and harmony between the APA and the public.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret significant information.
• Ability to serve as a facilitator between groups and individuals in the interest of resolving problems, promoting cooperation, and implementing a community relations program.
• Ability to speak before large and varied groups of people and lead discussions.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates, subordinates, other groups, and individuals.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish, Arabic or other language is not required but preferred.
• Ability to proficiently utilize various forms of social media to communicate (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
• Ability to maintain company website either directly or through the APA's web vendor to include posting of documents, making public announcements and maintaining up to date information on the site.
• Ability to learn Code Red system and be able to post public announcements regarding pertinent information to be communicated to stakeholders.