Community Outreach Specialist (Mandarin, Cantonese)

Program: Commercial Waste Zones Program Outreach

Vendor: Metropolitan Strategies and Solutions LLC

Job Posting: Community Outreach Specialist (temporary)

Metropolitan Strategies and Solutions (MSS) is a Community Outreach firm founded in 2010 that provides consulting services to state and local government agencies to make their services more effective and positively impact citizens’ lives. Based in New York City, our team uses its expertise in community outreach to ensure everyone has access to high-quality services. We collaborate with state and local government agencies to understand citizen needs, develop strategies, and execute purpose-driven solutions.

Job Summary

MSS seeks a dynamic and passionate individual to join our team as a Community Outreach Specialist. In this role, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with the communities we serve, particularly in relation to the Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) initiative. The CWZ project is a cornerstone of our efforts to enhance sustainability, reduce congestion, and combat climate pollution in New York City. You will be instrumental in transitioning businesses to the new program and connecting them with approved vendors, ensuring smooth integration and compliance. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of community needs, and the ability to implement outreach strategies that foster collaboration and support for this vital environmental initiative. Join us in making a tangible impact on the city's waste management system and contributing to a cleaner, healthier future for all.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community engagement.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders.
• Primary responsibilities include high-volume phone outreach, supplemented by site visits when necessary.
• Serve as a conduit for information between community members and program partners.
• Promote the program to a wide audience.
• Distribute educational materials to increase awareness and participation on CWZ program.
• Provide detailed and authoritative information on program goals and requirements.
• Leverage trainings, provide resources to field questions, and direct inquiries to a responsible party.
• Data collection and reporting: collect, document, and report outreach activities, including logging call outcomes, site visits, and follow-ups in systems; ensure accuracy, data integrity, and timely submission.
• Interview property owners, business managers, and facilities staff while taking detailed notes.
• Utilize mobile survey platforms to plan, collect, and aggregate data during outreach activities.
• Regularly track and report on engagement metrics and review data integrity issues.
• Coordinate frequently with program supervisors.
• Qualification Requirements
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college OR three years of equivalent post-secondary education and experience in community engagement, outreach, or related work.
• Two or more years of relevant customer service experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone, and through written correspondence.
• Ability to tailor complex messages to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of community resources, local issues, and cultural competence.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work as a team and independently, under indirect supervision, and exercise independent problem-solving.
• Proficiency in email, word-processing, and spreadsheet applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel.
• Flexibility to support in-person outreach across NYC, which may include travel by public transportation, walking, and outdoor work in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Skills

• Working knowledge of mobile platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Google Forms, Survey Monkey, or Fulcrum).
• Experience leading workshops and trainings, giving presentations, or public speaking.
• Experience or interest in City government, community and civic engagement, outreach, and fieldwork.
• Experience or interest in waste management, organics recovery, recycling, and sustainability.
• Familiarity with the laws, rules, and regulations of New York City.

In addition to English, candidates must be able to speak at least one of the following:

• Cantonese
• Mandarin

Benefits:

• Competitive Hourly Pay: Above NYC minimum wage, with stable full-time hours that support work–life balance.
• Paid Time Off: 1 hour of Paid Time Off is accumulated for every 30 hours worked.
• Training Provided: Comprehensive onboarding on the Commercial Waste Zones program, outreach strategies, and data systems.
• Hands-On Experience: Gain real-world skills in community engagement, government relations, and data systems while contributing to a large-scale city initiative.
• Career Development: Exposure to city agencies, local businesses, and community organizations — plus the chance to work directly with a major NYC agency (DSNY) on a high-profile sustainability program.
• Supportive Team Culture: Join a collaborative outreach team with regular check-ins, coaching, and professional guidance.
• Meaningful Work: Play a critical role in helping New York City businesses adapt to new environmental regulations, reduce waste, and support a cleaner, healthier city.
• City Travel: You will receive a stipend for unlimited metro rides (subway and bus) every month.

Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Background check.

If interested, please forward your resume so we can share it with our client!

Learn more about MSS at mssolutions.us.

***Background Check Required***