Public Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Northern Kentucky Water District; Erlanger (KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional water authority is seeking a Public Outreach and Communications Coordinator to manage public education and communications. Responsibilities include developing compliance communications, overseeing educational programs, and fostering community relationships. The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor's degree in Communications, possess strong writing and public speaking skills, and have at least two years of relevant experience. This position offers a hybrid work option and various benefits.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Work Schedule

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties.

Responsibilities

• Manage public-facing education programs.
• Develop communications materials and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and expand school education and treatment plant tour programs.
• Create, edit, and manage newsletters, articles, and web content.
• Foster positive relationships with schools and community organizations.

Skills

Exceptional writing and editing skills

Strong organizational and project management skills

Public speaking skills

Ability to simplify complex information

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Department: Communications & Public Outreach

Reports To: Communications & Public Outreach Manager

Location: Central Facility

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (some flexibility on hours)

Position Summary

The Public Outreach and Communications Coordinator supports the District’s strategic priority of Proactive Engagement by managing public-facing education programs, developing communications materials, and ensuring compliance with regulatory communication requirements, most notably the Lead & Copper Rule (LCR). This position strengthens trust with customers, schools, regulators, and stakeholders by coordinating outreach initiatives, producing clear and accessible communications, and supporting regulatory projects that impact the public. Additionally, this position contributes to the regulatory compliance and efficient operations of the District.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Regulatory Communications

• Develop and coordinate customer and stakeholder communications related to regulatory requirements, with emphasis on the Lead & Copper Rule (EPA requirement).
• Serve as liaison for compliance activities such as lead testing, education, and data reporting.
• Support project‑specific outreach tied to regulatory mandates (e.g., service line identification, main replacement projects, informational sessions).

Public Outreach Programs

• Oversee and expand the school education program and treatment plant tour program, ensuring engaging, accurate, and age‑appropriate content.
• Plan and coordinate special events such as groundbreakings, community presentations, and other high‑visibility internal/external events.

Communications & Content

• Create, edit, and manage internal and external communications including newsletters, articles, presentations, flyers, and web content.
• Translate technical information into clear, accessible messaging for a wide range of audiences.
• Support proactive storytelling to highlight NKWD’s initiatives, priorities, and community impact.
• Coordinate emergency notices for events such as water main breaks and boil water advisories.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with schools, community organizations, customers, and regulatory partners.
• Actively contribute to building public trust through transparent, timely, and accurate communication.
• May serve as the District’s Public Information Officer for community engagement and emergency events.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Public speaking skills and ability to present to large and diverse audiences.
• Ability to simplify complex technical/regulatory information into clear, customer‑friendly communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills for relationship‑building across stakeholders.
• Proficiency in digital content management and design tools is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and be self‑motivated.
• Ability to work with little supervision and carry out directives.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role primarily operates in a climate‑controlled office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. It requires auditory and visual skills and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Featured Benefits

Paid Time Off • Paid Sick Time • 10 Paid Holidays (includes birthday) • Medical Insurance • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Pension program through Kentucky Public Pension Authority • Short- and Long-Term Disability • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance • Employee Assistance Program • Wellness Program • Flexible Work Schedule • Hybrid Work Options (some positions) • Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Northern Kentucky Water District employs qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity, as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability.

This role is not anticipated to start until after January 1, 2026.