Public Works Engagement & Outreach Coordinator

City of Minneapolis; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Minneapolis is seeking an Engagement and Outreach Coordinator within Public Works to support transportation projects through strategic communications, outreach and stakeholder engagement. The role guides messaging, coordinates with department teams, and helps lead engagement across projects in the right-of-way.

Hybrid work is possible with some days in City Hall and some remote work; strong communication, planning and collaboration skills are essential, along with experience in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, or related field.
• Three years of experience developing educational and communication strategies and outreach activities.
• Experience planning events and using software and web applications to produce communication products.
• Ability to create accessible and engaging content.

Responsibilities

• Support communications and outreach for Public Works engagement efforts.
• Develop and implement engagement plans for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate with Public Works staff and the Communications team on marketing and outreach.
• Plan and participate in community forums, project events and tours.
• Prepare presentations for residents and elected officials.
• Maintain and update engagement templates and resources.
• Ensure website content meets City standards and ADA guidelines.

Skills

Communication strategy

Community outreach

Public relations

Content development

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, or Community Engagement or Related Field

Tools

MS Office

Social media platforms

Web content management tools

Job description

Position Description

***This position is only open to current City of Minneapolis employees.

The Administration Division within Public Works is hiring an Engagement and Outreach Coordinator. The position will support a team of transportation professionals with communications, outreach and engagement around transportation projects. The position will provide direction on strategic communications and outreach for department initiatives. The position will lead coordination with other Public Works Engagement and Outreach coordinators on projects in the right-of-way.

Work Location: This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Support Public Works with vision, conceptualization, production, talking points, reports, handouts, publications and web content that are consistent with Public Works' engagement and outreach efforts.
• 2. Develop and implement issue-specific engagement and outreach plans and strategies for both internal and external audiences, effectively communicating with appropriate partners and stakeholders (i.e. media, residents, elected officials, and/or other agencies).
• 3. Collaborate and build relationships with Public Works staff and the Communications Department to coordinate, implement, and administer marketing and community outreach and education.
• 4. Plan, manage and participate in internal and external events such as community forums, project tours, project celebrations, etc.
• 5. Develop and recommend appropriate outreach strategies to various project teams to ensure clear and consistent messaging that clearly reflects Public Works' strategies and goals, including for capital projects and engagement initiatives.
• 6. Prepare and make presentations to groups, residents, elected officials, and staff and act as a liaison regarding specific Public Works projects, programs and capital projects.
• 7. Maintain, help institutionalize and update as needed the strategic communications and engagement templates and resources for Public Works.
• 8. Uphold the City's website standards and guidelines across a variety of project pages and program pages. Keep up-to- date on the City's website standards and guidelines and ensure that content is reviewed and edited to maintain the standards while remaining in contact with the Quality Owners.

Working Conditions: Normal office setting and some field work. Under current conditions, staff will work out of City Hall at least 3-days per week, with the option to work remotely the remaining days if desired; this may change in the future, candidates must be willing to work full-time from the office if required. Field work is required at times and may include exposure to all weather conditions, including exposure to outdoor elements such as noise, dust, gases, fumes and chemicals; exposure to high traffic areas; and exposure to rough, uneven surfaces and/or other types of conditions that may be found in a construction environment

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, or Community Engagement or Related Field

Minimum Experience: Three years of experience that includes developing educational and communication strategies and plans, conducting community engagement and outreach activities, event planning, and using software and web applications to produce effective communication products

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

A resume is required and a cover letter is strongly encouraged. You must attach an updated resume to your application.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience 100%. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 70% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: Professional Employees - City of Minneapolis or https://mpea.net/

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire three (3) months after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 1. Experience developing educational and communication strategies and plans.
• 2. Experience designing and conducting community outreach activities.
• 3. Considerable knowledge and skills in using software and web applications to produce effective communication products.
• 4. Experience creating content and managing the development of social media and other electronic communications.
• 5. Experience using the Microsoft Office suite of products.
• 6. Demonstrated skill and ability in developing, implementing, and overseeing complex projects.
• 7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• 8. Excellent editing skills.
• 9. Possess strong interpersonal skills.
• 10. Possess the ability to make effective presentations.
• 11. Fluent in creating accessible products per latest ADA guidance.
• 12. Knowledge of transportation systems and construction projects.
• 13. Independent and creative thinker who can take initiative and advance new ideas in a fast-paced work environment.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.