PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Position Information

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking a Public Engagement Specialist to develop, implement, and coordinate strategies to facilitate, promote, assist, and integrate community engagement in support of the facilities and utilities programs and projects. The Specialist will be a member of the DES Communications and Public Engagement Team and will work closely with the respective Facilities and Operations Divisions.

Specific duties include:

• Developing and implementing resources, tools and training to enhance the Division's ability to engage with community members on information and issues related to facilities and utilities projects;
• Developing and implementing internal policies and procedures to promote engagement with the community during all project phases;
• Coordinating with project managers from the beginning of new projects or programs to make plans for community research and engagement;
• Serving as a member of the County-wide interdepartmental group that provides direction and guidance for public engagement initiatives across the County, and ensures these efforts are applied to County facilities and utilities projects;
• Conducting outreach for projects, programs and initiatives including developing community forums, education materials and presentations for plans, projects and programs;
• Representing the facilities & utilities projects in advisory groups, civic associations, and other community meetings and events;
• Organizing public meetings, pop-ups, in-person and online engagement forums, and community events;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholder groups, including hard-to-reach, diverse and under-represented communities;
• Maintaining a database of community contacts (residents, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations) and venues for coordinating with contractors for communication materials, survey research and other outreach needs; and
• Coordinating with the County Manager and DES Communications Team regarding programs, projects and communications strategies.

Selection Criteria

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Information, Business/Public Administration, Journalism, or related field; plus
• Three (3) years' experience in the communications field that includes developing and implementing community engagement and public outreach strategies.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master's Degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's degree in a related field or experience in one or more of the following:

• Developing and implementing community engagement strategies for programs and projects;
• Planning, organizing and implementing a wide array of engagement opportunities including public meetings, in-person and online forums, and community events; and/or
• Communications technologies in web and/or information management arenas.

Special Requirements

This position will require occasional travel to visit other departmental sites in Arlington, hold community meetings and events, and/or to meet with program staff. The selected candidate must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicants driving record.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.