Position Overview
The Public Engagement Specialist will be at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance public engagement and foster meaningful relationships between the organization and the communities that it serves. This role requires a dynamic, creative, and strategic individual who is passionate about making a difference and has a proven track record in public engagement, community outreach, and stakeholder management.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
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Develop and implement comprehensive public engagement strategies to effectively communicate organizational initiatives, gather community feedback, and promote active participation among diverse stakeholders.
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Plays an integral role in internal communication, assisting with announcements, internal and external media postings, events, and newsletters.
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Lead and coordinate public events, forums, workshops, and meetings, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible, and effectively engage the target audiences.
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Act as organizational spokesperson with the media, other agencies, stakeholders, and the public, as needed.
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Establish and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, organizations, stakeholders, and the public to foster partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
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Analyze public opinion and feedback to inform organizational decision-making and strategy development.
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Produce engaging content for various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and press releases, tailored to diverse audiences.
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Create and deliver press releases, articles, talking points, photo/video and other related communications for publication.
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Provide expert advice and guidance to senior management on public engagement best practices, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
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Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of public engagement activities, providing regular reports and insights to stakeholders.
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Mentor and support team members, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning within the public engagement team.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Education
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Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience
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A minimum of 5 years of experience in public engagement, community outreach, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
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Ability to produce clear, engaging, and professionally written content following AP-style guidelines.
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Proficiency in capturing and editing photos to support visual storytelling across various platforms.
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Familiarity with using CMS platforms for effective publishing, managing, and updating website content.
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Deep understanding of media dynamics to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination.
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Commitment to handling sensitive and confidential information discreetly.
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Capability to work independently with limited supervision, self-start, and own goal setting.
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Strong knowledge of office-related and communication software for efficient work and effective communication.
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Excellent skills in managing time effectively, prioritizing tasks, and juggling multiple initiatives.
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Experience using the Adobe software suite for design.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Position Type
Regular Full time.
Work Environment:
Work is generally performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions and noise levels, as well as outdoors as dictated by public engagement needs. Extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This position involves the communications and information management of a department or division. It typically involves interface with organizations and individuals outside of Harris County. Typical work
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.