HomeMy WebLinkAboutOutreach & Engagement SpecialistCITY OF IOWA CITY – Job Description
Job Class #12-22 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: Communications
Supervisor: Communications Coordinator
Job Summary
Under direction, develops and sustains community relationships with variety of diverse stakeholder
groups, including neighborhoods, community organizations, non-profits and local educational
institutions. Provides regular communications to neighborhood groups and serves as a point of
contact for neighborhood concerns and projects. Manages grant programs for neighborhood projects.
Collaborates with City departments and divisions to plan and execute equitable outreach and events.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Advises and assists in equitable planning and execution of City events and engagement activities
with partners from across the City organization, community partners and neighborhood groups.
Develops and sustains community relationships with a variety of diverse stakeholder groups,
including neighborhoods, community organizations, non-profits and local educational institutions.
Provides regular outreach to neighborhood groups and organizations to increase communication and
engagement with the City.
Keeps neighborhood groups informed of impactful City activities, projects and programs.
Creates digital content to engage with residents; writes news releases; posts relevant content to
social media and provides follow-up to questions; manages related website content.
Serves as liaison to Neighborhood Council.
Collaborates with City departments to coordinate neighborhood initiatives, events or requests using
a team-oriented approach.
Attends and participates in community partnership meetings, neighborhood meetings and
community events.
Administers neighborhood grant programs.
Represents the City at various public events in a professional manner that demonstrates an
understanding of the City’s strategic plan, its goals and priorities.
Furthers efforts of the Communication Division to bridge cross-departmental collaboration and
Job Class #12-22 Communications
Page 2 Updated 04/07/2022
communication and City-community relations and communication.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and
community.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and to use
hands to touch, handle or feel. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is
occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop or kneel. The employee must
occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is
occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Associate degree from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body
and at least one year of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, event
management, planning or grant management required. Or equivalent combination of education and
experience. Experience in the use of social media required. Valid driver's license with satisfactory
driving record required. Must be 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background
check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Bachelor’s degree from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body
or at least three years of related experience in public relations, communications, marketing, event
management, planning or grant management preferred. Or equivalent combination of education and
experience. Bilingual speaking abilities preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of local government operations, social and political awareness with an understanding of
how these issues impact residents. Skills in interpersonal and public relations. Skills in digital and
verbal communications. Skills in the operation of technology – MS Office Suite, social media platforms.
Ability to communicate with diverse neighborhoods and City staff. Ability to work in an organized
fashion to manage various priorities and projects, including grant funding.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.