HomeMy WebLinkAboutOutreach & Engagement SpecialistUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: Communica�ons
Supervisor: Communica�ons Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 12
Job Number: 1222
Job Summary
Under direc�on, develops and sustains community rela�onships with variety of diverse
stakeholder groups, including neighborhoods, community organiza�ons, non-profits, and local
educa�onal ins�tu�ons. Provides regular communica�ons 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.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Advises and assists in equitable planning and execu�on of City events and engagement
ac�vi�es with partners from across the City organiza�on, community partners and
neighborhood groups.
• Develops and sustains community rela�onships with a variety of diverse stakeholder
groups, including neighborhoods, community organiza�ons, non-profits and local
educa�onal ins�tu�ons.
• Provides regular outreach to neighborhood groups and organiza�ons to increase
communica�on and engagement with the City.
• Keeps neighborhood groups informed of impac�ul City ac�vi�es, projects and programs.
• Creates digital content to engage with residents; writes news releases; posts relevant
content to social media and provides follow-up to ques�ons; manages related website
content.
• Serves as liaison to Neighborhood Council.
• Collaborates with City departments to coordinate neighborhood ini�a�ves, events or
requests using a team-oriented approach.
• Atends and par�cipates in community partnership mee�ngs, neighborhood mee�ngs
and community events.
• Administers small grants for community improvement through 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 priori�es.
Updated: March 2024
• Furthers efforts of the Communica�on Division to bridge cross-departmental
collabora�on and communica�on and City-community rela�ons and communica�on.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs all other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combina�on of
educa�on and experience. Experience in public rela�ons, communica�ons, marke�ng,
social media, event management, planning or grant management.
• Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with sa�sfactory driving record required. Must be 18
years of age. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Bilingual
speaking ability.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to add, subtract, mul�ply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole
numbers, common frac�ons, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instruc�ons furnished in
writen, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to communicate with diverse neighborhoods and City staff.
• Ability to compute rate, ra�o, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situa�ons.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, opera�ng and maintenance
instruc�ons, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to work directly with a diverse clientele and maintain good working rela�onships.
• Ability to work in an organized fashion to manage various priori�es and projects,
including grant funding.
• Ability to write rou�ne reports, edit and organize materials, provide graphic design and
quality photography.
• Knowledge of local government opera�ons, social and poli�cal awareness with an
understanding of how these issues impact residents.
• Skill in interpersonal and public rela�ons.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and pos�ng on social media pla�orms.
Updated: March 2024
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Du�es are generally performed in
an office se�ng with a controlled environment. The job requires si�ng for extended periods of
�me and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situa�ons and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Geoff Fruin, City Manager (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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