NOTE: This is a re-announcement to expand the pool of qualified candidates. If you have already applied for this position, there is no need to re-apply unless you wish to update your application.
Arlington County’s Office of Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to assist with developing, implementing, and managing public engagement strategies and initiatives. The position will help guide the County’s Public Engagement Plan, including the implementation and enhancement of the Public Engagement Guide- a comprehensive tool for designing and facilitating public engagement across the County. This position will also be working in the community to engage many County residents, many of whom are from diverse cultural backgrounds with limited English proficiency. Proficiency in Spanish (written and spoken) is strongly preferred.
Specific duties include:
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Establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholder groups, including hard-to-reach, diverse and under-represented communities by identifying and executing creative and accessible strategies to reach them;
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Designing and implementing online and in-person public engagement initiatives, including logistics, event planning, outreach strategies, communication, and facilitation of community events and public meetings on a broad array of topics (e.g., budget, race and equity, climate, housing, etc);
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Analyzing qualitative and quantitative feedback data gathered during various engagement sessions and presenting information in user-friendly formats;
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Facilitating and conducting training on public engagement guidelines and resources to strengthen capacity and add consistency across County efforts; and
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Creating briefing papers, fact sheets and other plain language and easy to access materials for targeted communities in specific issues and topics both proactively and in response to specific issues for communities.
The successful candidate will have the following:
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Ability to think creatively and use a comprehensive understanding of communication and engagement strategies to promote the department and engage with the community;
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Demonstrate skills and knowledge of both in-person and online engagement strategies and tools; and
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Experience with designing public engagement strategies and sessions to facilitate group conversations with stakeholders who have different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
About the Office of Communication and Public Engagement (CAPE)
Located in the County Manager’s Office (CMO) and is responsible for enterprise-wide communication and engagement with the public, stakeholders, and the media. CAPE manages the County’s website, social media, newsroom, and Arlington Video Group. In addition, CAPE plays an instrumental role in enhancing public engagement, customer service and constituent relationships across the County.
Minimum: Bachelor's degree in public administration, planning, public policy, education, social work, communications, or related field, plus considerable responsible experience in public/community engagement and outreach, including community engagement design and implementation, outreach, event management, facilitation, writing, editing, graphic design, and/ or other related areas.
Substitution: A Master's Degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience. Additional experience in non-profits, government, education, event management, and/or program management may substitute for the education on a year-by-year basis
Desirable: Preference may be given to those with experience in one or more of the following:
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Spanish Language (speak and read);
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GovDelivery or other Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools;
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Large and small group facilitation;
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Utilizing Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Power point, Publisher and Excel); and/or
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Creating signs, posters, flyers and presentations in digital and print forms.
Please attach to your application a sample engagement/outreach plan for a specific issue that impacts the community (such as affordable housing, climate change, or transportation). The engagement plan should include both in-person and virtual engagement opportunities to connect with hard-to reach community members.
Work Hours: This is a 40 hour a week position with varying hours depending on meetings and engagements. Flexibility will be required to accommodate weekend and evening events, or meetings as needed.
The official title for this position is Communications Specialist II.
Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.