Assistant, Public Engagement (Communications)

POSITION TITLE: Assistant, Public Engagement (Communications) (Hourly)

REQUISITION #: req7690

DEPARTMENT: Natural Areas

LOCATION: NIX SITE OFFICE BLDG

BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly View Classifications & Benefits

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Hourly

HOURLY RATE: $19.00 - 22.00 per hour (based on relevant experience)

SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 7/8/2024.

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) required.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Job Summary

The hourly Public Engagement Assistant assists in developing and implements departmental communications as outlined in the Natural Areas Strategic Communications Plan. The Assistant will develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate digital and print communications, to diverse audiences on natural areas topics that span a broad range, for example from leave no trace to safety messaging to restoration updates. This position will work 29 hours per week.

The Assistant serves as a liaison that works with internal staff to support strategic communications and public engagement. This includes composing copy for e-newsletters, social media, and the Natural Areas Department website. The Engagement Assistant implements the Natural Areas Department identity and voice using existing Identity Guidelines. This position also helps create and run limited term campaigns, like volunteer recruitment and river safety.

Other duties may include assisting with education and outreach opportunities such as tabling events, co-leading occasional hikes/educational activities, and packing essential materials for activities. This position will organize and maintain the Natural Areas photo library and serve as the liaison for photography volunteers on training, policy, and updates.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements products to educate community members and stakeholders about City strategies and resources.

• Prepares, designs, disseminates and evaluates audience-appropriate messaging, materials, and related marketing, educational and informational campaigns.

• Creates, administers, and maintains strategic sponsorships and partnerships to foster an engaged community.

• Manages stakeholders for effective relationships with community groups, organizations, neighborhoods, and internal City departments.

• Provides support and advice on community engagement techniques that lead to the successful implementation of processes, projects or programs.

• Meets deadlines and uses time, materials, and resources efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Researches and resolves complex disputes and operations problems based on stakeholder engagement techniques.

• Supports internal City work teams by assisting with development and implementation of outreach strategies, engagement activities, and focused messaging.

• Assists with coordinating photography volunteers including recruitment, placing, training, retention activities, project supervision and logistics, safety, recognition, communication and evaluation. Creates policies and programs to manage and support photography volunteers in partnership with the Public Engagement Volunteer Coordinator and Citywide Volunteer Program Manager.

• Uses appropriate safety practices.

• Maintains equipment and inventory and prepares supplies for activities.

• Collects, compiles and reports program data and survey results.

• Assists with work planning, budget preparation and record-keeping.

• May direct the work of interns or volunteers.

Management Responsibilities

No

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.

• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.

• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of educational learning styles and communication techniques that are audience-appropriate.

• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing. Effective public speaking skills.

• Capable of working as a member of a team, as well as independently.

• Knowledge of principles of interpretation, communication, and public outreach.

• Understanding of effective public relations, marketing, and promotional concepts and objectives.

• Ability to deal with stressful situations and deadlines.

• Proven skills facilitating or leading discussions with a variety of groups.

• Ability to interact with members of City staff, other agencies, and general public.

• Competent in use of publishing, graphics, web page editing, Excel, presentation, social networking, volunteer coordination, and word processing software.

• Excellent customer service, presentation, communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive internal and external relationships.

• Ability to train and mentor volunteers, use volunteer management software, manage groups, communicate effectively, and accept and give feedback.

• Ability to drive vans that hold 10 or more people.

Education Requirements

• College degree or equivalent work experience. Some positions may require functionally related certification or advanced degrees Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in business, non-profit management, environmental science, education, natural resources, or related field.

Experience Requirements

• At least three (3) years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience in addition to Education Requirements.

Required Certifications/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Valid Colorado driver's license.

The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:

Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK AND MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT (MVR) REQUIRED.

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.