About This Position

Job Description:

Community Engagement Specialist

Purpose:

Under minimal supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, assists with the development, implementation, and coordination of various project and program activities to promote, support and integrate community involvement into City governance.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists with the planning, development, and implementation of strategies and programs to help facilitate community involvement with City departments, programs and initiatives.
• Researches and helps develop and implement City policies, procedures, and protocol designed to engage community input on various City programs and initiatives.
• Researches best practices in community engagement nationally and globally and briefs staff on these best practices.
• Maintains a database of community organizations, publications/media outlets, and large events (festivals, sporting events, etc.) to assist with outreach opportunities.
• Maintains an email and phone database of participants in engagement events to inform of past and future opportunities to engage.
• Monitors digital engagement on SpeakUpAustin.org, social media, phone messages, text messages, etc., and moderates online discussions as needed.
• Helps conduct neighborhood need assessments, meets with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community groups to identify needs and available resources.
• Assists with the facilitation of public dialogues and consensus building to identify and resolve issues between the City and various community stakeholders; assistance may include securing venues, arranging for language interpreters, greeting attendees, and note-taking. May also facilitate such dialogues.
• Assesses various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and presents findings to City staff.
• Keeps accurate records of comments made by public in meetings and other settings (online forum, etc.), analyzes, and summarizes key themes and findings.
• Consults with City staff to develop and implement public information training materials, bulletins, and presentations.
• Assists with maintaining effective relationships with community leaders, City Officials, the media, and the general public.
• Helps track community issues through various media such as written reports, conferences and community meetings.
• Plans forums, walking tours, conferences and other community events and meetings with City staff.
• Conducts community research and responses to technical documents issued by City departments, developers and other jurisdictions.
• May represent the City at Council meetings, boards and commissions, and community events as needed.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May train and lead others as well as oversee the work of student interns or temporary employees

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of community organizing and neighborhood development techniques.
• Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and time management.
• Skill in data analysis, problem solving, and summary of key findings and conclusions.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in interpersonal communication.
• Ability to review and research large volume of materials and summarize in easily comprehensible formats for City staff.
• Ability to develop new initiatives and work with service providers to plan and coordinate services.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Ability to work with community representatives to identify and address local needs.
• Ability to use conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to work well with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds and experience, including community leaders, residents, service providers, local officials and elected representatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field plus three (3) years of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Conflict Resolution, Peace Studies, or a closely related field plus one (1) year of experience involving the development and coordination of public information or community outreach or involvement programs, or;
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with community stakeholders on behalf of a governmental or corporate entity.
• Experience communicating with/to diverse audiences
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings.

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Development Services assists homeowners, business owners, and contractors when they build, demolish, remodel or preform any type of construction to ensure compliance with the applicable city and building codes.

Position Overview:

Austin Development Services is seeking a Temporary Community Engagement Specialist to support organizational outreach efforts by coordinating engagement activities, building relationships with community stakeholders, and promoting programs through in‑person and digital channels. This role is responsible for implementing community engagement strategies, supporting events, and gathering feedback to inform organizational initiatives. The position requires experience using community engagement digital platforms and flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet community needs. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to foster positive community partnerships.

Location:

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin Texas 78752

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday 8 AM - 5 PM (with some flexibility)

Pay Range:

$33.02 - $41.28 per hour

Employment Application:

The City of Austin Employment Application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. A detailed, complete employment application is required.

• Pease be sure to detail on the application all relevant employment to be considered as part of your qualifications.

• This detailed application will be evaluated for the qualifications and will be used to establish base pay if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles, number of employees supervised and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position including all job duties and responsibilities.

Post Interview Verification:

• If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, DSD-HR will contact the current and former employer, as well as the professional references listed in the application. Please ensure the contact information on the application is accurate.

• Top candidates will also be required to provide proof of education from an accredited organization, copies of any professional licenses or certificates listed on the application and a copy of your DD-214 if claiming veteran’s preference.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a valid Texas driver license within thirty (30) days of hire. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Critical Employee:

Critical employees are considered necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Important Note to Applicants:

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy:

If the same or an additional vacancy occurs within the Development Services Department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the additional position may be offered to another top candidate from the same candidate pool. This may include filling other vacancies with the same job title in other division/work locations within the City of Austin, Development Services Department. Decisions on assigned selection may be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.