Community Engagement Director

Employment Opportunity Summary

The Community Engagement Director is responsible for leading and coordinating the organizations efforts to build and maintain positive relationships with the community. This position manages public communications, promotes city initiatives, coordinates community outreach, and works to enhance economic development through strategic marketing and retail recruitment. The role emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and proactive engagement with the public.

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Questions and resumes can be submitted via email at jobs@sedalia.com.

Employment Opportunity Additional Details

Job Scope:

The Community Engagement Director oversees the development and implementation of strategies to improve communication and participation within the community. The position requires managing diverse projects, such as marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and public relations efforts, while collaborating with various city departments and external organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Community Engagement Director

1. Create and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and mission.
2. Develop and execute communication strategies, including managing social media platforms and creating public-facing content.
3. Act as a liaison between the city administration, businesses, and residents, ensuring clear and effective communication of city projects, events, and policies.
4. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and other organizations.
5. Spearhead retail recruitment initiatives and market the city to attract businesses and visitors.
6. Plan and implement public engagement programs, including town halls, forums, and events. Coordinate and oversee community outreach efforts, including events, volunteer programs, and other initiatives.
7. Monitor and respond to public inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely communication.
8. Collaborate with city departments to promote transparency and keep the public informed of ongoing projects and repairs. Oversee state and federal grant applications and manage funding opportunities to enhance community projects.
9. Represent the city at community events and meetings, fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
10. Develop and manage budget for community engagement initiatives.
11. Gather and analyze feedback from the community to inform the organization’s decisions and strategies.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar or related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
2. Five years of managerial experience in community engagement, economic development, or a related discipline. Experience managing volunteers, or community events.
3. Experience working with diverse communities and understanding their needs and interests.
4. Familiarity with community organizing and advocacy.
5. Knowledge of municipal government practices is preferred.
6. Valid driver’s license.
7. Combination of education and experience may substitute for formal education requirements.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Comprehensive understanding of community and economic development principles, including state and federal grant processes.
2. Proficiency in marketing, public relations, and social media management techniques.
3. Strong skills in budgeting, financial principles, and accounting practices.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
5. Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and policies affecting municipal operations and economic development.
6. Proficiency in technology, including standard office software and tools.
7. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and influence stakeholders.
8. Strategic thinking: The ability to think strategically and develop a comprehensive community engagement strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals and mission.
9. Project management: The ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, meet deadlines and stay within budget.
10. Cultural competence: understanding and appreciating different cultures, customs, and values to better connect with different communities.
11. Analytical skills: using data and feedback to inform the organization’s decisions and strategies.
12. Knowledge of community engagement best practices: A strong understanding of best practices in community engagement and the ability to stay current on industry trends and developments.
13. Flexibility and adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
14. Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and other organizations.
15. Problem-solving: The ability to identify and resolve problems and challenges that arise in community engagement efforts.
16. Creativity: The ability to develop and implement new and innovative community engagement initiatives.
17. Time management: Managing time effectively and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
18. Strong Collaboration and Teamwork: The ability to work effectively with other departments and stakeholders to ensure community engagement efforts are integrated and aligned with the organization’s overall goals.
19. Budget management: The ability to develop and manage budgets for community engagement initiatives.
20. Strong attention to detail: The ability to pay attention to details and ensure that everything is accurate and complete.

Guidelines:

The Community Engagement Director must adhere to:

1. City codes and ordinances.
2. Departmental policies and procedures.
3. International building codes and Comprehensive Plans.

This position also plays a role in developing and interpreting departmental guidelines.

Complexity:

The role requires managing multifaceted responsibilities in community engagement and economic development, often dealing with sensitive political factors and enforcement issues. The position demands adaptability to handle varied challenges and legal complexities.

Principal Working Relationships:

1. Internal: Co-workers, City Staff, City Council members, and City Officials
2. External: Non-profit organizations, developers, contractors, retailers and state and county officials

Purpose of Contacts:

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, resolve problems, motivate or influence persons, and clarify, justify, defend, negotiate, or settle matters.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:

The Community Engagement Director is responsible for overseeing the flow, accuracy, and dissemination of information between departments and to the public. It involves significant coordination and collaboration with department leaders to ensure consistent and effective communication of city initiatives, projects, and policies. The Director exercises control over how information is managed, presented, and utilized, ensuring alignment with the city’s strategic goals and messaging standards.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing or stooping. Some reaching and bending may be required. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects typically not to exceed 50 pounds, and may be required to distinguish between shades of color.

Work Environment:

The work is mostly sedentary and typically is performed in an office. Work may involve prolonged use of the telephone and City issued computer. Evenings and weekends may be required.