Introduction
In working to put communities and citizens first, the City of Charlotte’s Department of Planning, Design, and Development is committed to creating great places. The Department of Planning, Design, and Development is chiefly responsible for collaborating with community partners, guiding growth, sustaining the natural environment while also designing vibrant and inclusive avenues for citizen enjoyment.
Function
Professional
Summary
The Community Engagement Specialist Lead will play a critical role in building and maintaining relationships between the Planning, Design & Development Department and the community. This position is responsible for fostering strong connections with residents, neighborhood and business associations, civic groups, community-based organizations, City and County entities, and partner agencies. The Community Engagement Specialist will work to enhance neighborhood organization and capacity building, project implementation, strategic engagement, area revitalization, and quality of life initiatives.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with the development and implementation of strategies for community outreach and engagement.
- Research and identify neighborhood, civic/community meetings forums, and events where the Planning Department can participate to enhance project involvement.
- Build and sustain effective partnerships with neighborhoods, community leaders, community-based organizations, residents, businesses, influencers, and internal and external government agencies.
- Promote awareness of the Planning Department's projects and initiatives.
- Support the development and delivery of presentation materials to communicate effectively with citizens from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Assist with the communications and marketing needs of the Charlotte Development Center
- Track metrics and generate reports on community engagement activities and their outcomes.
- Attend evening and weekend meetings as needed.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills, including ability to facilitate meetings and focus groups with diverse participants with confidence, emphasizing mutual understanding, accuracy, diplomacy, and context sensitivity.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, partners, foundations, community volunteers, residents, and elected officials.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Experience preparing and delivering presentations and information in front of groups and the ability to convey technical information effectively to the public.
- Strong organizational, planning, data, and time management skills.
- A self-starter, able to work well in a fast-paced, team-based environment under limited supervision with effective interpersonal skills and a high energy.
- Analytical ability, strong critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Able to work on multiple projects effectively and simultaneously.
- Must have valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain City driving authorization.
- Must be able to work normal business hours as needed.
Preferred Qualification
- 4-year degree in business, public administration, public relations, communications, urban planning, or a related field.
- Experience with local, state, or federal grant programs, program or project management.
- Graphic design a plus.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School diploma/GED with five years of relevant work experience; or an Associate’s degree with two years of relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties
Salary
- $66,786 - $83,481 Commensurate with experience
Conditions of Employment
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How To Apply
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Benefits
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.