Community Relations Coordinator

Job Description

SUMMARY

This is professional and administrative work overseeing projects assigned by the department head that enhance the community and community relations for the City through administration, programming and public relations work.

The positions allocated to this class report to the Government Affairs and Community Relations Director or a designated manager.

Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of management responsibility and from lower classes by its emphasis on community relations.

This position may involve the supervision of department employees.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position.

The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.

Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Works with appropriate community, neighborhood, and institutional programs to implement and monitor long and short-range strategies aligned with and in support of City of Gainesville’s strategic planning and outreach initiatives.

Participates in activities to provide information about the availability of the City of Gainesville’s and Gainesville Regional Utilities’ (GRU) infrastructure and / or services that may be beneficial to improve organizational relationships with the community.

Supports in the development, coordination, and evaluation methods and channels of communication for providing positive information to the community about the City as an employer, as a business partner, and as a service provider.

Serves as a liaison between City departments and educational institutions, other governmental agencies, civic groups, and professional or community groups for public education and informational programs.

Provides leadership for department fundraising initiatives, such as the Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Banquet and Project SHARE.

Works with the Government Affairs and Community Relations Director to identify issues specific to district geographical areas within the City and the City’s Utility service area where opportunities exist to establish or enhance neighbor relations engagement.

Maintains metrics to effectively monitor, analyze and benchmark the City’s progress in community relations initiatives.

Develops and distributes appropriate reports and metrics relative to community relations initiatives.

Works with the Government Affairs and Community Relations Director in providing guidance with respect to matters concerning Community Relations initiatives.

Works with Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator and departmental Grants Coordinators to obtain funding for community-based initiatives.

Manages, plans, organizes, and coordinates work groups; sets work goals, objectives, and priorities.

Responds under emergency conditions to ensure that community issues and concerns are addressed and that information is disseminated to participating community organizations.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Prepares and delivers presentations as appropriate to the City Commission, other governmental agencies, civic groups, and professional organizations.

Serves in a leadership role for the City’s annual United Way campaign.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in communications, community or public relations, business or related field with three (3) years’ experience supporting governmental or non-profit community building initiatives, community associations, social services, equal opportunity programs, or social justice advocacy groups and community involvement as demonstrated through nonprofit board service and / or volunteer service.

Experience with grant funding and other fundraising campaigns and mediation / conflict resolution preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid Florida Driver License required.

Certifications

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of community institutions and neighborhood organizations such as crime watch, neighborhood associations, educational, cultural, recreational, volunteer, and philanthropic organizations.

Knowledge of project management steps and practices.

Knowledge of municipal and / or governmental administration / operations.

Knowledge of local not for profit agencies, civic, and community-based organizations.

Knowledge of historical, socio-economic, and cultural factors that influence at-risk / and underserved populations.

Knowledge of community organizing techniques and tools to engage and empower citizens.

Knowledge of external resources that may be leveraged to foster community relations.

Ability to conduct research on community issues, assess and report findings.

Ability to effectively coordinate and collaborate with diverse community groups.

Ability to use and exercise independent judgment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials of other organizations, utilities and with department and division heads, public and private agencies, and the general public

Ability to effectively plan and organize community programs / projects.

Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with diverse constituencies.

Ability to manage social media information / education campaigns.

Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Strong writing and public speaking skills.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

May be required to attend meetings outside business hours.

This position requires a flexible schedule.

Requires up to approximately 40% local travel to other government, City or local community agencies and other meeting locations.

Note :

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also o ff er great things like on-site fi tness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical sta ff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.

Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD / TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process.

However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position.

Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at or by calling 352-334-5077.