Garbage and Recycling Community Engagement Lead
Salary
$68,452.80 - $91,769.60 Annually
Location
Portland, OR
Job Type
Full Time
Department
Communications
Job Number
2019-0340-COMM
Closing
3/8/2019 5:00 PM Pacific
Position summary
Community engagement is not just a skill or series of activities that are managed across a timeline. The essence of community engagement involves building and nurturing relationships. It means showing up, being open, listening and then responding to what's important to the people that we serve. Join our team and you will play a pivotal role in leading the implementation of Metro's racial equity strategy to inform the public policy that guides the garbage and recycling system around greater Portland.
Under the direction of the communications manager, the community engagement lead plays a crucial position in Metro's communications department. The position serves a lead role on the communications team responsible for all public communication about garbage and recycling on behalf of Metro's Property and Environmental Services (PES) department.
The garbage and recycling communications team is responsible for the development and distribution of news articles, videos and social media content to fully support specific PES department communications goals. The garbage and recycling community engagement lead will be directly responsible for planning and implementing the following activities:
Convening community organizations to work on projects and programs that align with Metro and PES department goals for inclusive public engagement informed by Metro's equity strategy
Collaborating with Metro's community relations staff to ensure cohesive and efficient management of budgets, timelines and staff resources
Providing counsel and input to senior Metro leadership and PES department leadership on best practices for community engagement
Developing a civic engagement pilot program to demystify government processes with communities that traditionally have not engaged with any level of government
Administering the GLEAN art program and exhibition
Serving as the communications team liaison for Metro's community partnership program (works in tandem with the PES program leads)
The garbage and recycling community engagement lead will provide counsel to leadership and collaborate with the staff that manage the following PES department activities:
Implementation of the PES department diversity, equity and inclusion plan (Download PDF reader)
Implementation of the 2030 Regional Waste Plan
Hazardous waste disposal collection events
Recycling and waste reduction education program
Ask Metro community engagement campaign
The successful candidate will be directly responsible for ensuring that the garbage and recycling communications team delivers tangible, measurable and meaningful outcomes across an expanding portfolio of community-based work.
The garbage and recycling community engagement lead is required to have a demonstrated track record nurturing relationships with leadership and staff of community-based organizations serving communities of color, immigrant populations, rural populations or other disadvantaged populations around greater Portland.
Strong consideration will be given to candidates with demonstrated capabilities in project management, creation of in-progress written reports to management teams, and experience developing and administering vendor contracts and procurement processes in either a nonprofit, corporate or government institution.
You should be prepared to develop and manage partnerships with community organizations; support elected officials, senior leadership, committees and staff; and facilitate discussions and lead workshops. An understanding of communications best practices is also important, as well as the ability to identify opportunities to advance community engagement through web content, social media, advertising, media outreach and other channels.
Metro hires a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
Application preferences
Please upload the following documents: 1) a resume, 2) a cover letter describing your qualifications as they relate to the duties of this position, and 3) answers to the supplemental questions.
Appointments are typically made at or near the beginning of the salary range.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform. The person joining this team is expected to carry out their individual responsibilities as a creative leader, strategic thinker, and a resourceful problem solver.
The position will work directly with the communications manager (team lead) to develop and implement the following tasks:
Develops community engagement strategies to convene and connect the public to Metro's garbage and recycling programs, convening and collaborating with community based organizations and delivering counsel to internal and external partners
Advocates on behalf of the community with Metro leadership; consistently and clearly articulates the benefits and barriers experienced by the community related to Metro's planning and decision-making activities
Develops and leads public engagement strategies to generate community and partner input surrounding the equity-based management of the garbage and recycling system
Ensures that all engagement plans address the needs of culturally specific communities and other underserved audiences
Leads staff teams to shape and deliver on engagement strategies, including meeting facilitation and project updates
Develops and coordinates community partnerships that help deliver on engagement strategies
Manages contracts with public engagement firms and other contractors as needed to fill gaps in Metro staff capacity
Identifies opportunities to advance engagement plans through storytelling, media and marketing
Writes basic website or outreach content about public engagement efforts, with minimal editing needed
Plans and facilitates community events to support engagement, sometimes working in coordination with other communications staff and/or technical staff
Advises on the formation of project advisory committees and facilitates committee meetings
Co-develops and analyzes public opinion research to support engagement efforts
Serves as facilitator for PES department community engagement activity helping shape agendas, facilitating meetings, and acting as a liaison to the lead of Metro's community
Advises on neighborhood relations, key partnerships and coalition-building activities
Participates in Metro-wide community engagement activities, helping shape practices and initiatives
This position is represented by AFSCME 3580 and is classified as a Public Affairs Specialist - Senior (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Minimum Requirements
At least five years of professional experience doing community engagement and a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field; OR any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.
Applicants must submit a resume (with dates), cover letter, and answers to the supplemental questions.
Experience tailoring community engagement strategies to large public groups including diverse, culturally specific or marginalized communities is required.
Valid driver's license and good driving record, with ability to load and drive Metro vehicle to meetings and events is required.
Demonstrated interest and/or experience with garbage, recycling and/or waste reduction-related programs, systems or activities is preferred.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Developing and executing community engagement strategies that involve a variety of people and partners, including culturally specific communities and other underserved groups
Strong project management capabilities with demonstrated experience in using web and social media tools to keep a variety of audiences informed about community engagement activities
Developing and managing partnerships with community organizations
Representing an organization at community meetings and events
Leading project teams, including facilitating meetings and keeping team members informed
Facilitating meetings, workshops or community events Skill in verbal communication, including public speaking
Skill in writing, editing and messaging
Skill in time management, organization and problem-solving
Skill in developing media, marketing and storytelling ideas to advance community engagement
Ability to guide the day-to-day work of interns, seasonal staff or volunteers Ability to manage contracts with public engagement firms or vendors Ability to work occasional evenings, weekend or holiday shifts
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and set up and break down tables, tents, banners and other event equipment
Ability to use Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel proficiently
Ability to speak Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese or Russian is a plus
Interest in racial equity, gender equity, environmental causes, recycling and community-building
Additional Information
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources at 503-797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Representation/classification: This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 and falls under the Associate Public Affairs Specialist classification.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer