Outreach Specialist - Strategic Partnerships & Community Impact

WSSC Water · Laurel, United States

Outreach Specialist - Strategic Partnerships & Community Impact

Functional Title: Outreach Specialist - Strategic Partnerships & Community Impact

Reports to: Division Manager, Customer Engagement & Advocacy

Position Summary: The Outreach Specialist supports both community outreach initiatives and infrastructure project outreach activities by coordinating community events, neighborhood meetings, public information sessions, educational programs, and stakeholder engagement activities. The Outreach Specialist works collaboratively with internal departments, contractors, consultants, and community partners to ensure outreach activities are coordinated, responsive, and customer-focused.

Essential Functions: Supports community outreach and public engagement activities that advance WSSCWater's strategic priorities and reinforce its role as an anchor institution serving Prince George's and Montgomery counties. Coordinates outreach for water, sewer, and other infrastructure projects by communicating with impacted residents, businesses, neighborhood and civic associations, homeowners' associations, municipalities, and other stakeholders. Plans and coordinates community meetings, public information sessions, open houses, festivals, community days, fairs, school events, civic celebrations, and other outreach activities. Represents WSSCWater at community events and meetings to educate customers and stakeholders about programs, services, financial assistance, workforce opportunities, capital improvement projects, and other community initiatives. Develops and updates outreach and educational materials, including fact sheets, postcards, project notifications, brochures, presentations, newsletters, graphics, frequently asked questions, website content, email communications, and social media posts. Coordinates with project managers, engineering staff, communications, consultants, and contractors to ensure outreach materials accurately communicate project information, schedules, potential impacts, and other relevant updates. Responds to customer inquiries and community concerns related to projects, programs, and services and routes questions to the appropriate departments to support timely resolution. Establishes and maintains productive relationships with community organizations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, business organizations, elected officials, schools, and other stakeholders. Maintains outreach calendars, project communication schedules, stakeholder databases, contact lists, and records of engagement activities. Collects and analyzes outreach metrics, customer feedback, and participation data to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach activities and prepare reports. Supports emergency communications and community engagement activities during water main breaks, sewer emergencies, severe weather events, and other emergency situations, as assigned. Works evenings and weekends as required and drives a vehicle to conduct WSSCWater business. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities: Knowledge of community engagement principles and customer communications. Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. Strong interpersonal, customer service and relationship-building skills. Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. Ability to communicate technical information in a manner easily understood by the public. Ability to organize multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Strong planning and event coordination skills. Ability to exercise sound judgment when responding to community concerns. Knowledge of Prince George's and Montgomery County communities, organizations and government agencies. Experience coordinating meetings, community events and stakeholder engagement activities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Ability to develop presentations, outreach materials and correspondence for diverse audiences. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with consultants and contractors. Ability to analyze outreach results and prepare reports.

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Business, Marketing, Community Development or related field 3+ years of experience supporting community engagement, stakeholder relations, communications, public outreach, event planning, public involvement or customer engagement programs. Experience coordinating public meetings or community events and developing outreach or communications materials; OR High school diploma or equivalent 7+ years of experience supporting community engagement, stakeholder relations, communications, public outreach, event planning, public involvement or customer engagement programs. Experience coordinating public meetings or community events and developing outreach or communications materials;

Additional Requirements: Completion of the WSSCWater Financial Disclosure Statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter. Possession of valid driver's license with no more than 4 points and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSCWater driver's permit within 90 days of hire or transfer. Ability to work outdoors during community events and project site visits. Ability to lift outreach materials and event supplies up to 25 pounds. Evening and weekend work required as business needs dictate.

Salary: $87,771 - $149,448