Director Community Engagement Jobs in Reston, VA

Job Summary The Community Engagement Manager leads the Community Engagement Division within the Department of Communications and Community Engagement and partners with the department director to develop and implement the city's Community Engagement Strategic Plan. The incumbent establishes clear, inclusive engagement practices grounded in the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) framework to strengthen relationships with existing community networks, expand outreach to underrepresented and disengaged populations, and build sustainable community partnerships. This role supports and develops engagement initiatives and opportunities for the Mayor and Council, and works collaboratively with the Communications Division and city departments to provide guidance and recommendations on engagement approaches, aligned with the IAP2 framework and the city's approved outreach tools.

These efforts ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to receive information, provide input, and offer feedback on city programs, services, projects, and initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for performing difficult professional and intermediate administrative work, acting as an ombudsperson and liaison between neighborhood groups and the City of Rockville. The work includes communicating the community's needs and concerns to city departments to foster community engagement.

This role involves taking a proactive, occasionally influential approach to developing strategies that improve information flow and resident participation. It also requires working with departments to provide guidance and recommendations to keep all relevant parties informed about ongoing neighborhood projects, issues, and planning and development initiatives. The position involves planning, executing, and implementing engagement programs for the Mayor and Council and has significant implications for service delivery.

Regular attendance at evening and weekend meetings is required. Essential Job Functions Community Engagement Plan Development Lead the development and implementation of the citywide community engagement strategic plan using the IAP2 framework as a foundation. Liaise with city departments and assist with the development of community engagement plans for projects, programs, initiatives, and events using the IAP2 framework as a guide to ensure consistency.

Responsible for maintaining the city's volunteer website. Community Engagement Strategy Implementation Monitor community engagement activities, contribute to reports, and participate in the development of program evaluation projects. Create and implement processes for information exchange among residents, city staff, and other stakeholders to strengthen relationships and obtain stakeholder perspectives on city projects, programs, services, and initiatives.

Build community in the city to improve the quality of life by engaging residents to identify and resolve neighborhood issues, empower neighborhood residents to build relationships, and foster opportunities for capacity building. Assist individuals and neighborhood groups with the resolution of issues; serve as a point of contact, assist groups to effectively utilize established processes to resolve problems; function as a mediator and group facilitator in a variety of situations, and, occasionally, facilitate neighborhood meetings. Create, develop, and implement policies and procedures designed to establish the city's community engagement strategy.

Assess various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and present findings to City staff as needed. Review various applications submitted for city-sponsored engagement activities in assigned neighborhoods. Provide information to communities, including distributing informational items.

Attends neighborhood meetings and other special functions, and coordinates with city staff to participate according to the neighborhood's concerns or needs. Serve on committees and task forces, as needed. Guiding City Departments in Community Engagement Efforts Guide and suggest community engagement strategies for departments on various city projects, programs, services, and initiatives, using the IAP2 frameworks, and connecting departments with the Communications Division to use city outreach tools for engagement.

Creating Engagement Opportunities for the Mayor and Council Responsible for planning and execution of the Community Engagement Division's engagement events for the Mayor and Council and other engagement opportunities as needed. Training Activities Provide training and learning opportunities to staff on best practices for public participation/community engagement using the IAP2 framework as the foundation. Performs other related work as assigned or as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree with major coursework in social sciences, public administration, public relations, political science, community planning, or a closely related field from an accredited university or college; and five (05) years of progressively responsible work in public participation, consensus building, public processes with neighborhood or community organizations; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrate experience in community engagement and a strong track record of collaboration with diverse individuals, groups, and interests. A member of the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) and experience working for the federal or municipal government is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of program management and policy development. Knowledge of the principles and practices of citizen participation. Knowledge of strategic planning, including ability to design and lead a strategic planning process.

Ability to research problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of organization-wide and departmental goals. Ability to foster collaboration and resolve issues. Ability to plan and execute events.

Ability to analyze the engagement needs of the community and the organization when it comes to city projects, services, programs, and initiatives. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, officials , and employees. Ability to function as a team leader and a team member.

Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally. Ability to maintain and organize workload to successfully complete multiple tasks.