Community Outreach Manager

Safe Water Engineering is a small consulting firm focused on improving drinking water protection and water infrastructure for all community members. We are seeking a full-time, experienced Community Outreach Manager to support our ongoing work to engage with a Southeast Michigan urban community as the water department initiates water infrastructure improvements.

The program’s goal is to increase access to reliable information about lead in drinking water and lead service line replacements, and to support the relationship between the community and the water department. This position is centered around educating and engaging the community in its upcoming lead service line replacement program. This work includes developing outreach materials, managing community meetings, and incorporating the voice of the community in the construction process.

The ideal candidate will have experience with community organizing or community outreach and engagement in financially distressed or overburdened communities, specifically in urban environments. They are well-organized, work independently, and have strong relationship building skills in both virtual and in-person settings. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and able to build genuine relationships with community members of all ages. They are passionate about safe drinking water and ensuring community members are heard.

Job Responsibilities

The Community Outreach Manager is a one-year funded position with an opportunity for extension, and reports to the President of Safe Water Engineering. The Community Outreach Manager is responsible for the following:

• Assist in development of outreach materials communicating water infrastructure projects to the community, seeking and incorporating community input to ensure materials are effective.
• Plan, organize, and manage community meetings and events to engage with residents and share information about water infrastructure projects.
• Manage a small community ambassador program.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community members of all ages and demographics.
• Ensure materials are consistently available, up to date, and team members are regularly informed regarding project progress and adaptations.
• Conduct community outreach program evaluation including collecting and assessing community feedback.
• Keep a steady pulse on water infrastructure related concerns shared by community members.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who excel at building genuine relationships, who are natural problem solvers, and self-starters who are looking to improve the water utility/community relationship.

• Three years of experience in community organizing, communications, and/or outreach coordination.
• Two years of project management experience: maintaining a work plan, schedule, and budget.
• An ability to build genuine relationships and hold conversations with community members of all ages.
• Lives in the Southeast Michigan area, preferably in Wayne or Oakland County.
• Ability to work an approximately 40-hour work week, on weekdays between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM, with occasional evening and weekend meetings.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including technical writing.
• Flexibility, patience, and willingness to try new things. Experience overcoming challenges and leveraging resources to creatively solve problems.
• Ability to work independently, but always within a framework of teamwork, collaboration, and clear communication with others.
• Experience interacting with community members and political systems in urban communities facing challenges related to environmental justice, low-income populations, or communities under former emergency management.
• Helpful but not required skills: Graphic Design.