Why Join Team Lawrence in Lawrence, Kansas?

The dedicated members of Team Lawrence in Lawrence, Kansas work through our Strategic Plan framework to support an unmistakably vibrant community with innovative, equitable, transparent and responsible local government.

Our Mission: We create a community where all enjoy life and feel at home!

Team Lawrence embodies the values of Character, Competence, Courage, Collaboration and Commitment as we endeavor to achieve these important strategic outcomes for our community:

• Unmistakable Identity
• Strong, Welcoming Neighborhoods
• Safe and Secure
• Prosperity and Economic Security
• Connected City

Our enthusiasm is carried through our Commitments to the way in which we accomplish our goals:

• Community Engagement
• Efficient and Effective Processes
• Equity and Inclusion
• Sound Fiscal Stewardship
• Engaged and Empowered Teams
• Environmental Sustainability

When you join Team Lawrence, you can rest assured that your individual and collaborative work makes an important impact in the community we serve. If you are an innovative collaborator who likes being part of an enthusiastic team that effects positive change, then Team Lawrence is right for you!

Job Summary

As part of the City’s Strategic Plan, we have made the commitment to, “Listen, share, and engage with our community to drive action and build trust in government. We invite and welcome all community members to collaborate and innovate with us. Through strong and equitable engagement with our community, we share and receive information about city services and community life.”

The Engagement Manager reports to the Communications & Creative Resources Director and is an instrumental part of the Communications & Creative Resources team. The Engagement Manager will serve a lead role in planning, developing, managing, and executing strategies and activities related to community engagement and public participation to achieve the Outcomes identified in the City’s Strategic Plan. Working as part of the Community Engagement Team and as a Team Lawrence collaborator, this individual will promote a positive image for City services and programs in accordance with the Strategic Plan and related department strategies and actions.

Starting Salary Range: $68,347 to $75,182 Annually, D.O.Q.; Application Review Begins 11/29/21, Open Until Filled

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an insightful and adaptable leader driven to meet the challenges of the position. Preferred candidates will possess a combination of practical experience, diplomacy, cultural astuteness, and decision-making abilities; all with a customer service orientation. This individual should thrive on collaboration and building strong relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including those in traditionally underserved populations, to help the community engage in an equitable way that will inform and influence community decisions. The candidate must exhibit passion and skills for excellent communications, active listening, strategic thinking, and engaging people to work together to objectively find the best solutions for the most people. This position will require someone with the ability to effectively educate city staff, decision-makers and the public about the value and strategic use of public participation, as well as train City staff regarding community engagement principles and techniques, facilitation, community problem-solving, and public engagement to enhance positive community relationships and build trust.

The Engagement Manager will need to work independently and function as part of a strong City team, adapt to a broad spectrum of topics and circumstances, and analyze information and use sound judgement to make decisions or recommendations. The candidate must be able to balance multiple demands and prioritize effectively.

Supervision Received

Receives direction from the department director and assistant city managers.

Supervision Exercised

Exercises no direct supervision over other staff. May exercise technical and functional lead over full-time, part-time and volunteer staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work with City staff across all departments to identify engagement needs and develop project-level strategies and plans for community engagement and communications.
• Plan and coordinate efforts for City programs and projects to help develop key communication messages to increase public participation and promote awareness of needs and services; work with communications and marketing team to create content and graphic design for various communication components to distribute information through various printed and electronic media, neighborhoods, meetings, workshops, and conferences. 
• Develop and establish collaborative partnerships with a diverse set of people and organizations to include community groups, non-profits, non-governmental agencies, faith communities, businesses, schools, and service providers; maintain and improve database of community contacts; develop and maintain neighborhood association and community association tracking systems and mailing lists.  
• Plan and coordinate a wide variety of community engagement projects and City-sponsored events and initiatives; prepare and deliver presentations and reports to community and neighborhood groups; represent the City in meetings with the public, community groups, and other key stakeholders to support resident decision-making, listen to concerns, and advocate for increased equitable participation.  
• Identify, respond to, and document City Commission and citizen issues, concerns, and requests for information; analyze neighborhood issues and create programs to address those issues as requested; create sustainable and measurable partnerships between neighborhoods, residents, and the City; tie work to strategic plan results and report performance.
• Provide direct assistance to residents who need help in accessing and using City and community services including provision of bilingual services and/or access to bilingual services for residents and City departments.
• Provide technical assistance and training to City staff regarding community engagement planning and implementation as well as community problem-solving, public engagement methods and best practices, and other areas that enhance positive community relationships and promote inclusion.
• Possess knowledge of Kansas Open Meetings Act and the Kansas Open Records Act as well as other relevant state and local laws.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in various community activities, special projects and programs in accordance with position responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.

The ideal candidate will have at least three (3) years of direct experience managing and leading effective local government public outreach and engagement programs that reflect a thorough knowledge of the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Core Values and Code of Ethics, and the principles and practices of public engagement, planning, outreach, techniques, project management, and program evaluation.

Previous experience with a variety of communications platforms, social media, and marketing campaigns highly desired. The successful candidate must possess, or have the ability to obtain, an appropriate valid driver’s license and pass City background, physical, and drug screens.

Course work or certification in public participation from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) or other similar organization preferred.

The Engagement Manager will be required to. . .

• Work independently in the absence of supervision. Manage work week to accomplish set goals and performance measures.
• Work with other Strategic Plan Outcome and Commitment champions to ensure that community engagement is included appropriately in all areas.
• Communicate complex issues clearly and concisely in accordance with generally accepted principles for public information, social media and emerging media.
• Possess competent and comfortable public speaking skills.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Produce and collaborate on a variety of marketing and educational materials to fulfil the direction of the Director and Brand Manager.
• Be able to develop and present a diverse range of informational and educational material using a variety of media.

https://lawrenceks.org/jobs/