Public Engagement Coordinator

Public Engagement Coordinator

Reports to: Director of Communications

Status: Full-Time

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

ABOUT THE BALTIMORE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Our Mission

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is the regional council of governments serving the Baltimore region. BMC is a trusted group of experts who help guide the future of Central Maryland, providing resources for people and policymakers committed to making our communities livable, accessible and prosperous for all.

Our professionals evaluate needs and trends, listen to communities and develop and implement programs and projects that improve economic growth and quality of life.

Our Role

BMC supports our region’s local governments by coordinating work in transportation, housing, workforce development, purchasing, emergency management and environmental planning.

BMC serves as the host of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), the federally-designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Baltimore area.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Public Engagement Coordinator leads the BRTB’s public engagement efforts, helping ensure that residents, communities, stakeholders and local officials have meaningful opportunities to participate in regional transportation planning and decision-making. The position supports all public engagement and involvement activities of the BRTB. Specifically, this role is responsible for developing and implementing the BRTB’s Public Participation Plan, which defines how we engage residents, stakeholders, and local officials in regional transportation decision-making. 

 REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & TEAM STRUCTURE

Reports to: Director of Communications

The Public Engagement Coordinator reports to the Director of Communications and works as a member of BMC’s communications team. The position also works closely with the Director of Transportation, who provides programmatic guidance related to BRTB transportation planning priorities, initiatives and projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with BRTB leadership and staff to develop and publish the BRTB’s official Public Participation Plan. The current plan was updated in 2022 and must be recertified before the release of the next Long Range Transportation Plan, which is scheduled for release in summer 2027.
• Develop and oversee individual public involvement plans for BRTB planning programs and projects. These plans establish project schedules, assign responsibilities, identify messages and themes, establish audience engagement goals and develop strategies for receiving and responding to public input.
• Build relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders and develop strategies to engage traditionally underrepresented populations. This includes participation in community events, public meetings, fairs and other outreach activities. 
• Serve as staff coordinator for the Transportation CORE, a committee of stakeholders that provides feedback to the BRTB through quarterly meetings and supplemental surveys. 
• Collect, analyze, document and communicate public input to BMC staff, stakeholders and decision makers. This includes preparing and presenting a monthly public involvement report to the BRTB. 
• Ensure that BRTB public involvement activities comply with applicable state and federal requirements, including public participation, civil rights, ADA and other applicable rules, regulations and laws. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of BRTB engagement efforts and recommend improvement as necessary. 

 QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, planning, marketing or a related field 5 years of related professional experience. A master’s degree may be substituted for some professional experience.
• Experience working with government agencies, community organizations and other public-sector stakeholders. 
• Strong understanding of local and/or State government, with an emphasis on planning and transportation. Please highlight any experience or expertise with MPO’s.
• Experience with digital tools and engagement platforms to facilitate community engagement.

Skills

• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex transportation planning concepts into clear, accessible information for the public.
• An aptitude for developing clear and concise reports and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal and public presentation skills. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

BMC offers a collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on strengthening the Baltimore region through regional cooperation, planning, research, and policy development.

• Workplace Setting: BMC operates in a professional office environment with a hybrid work structure, subject to organizational policies and position requirements.
• Work Schedule: BMC offers a hybrid work schedule. After a probationary period, employees have the option of telework and/or a flex schedule so long as required in-person events and meetings are prioritized. 
• Travel: Some travel throughout the Baltimore region and occasional travel outside the region may be required for meetings, site visits, conferences, and other organizational activities.
• Meetings and Events: BMC’s Public Engagement Coordinator can expect to attend meetings and events in the evening and, occasionally, on weekends. Comp time is provided for these events and must be used during that pay period. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is primarily an office-based position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

BMC participates in the State of Maryland’s benefit program, including comprehensive healthcare, dental, and life insurance options. BMC provides a competitive package of additional benefits including guaranteed contribution to retirement savings (no match required), holiday, sick, vacation and personal leave.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Kathy Renzi, Office Manager, via e-mail (krenzi@baltometro.org). Please reference “Public Engagement Coordinator” when responding to this position announcement.

BMC is an EOE/M/F/H. BMC does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Please Note: BMC is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. Federal regulations prohibit H-1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees; all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer.