Senior Community Liaison

This position will support all community engagement activities of DMD. The incumbent will strive to promote meaningful engagement of all populations and stakeholders in planning processes with an emphasis on populations traditionally under-represented in public processes. The incumbent will assist with general professional planning, economic development and real estate activities. Position reports to the Administrator of Engagement.

Agency Summary  

The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening all people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development. The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, equitable, and beautiful city where people and businesses thrive in an inclusive and innovative community. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Assist the Administrator of Engagement with creating community engagement plans. 

Act as a liaison between DMD, the City-County Council, city departments, and community members regarding DMD’s work.  

Assist in or lead the development of public education programs and materials. 

Communicate complex planning and economic development concepts, processes, and recommendations to residents as well as internal and other external stakeholders with limited to no experience in city and real estate processes. 

Facilitate a wide array of formats for community meetings and events, including leading and speaking to large groups. 

Assist in or lead the development of promotional materials and campaigns that promote engagement and understanding. 

Assist in the development and manipulation of graphics, communication templates, and brand standards. 

Make arrangements, maintain calendars, and coordinate logistics for community engagement events and activities. 

Research and analyze basic socioeconomic and demographic information to identify sub-populations within targeted planning areas that may be difficult to engage and advise on engagement methods necessary to remove potential barriers to participation. 

Identify potential community partners and resources, including for sub-populations traditionally under-represented in public processes, and cultivate lasting and reciprocal relationships. 

Assist in identifying grants, other financial opportunities or partnerships, and creative opportunities to support engagement activities.   

Continuously review and evaluate engagement activities and make enhancements to improve effectiveness in future engagement efforts. 

Document and maintain data and records regarding community engagement. 

Advise on implementation of best practices, emerging trends, and opportunities for innovation in community engagement.  

Understand and advise the Department of emerging demographic, socioeconomic, technological, geopolitical, and preference shifts in engagement, as well as the public policy implications. 

Participate in and support interdisciplinary and cross-divisional action teams or projects undertaken by DMD. 

Review the work of consultants and intern staff, if applicable. 

Must maintain confidentiality and integrity at all times. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Communications, Public Policy, Public Administration, or related field. Two (2) years of related industry or public-sector experience in community engagement. Excellent writing and public communications skills required. Public speaking, group meeting facilitation, and community organizing experience. Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment required. Must be able to communicate with diverse cultures and group dynamics. Experience in research and data collection. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Some public relations, communications, or community engagement education or professional development. Ability to speak and write intermediate-level Spanish language. Proficiency in Trimble SketchUp. Familiarity with U.S. Census Bureau products and grant writing experience.

Working Conditions

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Attendance at meetings after regular business hours, at remote locations around Marion County and Central Indiana, may be required.

Physical Conditions

1. Sitting at a desk the majority of the day
2. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds
3. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation
4. Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals
5. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally