Community Engagement Coordinator at Fairfax Water – FAIRFAX, Virginia

Under limited supervision of the Manager, Public Affairs, the Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for planning, developing and implementing a variety of public outreach, awareness, and education campaigns supporting Fairfax Water’s Strategic Communications Plan. The Community Engagement Coordinator will represent Fairfax Water to community organizations and stakeholders with proactive communication on Fairfax Water programs, investments and ongoing work in the community.

• Implement strategies outlined in Fairfax Water’s Strategic Communications Plan to promote Fairfax Water projects and a positive organizational image.
• Identify and maintain relationships with strategic partners for Fairfax Water initiatives which include wholesale customers, neighborhood groups, and key influencers.
• Develop and coordinate outreach programs and materials for various audiences such as customers, educators and civic associations.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to strategic partners, and other groups in support of the communications strategic plan and organizational strategic plan.
• Plan and execute outreach events and educational programs for specific audiences.
• Supports development of communications on a wide range of subjects related to Fairfax Water, the value of tap water, source water protection, water quality, and other topics.
• Assist in the creation and implementation of communication plans.
• Responsible for cost control for communication projects.
• Conducts audience/customer research for evaluation and measurement of communication programs.
• Work closely with Fairfax Water staff and partner agencies to prepare, research, analyze, and edit communication materials and ensure consistent messaging.
• Helps to coordinate social media and news media communications. (Drafts content for social networking platforms and news releases; plans, organizes, and implements social media programs and events; and monitors content of County social media sites.
• Proactively seek opportunities to build relationships with groups representing the diverse community Fairfax Water serves and develop materials to support inclusive messaging.
• Respond to inquiries from retail and wholesale customers, regional partners, professional associations, and associates.
• Initiate and represent Fairfax Water at public meetings and on various special assignments and projects including business organizations, citizen groups, associations, and other organizations.
• Provide reports on the progress of strategies, partnerships and lessons learned. Recommend opportunities for improved approaches for community engagement.
• Participate in external committees and workgroups as assigned by the Manager of Public Affairs or Director of Administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, English, public policy, public administration, journalism, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in community engagement, communications or public affairs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, public officials, Fairfax Water personnel, the media and the public.
• Proven excellence verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to carry out instructions.
• Ability to multitask, handle pressure-filled situations, and meet firm deadlines.
• Ability to take technical and scientific information and create engaging and relatable content. Ability to work a variable schedule (i.e., occasional evening or weekend events or meetings) and travel throughout the region as needed.
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Excel) and design software applications such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Must pass a controlled substance (drug) test for employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with a water utility, local government, or comparable organization, or experience managing large-scale stakeholder or communications initiatives.
• Understanding of the drinking water industry challenges and opportunities.
• Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), Communication Management Professional (CMP), and Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC), or other related certification.