The Organization
Kearns & West is a leader in community engagement and stakeholder facilitation conducted for government agency clients across the country. The team in Southern California works in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and Ventura Counties from several local offices. Their projects span multiple policy sectors, including community planning and housing, transportation, major public facilities and infrastructure, natural resources, energy, water, marine resources, and climate. At the core of all their projects is finding solutions to advance essential policies and programs, and many of our projects incorporate customized inclusive engagement techniques to give all communities a voice. On any given day, the Southern California team is facilitating stakeholder committees, leading community meetings and open houses, staffing “pop up” events at community events, writing engagement strategies, creating informational materials and social media posts, and preparing input summaries.

Opportunity Summary
Kearns & West is recruiting Community Engagement Coordinators/Associates. This is an opportunity for part-time independent contractors to support community engagement activities and programs in the Southern California region. Assignments could range from one-day events to longer support for one or more projects spanning several months, depending on project needs. Additional responsibilities could include the following:

Assist with planning, designing, and implementing public participation meetingsAttend planning/program and project check-in meetings with staff and/or clientsManage logistics and planning for eventsHelp facilitate breakout discussions and notetaking exercisesStaff public events: organize supplies, set up, take down, and engage with members of the public in interactive exercises and discussionsPrepare notes and develop summaries of eventsAssist with survey design, survey implementation, and analysisDesign informational tools, presentations, forms, fact sheets, and other materialsWrite social media postsQualifications and Experience Sought Candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including public policy, urban planning, and communications, will be considered. An interest in collaborative problem-solving and communications is essential. Preference for candidates who are fluent in Spanish.

Additional desired qualifications include:

Experience conducting outreach across Southern CaliforniaFamiliarity and experience with outreach techniques specifically for underserved communities Self-motivated and comfortable working independently An effective and reliable communicator Adept at quickly learning key issues, FAQs, and important elements of complex projects Ability to translate technical information for community membersEffective and competent writing skillsAvailability to attend events during evenings and weekendsCompensation Compensation will be $38 - $40, including travel time.