Public Engagement Specialist

The District of Squamish is located in the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). We offer gratitude to the Skwxwú7mesh People who have lived on these lands since time immemorial.

External Job Posting

Position:                                               Public Engagement Specialist

Status:                                                    Regular Full-Time

Work Area:                                           Communications

Posting Date:                                       August 14, 2023

Closing Date:                                       Until position filled

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Communications, the Public Engagement Specialist plays a leading role in the development and execution of District of Squamish community and stakeholder engagement processes to support local decision-making and effectively involve the public in civic matters. Through a well-practiced understanding and

application of key engagement concepts, techniques and planning principles, this position will both develop and execute communications and engagement strategies and programs, as well as support District departments to do the same.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Contributes to the success of our team and creation of our thriving community, by fostering the District of Squamish corporate values in their work: Respect, Integrity, Connection and Progress.

·         Follows the District of Squamish’s Customer Service Guidelines to ensure the Delivery of Outstanding Service.

·         Develops and executes District of Squamish community and stakeholder engagement/public participation processes in accordance with the District’s Official Community Plan vision and strategic direction.

·         Utilizes International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) principles and industry best practices to design and execute public engagement plans and programs.

·         Leads and/or supports planning and execution of engagement efforts in support of Council and District departments.

·         Develops all parts of the engagement planning and design process including, but not limited to, stakeholder mapping, impact and risk assessment, technique selection and communications planning.

·         Develops and advises on research surveys.

·         Facilitates public workshops and meetings as required, and represents the District to the public and outside agencies.

·         Seeks out and evaluates the strategic use of public engagement tools and platforms to continuously improve and advance the way the District’s information and engagement objectives are met.

·         Defines success metrics for organization-wide engagement activities (both in person and online), and evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of these activities.

·         Supports the Director of Communications in preparing reports, recommendations, and presentations to Council and senior management.

·         Develops and delivers internal training modules to build capacity and understanding for public engagement process and importance.

·         Other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

·         Proven understanding and application of the key concepts, techniques and planning principles of IAP2 community and stakeholder engagement, communications planning and coordination, and project management.

·         Proven understanding and application of the steps in engagement planning and design.

·         Experience in executing a variety of public engagement techniques and tactics, both online and in person.

·         Experience in facilitating challenging situations/topics is considered an asset to help move stakeholders from positions to shared values.

·         Strong practical knowledge of and demonstrated working experience in using social media forums.

·         Strong knowledge and practical experience in applying survey research methodologies, including primary and secondary data collection, statistical analysis and reporting techniques.

·         Knowledge and understanding of the Squamish community is an asset.

·         Knowledge and understanding of trends in online public engagement tools and platforms, and ability to research and evaluate new tools for District use.

·         Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

·         Proven ability to communicate clearly and creatively – both in written and verbal form.

·         Ability to facilitate public consultation meetings and workshops is considered an asset.

·         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. agencies, non profits, special interest groups) and members of the public across all demographics and a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to communicate with people in a professional, friendly and collaborative manner, especially in situations of high emotion or conflict.

·         Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, the ability to perform multiple duties simultaneously with deadlines and the ability to exercise judgment and work independently.

·         Positive, can-do energy and attitude.

REQUIRED TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

·         Bondable

·         Valid B.C. Class 5 Driver’s License

·         Experience working within a municipal government as well as event planning experience for both large and small groups is considered an asset

·         Degree or diploma in Public Engagement, Communications or a related field

·         Accredited courses in public engagement planning and design such as the IAP2 Foundations for Public Participation,

and in facilitation

AND

·         Five years relevant experience in engagement planning, design and execution
OR

·         An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. This is a general list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Other related duties may be assigned in keeping with the general nature of the position.

The District of Squamish may consider applicants who do not fulfil all requirements of the position if no fully qualified applicants apply.

Hours of Work:                    70 hours biweekly. Current shifts, subject to change, are Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8 am and 5:30 pm. Fortnight schedule. On occasion, evening and weekend shifts will be required.

Salary:                                       $37.68 per hour

This is a Union position within the Collective Agreement of CUPE Local 2269 and the District of Squamish.

Direct Your Application (Quoting Competition #) To: #23-85

Human Resources

District of Squamish

37955 Second Avenue, P.O. Box 310, Squamish, B.C., V8B 0A3 E-mail: jobs@squamish.ca

As an equitable and inclusive employer, we value diversity of people to best represent the community we serve and provide excellent services to our citizens. We strive to attract and retain passionate and talented individuals of all backgrounds, demographics, and life experiences. If you require any adjustments to enable participation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact in confidence AccessibilityHR@squamish.ca. We thank all applicants for applying.