Community Engagement Specialist

The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, the nationally regarded regional planning agency for the seven county greater Milwaukee area, and the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the five urbanized areas within Southeastern Wisconsin, has an immediate opening for a Community Engagement Specialist. The Commission is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our diverse team of planners, engineers and specialists focused on addressing issues that transcend the political boundaries and fiscal capabilities of individual communities. The successful individual will be able to engage the residents of the Region across the Commission’s entire range of planning programs in transportation, land use and environmentally related issues. 

Are you passionate about collaborating with colleagues and partners to educate the public about best-in- class research to protect our Region’s future? The Commission provides this and other opportunities to lead energizing work by ensuring that the Region is providing economic, environmental, and social value now and in the future. Our team of ~70 staff with a wide range of expertise is focused on continuously improving the quality of life for the Region.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct public involvement and outreach throughout the seven counties, with a focus on historically underrepresented communities in Milwaukee County.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials and the general public.
• Coordinate with staff to carry out the activities outlined in the agency’s Public Participation Plan.
• Meet with the public to discuss problems and incorporate reasonable responses related to the work done by the Commission.
• Provide logistical support for public meetings, open houses, hearings, focus groups and visioning sessions.
• Establish and maintain relationships with K-12 educational institutions in the Region to educate our youth about the Commission’s planning programs in transportation, land use and environment.
• Collaborate with staff to develop and disseminate user-friendly information for the community through print and electronic media. 
• Share agency outreach activities with the Communications Specialist for featuring in agency communications.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, community engagement, public relations, planning, environmental science or a related field
• Experience with written and oral communication
• Experience in community engagement and outreach activities and established relationships within the Region preferred