Job ID #31470: Project Coordinator, Public Engagement

Program Coordinator, Public Engagement

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada's largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, Public Engagement, the Program Coordinator, Public Engagement, is primarily responsible for supporting City-led projects with meaningful community outreach and public engagement. The coordinator employs an equity, diversity and inclusion lens to public engagement plans, processes, and practices. Responsible for supporting city-wide public engagement initiatives including, the City's Public Engagement Community of Practice, internal cross-departmental teams, and developing community relationships and participation.

General duties include:

• Contributes to the overall development and implementation of key initiatives, programs and projects within the Government and Community Relations team in addition to building relationships with Hamilton's diverse communities and supporting meaningful City-led public engagement practices.
• Perform key project management functions such as coordinating, organizing, monitoring, and controlling project components such as meeting coordination, event planning, workshop facilitation, and community engagement.
• Support project consultants and staff to plan public engagement activities within the broader Hamilton community.
• Track and monitor program-related budgets and third-party invoices.
• Track and maintain all Council recommendations and motions relating to related projects. Liaise with the Clerk's office as required and support Council reporting process.
• Contribute research and policy contents to support the adoption of effective city-wide public engagement practices and bolster continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide advice, feedback, and answer questions or expand on any research findings and best practices as required to support staff reports, briefing notes, and presentations at Council.
• Provide support and direction to relevant Volunteer Advisory Committees to facilitate their meetings and advisory roles.
• Build relationships with internal and external partners and community members to seek input on city-wide public engagement initiatives. Identifies and addresses barriers to participation and access.
• Collaborate with internal Communications Teams to develop and implement communication strategies, engagement plans, as well as related materials and products that support community engagement projects and initiatives.
• Prepares communication and educational resources, including presentations, agendas, meeting minutes, key messages, frequently asked questions, and fact sheets for paper and digital platforms.
• Assists in the development, communication, and implementation of the corporate-wide public engagement strategy, including the policy and framework.
• Work independently, with minimal supervision, on multiple priorities and ensure deadlines are adhered to and established procedures are followed.
• Perform other duties as assigned which are directly or indirectly related to position responsibilities.

Qualifications include:

1. University Degree or College Diploma in social sciences, public engagement, project management, public policy, human services, planning or a combination of equivalent education and related work experience.
2. Proven knowledge of public engagement and project management approaches through direct work experience. Demonstrated success in leading project teams or as a key member of large or fast-paced project teams. Must have demonstrated accuracy in planning and organizational skills.
3. Training through the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) is preferred.
4. Demonstrated understanding and ability to work with various community organizations, partners, residents and other key community members is required.
5. Direct work experience with equity-deserving groups and racialized communities preferred.
6. Excellent people skills and an ability to build and manage relationships with people at all levels, including leadership, front-line and cross-departmental staff.
7. Ability to manage third-party vendors, track project progress, monitor deliverables and administer invoicing processes and payments. Ability to keep track and report on project budget.
8. Demonstrated experience in writing, coordination and preparation of reports. Ability to write professionally as a researcher or project manager on key research or project initiatives. Superior skills in verbal and written communication, delivering presentations, and interpersonal communication. Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite products such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
9. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills to relate respectfully and thoughtfully with staff, community stakeholders and the general public with a pleasant attitude and professionalism.

Disclaimer: Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms: The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.