Full-Time Community Engagement Professional
Job Description
As the regional council for Maine’s Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes areas, GPCOG is an association of cities and towns serving rural, suburban, and urban areas. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region. We do this through a variety of programs, services, projects and initiatives – all with the goal of improving the lives of our community members and making our region the best in the country.
One of Greater Portland’s greatest strengths is the growing diversity in its communities. The Greater Portland Council of Governments believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations should shape every area of its work, internally and externally; internally, by creating and maintaining an inclusive organizational culture and, externally, by focusing explicitly on equity and inclusion to ensure increased accessibility and pathways to prosperity for all community members. Our work progresses when our team can draw on a wide range of personal experiences and backgrounds, and when each member is open to learning from the experiences of others, both internally and externally.
As an equal opportunity employer, GPCOG embraces all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and does not discriminate against applicants for employment or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical conditions, age, disability or other handicap, genetic information, marital/familial status, veteran status, military status, or income or status with regard to public assistance in any aspects of our personnel policies, working conditions, or hiring and recruitment.
To create and nourish a diverse workforce in the Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes region, GPCOG encourages members of groups traditionally underrepresented in local government and professional positions to apply for our open career opportunities.
GPCOG recognizes the value of a healthy work/life balance for our team members and as such, we provide a variety of benefits to promote that balance. GPCOG encourages opportunities for career advancement through tuition assistance and professional development opportunities, leadership programs, and participation in local and national organizations. GPCOG also offers flexible schedules and remote work options as well as paid time off and holidays. GPCOG employees also may be eligible for health, vision and dental insurance, employer-paid short-term disability coverage, participation in a Defined Contribution retirement plan and Deferred Compensation Plans that employees can opt into for additional retirement funding.
As a key part of the Communications and Engagement Team, you will develop inclusive engagement practices to support agency wide initiatives including transportation, sustainability, economic development, and planning. You will also manage our acclaimed Mobility for All Program. If you have program management experience, enjoy community-building initiatives, and want to support shared, sustainable prosperity in the Greater Portland, Maine region, then you’re someone we want as part of our team!
What you’ll do
- Co-manage the Mobility for All Program to promote inclusive engagement of disadvantaged communities within regional transportation planning processes. This includes the development of the Community Transportation Leaders Program and Bus Ambassadors programs, coordination of annual Ride with Me Events, and facilitation of the Transportation & Community Network.
- Maintain working relationships with transportation stakeholders, stay current on transportation planning efforts, and continuously identify ways to improve transportation for disadvantaged populations throughout the region.
- Support project teams by designing and implementing activities like community workshops, surveys, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and tabling events.
- Develop and implement best practices to promote active participation and meaningful involvement of stakeholders. Participate in peer exchanges, webinars, and other learning forums.
- Support Community and Engagement Team management through calendar maintenance, note-taking, meeting and event scheduling.
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience in program and/or project management.
- Knowledge of and/or enthusiasm for transportation planning.
- Knowledge about inclusive engagement and decision-making practices.
- Event-planning skills.
- Facilitation skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated skills at being highly responsive.
- Experience working with disadvantaged populations, including people with disabilities, older adults, BIPOC communities, and limited English proficiency populations.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders from various sectors and industries, including public officials, community and faith-based organizations, private businesses and more.
- Orientation to recognize, prioritize, and accommodate diverse needs of community members throughout the region, and to meet people where they are.
- Sharp attention to detail and the ability to manage tasks for multiple programs and projects at once.
- Ability to solve problems and think creatively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and digestible manner for a diverse audience.
- Speaking any of the non-English languages commonly spoken in our region is a plus, but not required. These languages include, but are not limited to, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Somali, and Spanish.
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
What to know
- GPCOG offers a hybrid workplace that allows staff to work remotely, although the Communications and Engagement Coordinator will need to attend community events and meetings in Greater Portland.
- Occasional travel in the Greater Portland region and extended hours are required.
- GPCOG offers competitive benefits, a fun, flexible, and creative work environment, and an annual salary in the mid-50s for the right well-qualified candidate.
- Work hours and schedule may be flexible to 40 hours per week, with some ability to adjust based on circumstances, depending on what you bring to the position.
- Position title (Communications & Engagement Associate or Coordinator) as well as salary will be determined at the time of hire based on qualifications and experience.
What to do now
- Go to http://tinyurl.com/38marpsm to provide your contact information, then
- Upload your cover letter telling us why you want to join GPCOG’s team as a community engagement professional.
- Upload your résumé, highlighting your education, relevant experience, and skills, and
- Submit all of these no later than February 25, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they come in and the position may be filled before the deadline, so please apply early.
- All applications must be submitted using this application portal to be considered.
More to know
GPCOG serves as a federally designated metropolitan planning organization (as PACTS), the regional Economic Development District, and state designated regional planning agency supporting 25 member municipalities and other cities and towns throughout the greater Portland region. As Maine’s economic center, Greater Portland is an exciting region in which to work and live. GPCOG is committed to advancing racial equity, social and environmental justice in its work to build sustainable prosperity for all in the Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes Region.
Visit us at www.gpcog.org
How to Apply
- Go to http://tinyurl.com/38marpsm to provide your contact information, then
- Upload your cover letter telling us why you want to join GPCOG’s team as a community engagement professional.
- Upload your résumé, highlighting your education, relevant experience, and skills, and
- Submit all of these no later than February 25, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they come in and the position may be filled before the deadline, so please apply early.
- All applications must be submitted using this application portal to be considered.
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