Community Engagement Specialist

Salary range is $21.63/hour to $64.42/hour with a midpoint of $42.31/hour. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.

Employee Assistance Program.

• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.

Pet Insurance.

• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues

GENERAL PURPOSE:  
Under supervision, assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing community engagement efforts for assigned capital projects, programs, and services within a designated geographic area. Serves as a point of contact between Sound Transit and the community, supporting the dissemination of public information and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders. Assists in the creation of communication materials, event coordination, and public outreach activities. Supports the Senior Specialist in identifying and addressing issues affecting the public during project planning and implementation. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Community Engagement Support: Assist in the execution of public engagement efforts related to LINK light rail, ST Express, and STRide BRT services and capital projects.  
• Provide logistical and administrative support for community meetings, events, and outreach activities.  
• Public Information Distribution: Create, review, and distribute public-facing materials, including flyers, FAQs, newsletters, and social media posts.  
• Ensure materials are clear, accessible, and available in priority languages where necessary.  
• Stakeholder Interaction: Serve as a point of contact for inquiries from community members, businesses, and other stakeholders, ensuring timely responses.  
• Support the development of relationships with community-based organizations, neighborhoods, and businesses to enhance engagement.  
• Event Coordination: Coordinate the setup, staffing, and follow-up for public meetings, open houses, and other engagement events.  
• Track and manage event logistics, including invitations, venues, materials, and accessibility accommodations.  
• Research and Feedback Management: Gather and summarize community feedback to inform the Senior Specialist and other internal stakeholders.  
• Assist in tracking and analyzing feedback to ensure community concerns are addressed effectively.  
• Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate records of engagement activities, community contacts, and feedback.  
• Support the preparation of reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.  
• Additional Duties: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment with engagement efforts.  
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency. 
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy. 
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees. 
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Administration, English, or closely related field. Four years of experience working in community outreach, community relations, or public relations that includes leading outreach or public relations projects within a diverse urban community; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge And Skills:

• Experience supporting public meetings, outreach activities, or event coordination.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.  
• Experience creating and editing communication materials for public distribution.  
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.  
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and administrative capabilities.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).  
• Basic knowledge of social media platforms and CRM tools for stakeholder management.  
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and maintain positive working relationships. 

Preferred Knowledge And Skills:

• Background in public relations, communications, urban planning, public administration, or a related field.  
• Familiarity with Sound Transit projects and the Puget Sound region.  
• Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly one of Sound Transit’s priority languages (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, or American Sign Language). 
• Awareness of local community issues and relationships with community-based organizations.  
• Interest in or experience with public engagement certifications, such as IAP2.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.  
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.  

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.