Community Relations Representative

General Summary:

On behalf of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the incumbent will facilitate positive communications between the community, businesses, non-profits, the general public, other stakeholders and the DART Board and staff. The incumbent will actively promote understanding and awareness of public transportation, and specifically DART capital projects, service changes, programs and all aspects of service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates agency sponsored public meetings, hearings and similar events to obtain input and build consensus prior to and during project, program, and service changes implementation.
• Will help develop and facilitate meetings in all formats including telecommuting meetings and virtual meetings and encourages public participation in DART activities and meetings.
• Adheres to all local, state and federal requirements including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with reference to public involvement and participation.
• Participates with the goal of solving problems and being informative in external community events such as town hall meetings, community briefings, neighborhood and civic functions within the 13 DART cities service area and surrounding communities.
• Facilitates and actively participates with DART external outreach and educational programs.
• Utilizes, develops and updates the departmental external stakeholder contact database.
• Enhances agency participation in chambers of commerce activities throughout the service area.
• Develops strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and stakeholder groups and strives to facilitate a positive two-way informational flow.
• Assists in research studies for planning and development of new or revised DART programs and activities.
• Interfaces and collaborates with consultants and other DART staff regularly to complete activities and projects.
• Serves as a well-informed DART liaison between the agency and various external groups and organizations and keeps supervisors and colleagues current and updated on these relations or community issues as they arise.
• Prepares a variety of reports and updates such as DART Board agenda reports, status reports, briefing papers, action plans, memorandums, correspondence, charts, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations and can readily give presentations on the content in said documents and materials.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Liberal Arts, Public Administration, Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of direct community, public relations experience, including meeting planning, coordination and facilitation experience.
• Pass a physical (medical) examination that includes a drug screen in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
• Proficiency of PC software applications to include Microsoft Office or other related software applications.
• Analytical and creative skills to find solutions to complex interpersonal, technical and administrative problems.
• Must be able to multi-task effectively and efficiently and work well in a fast-paced exciting workplace environment.
• Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders. Acts with stakeholders in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and gains their trust and respect.
• Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.
• Ability to be able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect.
• Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.
• Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.

Working Conditions:

Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V

JR101966