Community Education and Outreach Coordinator (Public Information Specialist, Senior)

Date Opened: Thursday, July 03, 2025 12:00 AM

Close Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Water Department

Salary: $0.00 - $0.00 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

Charlotte Water is seeking an experienced, innovative, and motivated Community Education and Outreach Coordinator to join its dynamic Communications Team. This highly visible position plays a critical role in educating the community about Charlotte Water’s services, policies, and initiatives. The role reports to the Public Affairs Manager and is one of several positions responsible for internal and external messaging on behalf of the utility.

As the public face of water and wastewater education programs, this individual will lead strategic outreach efforts, develop engaging content across platforms, manage public events, and serve as a spokesperson on water-related issues. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about public service, education, and environmental communication.

Salary - $75,134 - $83,481 - Commensurate with experience

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Lead comprehensive, multi-channel education and outreach campaigns related to water chemistry, drinking water safety (including Lead & Copper Rule and Consumer Confidence Reports), conservation, smart irrigation, wastewater treatment, biosolids, and sanitary sewer overflow reduction.

• Community Engagement:  Represent Charlotte Water at public events, community meetings, and school outreach activities. Manage public displays, educational tours, tabling events, mascot appearances, and the Water Wagon.

• Strategic Communications: Develop and implement communications plans that incorporate print, web, social media, and public/media relations to support Charlotte Water’s mission and initiatives.

• Media and Messaging: Serve as a media spokesperson and work with local journalists to communicate about water quality, emerging environmental issues, and utility operations.

• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with utility divisions to identify education needs and ensure consistent messaging. Contribute to organizational initiatives by integrating education and outreach strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• HSD or Equivalent

• Seven (7) years of direct experience in public relations, communications, journalism, environmental education, or related outreach roles.

OR

• 2 year college degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, Communications, Journalism, English, or related field.

• Five (5) years of direct experience in public relations, communications, journalism, environmental education, or related outreach roles.

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, Communications, Journalism, English, or related field.

• At least three (3) years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, environmental education, or related outreach roles.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Requires valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, Communications, Journalism, English, or related field and five (5) years of relevant experience.

• Background in environmental education, water/wastewater outreach, or nonprofit/government communication.

• Familiarity with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, including LCRR and CCR.

• Bilingual abilities (Spanish or other languages).

• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or certifications in environmental education.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and publication design.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking/presentation skills.

• Strong copywriting abilities and knowledge of AP Style.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong internal and external relationships.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with social media best practices.

Work Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment; Primarily office-based workload with frequent attendance at community events and occasional evening or weekend work.

• Sedentary work with occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.

• Work is conducted in both indoor and outdoor environments and may require adaptab