Director of Community Relations

Key Responsibilities:

1. Community Engagement: Develop and implement strategies to engage with local residents, community and environmental organizations, labor, and other stakeholders affected by the redevelopment project.
2. Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain positive relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, advocacy groups, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate cooperation and support for the project.
3. Communication Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for community inquiries, feedback, and concerns related to the brownfield development. Develop and disseminate clear and accurate information about project goals, timelines, and potential impacts.
4. Public Outreach: Organize and participate in public meetings, workshops, and other events to provide opportunities for community members to learn about the project, ask questions, and provide input.
5. Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts and disputes that may arise between the project team and the community in a constructive and proactive manner. Work towards finding mutually beneficial solutions and mitigating potential negative impacts.
6. Media Relations: Coordinate with media outlets to share project updates, milestones, and success stories. Respond to media inquiries and help manage the public perception of the project.
7. Community Benefits: Advocate for community benefits, such as job opportunities, affordable housing, native habitat and wetland restoration, as part of the project’s redevelopment plan.
8. Grant Writing: The proven ability to track and apply for government grants.
9. Monitoring and Evaluation: Track and evaluate the effectiveness of community engagement efforts, identifying areas for improvement and implementing adjustments as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental science, environmental communications, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Several years of experience in community relations, public outreach, or stakeholder engagement, preferably in the context of brownfield redevelopment, land use planning, or environmental remediation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders, including residents, regulatory officials, and advocacy groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to brownfield redevelopment, environmental permitting, and community engagement.
• Experience in conflict resolution, consensus-building, and managing public meetings or events.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and familiarity with communication tools and platforms, such as social media, websites, and email newsletters.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends, as needed, to accommodate community meetings and events.

This job description outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications for the role of Director of Community Relations. The successful candidate will play a vital role in fostering positive relationships, promoting transparency, and ensuring the successful implementation of the Baylands development while addressing the needs and concerns of the local community. If you are passionate about environmental sustainability, habitat restoration, urban revitalization, and making a positive difference in the world, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our dynamic team.