Description
The Planning & Communications Specialist will provide professional-level support for community engagement, stakeholder coordination, and strategic communications activities associated with the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and related active transportation initiatives. This position supports planning, implementation, and evaluation efforts by coordinating outreach activities, developing communications materials, and facilitating partnerships among schools, local governments, state and federal agencies, and community organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
Support stakeholder engagement activities involving school districts, school administrators, parent organizations, local governments, transportation agencies, law enforcement, and nonprofit partners
Assist with the development and maintenance of local, state, and federal partnerships related to active transportation, safety, and mobility programs
Support identification, recruitment, and coordination of participants for task forces, advisory committees, and working groups for programs such as Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School
Plan and facilitate public meetings, workshops, focus groups, and outreach events to gather input and support program implementation
Coordinate volunteers and partners for safety audits, walking school buses, bike giveaways, and Walk/Bike to School events
Communications & Public Involvement
Develop and implement communications and public involvement materials consistent with DOT and consulting best practices, including fact sheets, presentations, newsletters, press materials, and digital content
Support multi-channel outreach campaigns using social media, email, and web-based platforms to increase awareness of program objectives and activities
Maintain program websites and social media platforms and track engagement metrics to support reporting and continuous improvement
Prepare clear, audience-appropriate materials for public, technical, and policy-focused audiences
Program & Technical Support
Coordinate with planners, engineers, and technical staff to incorporate community input into planning documents, conceptual designs, and program recommendations
Support implementation of school-based programs, including traffic gardens, walking school bus activities, and bicycle and pedestrian safety education
Assist with planning and delivery of special events and pilot programs.
Monitor relevant policy and planning initiatives related to safety, active transportation, and school access.
Collect, organize, and report data related to outreach activities, participation levels, and program performance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Physical Requirements:
May involve extended periods of time in a seated position, up to 80% of the workday at a keyboard or workstation
Requirements
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Planning, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Health, or a related discipline
3–5 years of professional experience supporting community engagement, public involvement, communications, or planning efforts within a transportation, public-sector, or consulting environment
Experience supporting outreach efforts for transportation, safety, public health, or education-related programs
Strong technical writing, editing, and presentation skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital communications platforms (e.g., Canva, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, or similar tools)
Experience working with schools, local governments, regional agencies, or nonprofit partners
Preferred:
Familiarity with Safe Routes to School, Vision Zero, or active transportation planning initiatives
Experience supporting federally or state-funded transportation programs
Experience coordinating activities that include evening or weekend outreach and field-based events