Community Outreach Coordinator

Community Outreach Coordinator

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Heywood Office and Operations Facility, Minneapolis, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00329

Division

Metro Transit

Department

Outreach

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

The Metro Transit Community Outreach Coordinator will be geographically based, embedded in community to build and maintain long-term community relationships. They will serve as consistent points of contact for businesses, neighborhood organizations, community partners, city and county representatives and police partners. They will manage and provide problem solving related to escalated customer and community issues that require ongoing ownership. Responsible for coordinating responses involving elected officials, executive leadership, or multiple Metro Transit departments. Support proactive outreach related to customer education and connecting with communities that are not currently riding by expanding Metro Transit's How to Ride programming to encourage ridership. Support on-going initiatives such as the Safety & Security Action Plan including changing perception by developing and implementing communication and public involvement activities to build public understanding and support. Interfaces with project managers, communications staff, and other Council departments involved in the project. Represents and/or attends public events and meetings of committees.

We are creating a six (6) month eligibility list for current and future openings.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range $39.69 to $52.88 hourly

$82,555 to $110,000 annually

Full Salary Range: $39.69 to $64.41 hourly

$82,555 to $133,973 annually

The hiring salary will be determined based on the final candidates qualifications, the Councils internal pay structures, and our total compensation package for the position.

Note: These positions are eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Hours will primarily be Monday - Friday during standard business hours with the need to work a flexible schedule that includes early mornings, nights, and weekends to accommodate community connection. The candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

• Create outreach plans and manage engagement projects.

• Build, maintain, coordinate and implement activities such as public hearings, focus groups, surveys, education, information presentations, and other forums that foster input from and education of the public for transit service, program(s) or project(s). Identifies constituencies that need to be communicated with and involved in transit service, programs or projects. .

• Represents Metro Transit, as assigned, in community, at public events and meetings of committees and organizations.

• Interfaces with the internal stakeholders, to ensure consistent communication with communities potentially impacted by transit service, a program or project(s).

• Responds to customer inquiries, requests for information regarding all aspects of Metro Transit service, program(s) or project(s).

• Tracks public comments to assist in tailoring key messages and collateral material to specific audiences, including civic, business and opinion leaders, neighborhoods, organizations etc.; maintains stakeholder contact lists.

• Reviews routine communication tools for consistency while creating outreach and engagement plans and updating accordingly as transit service, program(s) or project(s) progress.

• Performs administrative tasks such as taking meeting minutes, creating agendas, and typing up notes.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of progressively responsible experience public affairs or community relations that includes working with the public, diverse community groups, consultants, opinion leaders and community-based organizations and completed education in Planning, Urban Studies, Communication, Public Affairs, Political Science or a related field:

• High school diploma/GED with seven (7) years of experience
• Associate degree with five (5) years of experience
• Bachelors degree or higher with three (3) years of experience

Lifting Requirements:

• Ability to lift, move and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds. Assistance from another person or a mechanical device may be required for heavier items.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Bachelors degree in planning, urban studies, communication, public affairs, political science or related field.
• Experience with event coordination logistics.
• Experience with community outreach in Minneapolis specifically with construction coordination, building strong community relationships.
• Experience in transit/transportation.
• Experience in non-profit or government agency.
• Skilled in writing, listening, and speaking in a second language.
• Experience working with diverse populations of internal and external customers.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Skilled in using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and working with databases.
• Skilled in setting up laptop and projectors for use at public meetings.
• Skilled in verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in public speaking and presentation development
• Skilled in dealing with conflict and stressful situations.
• Skilled in reading, writing and speaking a second language is desired.
• Ability to use photocopiers, printers, plotters and other office equipment required for putting meeting materials together.
• Ability to use email and Outlook calendar function for setting up public meetings.
• Ability to identify outreach strategies and stakeholders.
• Ability to solve problems and suggest solutions.
• Ability to find information and collaborate across departments.
• Ability to meaningfully connect with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to identify emerging issues or anticipate pain points.
• Ability to listen and summarize conversations with the public or in meetings.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade: Non-Represented / Pay Grade G

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed in a standard office environment, however, frequent travel between the primary work site and other locations is required.
• This position will participate in events held outdoors and may be exposed to various weather conditions.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job youre applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

Which of the following describes your level of education and experience relevant to the Community Outreach Coordinator requirements?

• High school diploma/GED with at least seven (7) years of experience
• Associates degree with at least five (5) years of experience
• Bachelors degree with at least three (3) years of experience
• None of the above

05

Please check all of the following areas that you have experience with.

• Event coordination logistics
• Community outreach in Minneapolis, specifically with construction coordination and building strong community relationships.
• Transit/Transportation
• Non-profit or government agency
• Skilled in writing, listening and speaking a second language
• None of the above

06

Which of the following computer programs do you have working knowledge of? Check all that apply.

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Teams
• Webex and/or other virtual
• Online survey tools such as SurveyMonkey
• Email newsletter tools
• None of the above

07

This position requires off-site visits where public transportation may not be available or efficient. Are you willing and able to travel to other locations to meet with the public?

• Yes
• No

08

This position occasionally requires working evenings and weekends. Are you willing and able to work some evenings and weekends?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you able to lift, move and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds?

• Yes
• No

10

Please describe your non-profit or government experience with public engagement, community outreach, or communications. Highlight your experience engaging diverse communities including people of color, low-income communities, and people with a range of abilities. Type N/A if you dont have this experience.

11

Please describe your event coordination experience including the size of the event and the role that you held. Type N/A if you dont have this experience.

12

Please list any languages that you are fluent or conversational in besides English (include Sign Language). Type N/A if you dont have this experience.

13

Please provide an example of when you have communicated complex information to someone in plain language. Describe the situation, your audience, your message and the outcome. Type N/A if you dont have this experience.

14

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org