Outreach Specialist

ABOUT US 

We are IndyGo, a Municipal Corporation of Indianapolis–Marion County, and we’re proud to be the largest public transportation provider in the state of Indiana. We operate transit routes throughout the county, providing millions of passenger trips a year. IndyGo is committed to expanding mobility options to improve connectivity with the company’s mission, vision, and goals.

WHO WE ARE 

As the largest public transportation provider in Indiana, we believe driving people from one place to another is much more than just moving riders: it’s about helping our riders reach their hopes and dreams, education and careers, families and friends, and health and well-being. IndyGo is focused on meeting three objectives as we operate nearly 30 transit routes throughout Marion County, and provide millions of passenger trips each year. They include protecting frontline workers, increasing ridership and prioritizing long-term stability. We are moving the city forward to become a better place of opportunity and community.

INDYGO MISSION

IndyGo's mission is to connect our community to economic and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable and accessible mobility experiences. Our vision is to be at the forefront of making Indianapolis a resilient, prosperous and equitable community for all.

Accountability: We are legally, ethically, and morally committed to utilizing all resources responsibly with integrity and transparency. 

Adaptability: We adapt to disruptions through technology, workforce and ridership innovations, so we can meet the evolving needs of our community. 

Workplace Culture: We offer an empowering workplace to meet the needs of our teammates and riders.

Compassion: We promote, embrace and value all individuals, treating each other with dignity and respect.

Communication: We value open and honest conversations with each other, our riders and the community.

Excellence: We are proud of who we are and the work we do and will continue to exceed customer expectations.

Responsibility: We will be good stewards of our resources.

Results: We make things better today than they were yesterday.

Safety: We ensure safe and secure environments.

BENEFITS WE OFFER 

• Full-time positions with guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (effective on the first of the month following 30 days of employment)
• Free on-site wellness clinic for employees and their families
• Retirement plans (401A and 457B)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free IndyGo transportation for employees and their families
• Eligibility for the Federal Loan Forgiveness Program

POSITION PURPOSE

The Outreach Specialist will report to the Customer Experience & Outreach Director and is responsible for executing outreach plans to foster relationships and promote IndyGo services and initiatives. This role will use traditional outreach strategies to engage the public and support overall marketing and public relations goals, especially as it relates to capital projects and planning. The Outreach Specialist will leverage relationships in the community to engage the public in IndyGo’s decision-making process and build champions for IndyGo’s mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law.

• Perform route audits and rider outreach on buses.
• Manage volunteer programs such as but not limited to Transit Ambassadors, including assisting with onboarding, scheduling, training, and day-to-day activity coordination.
• Represent IndyGo at various community events, public meetings, expositions and festivals.
• Execute community engagement plans and outreach to discuss and present and future IndyGo initiatives pertaining to service changes, budgets and long-term planning projects. 
• Execute extensive multi-faceted, multi-cultural and multi-lingual community outreach programs. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with community and neighborhood organizations, including IndyGo Cares partners (i.e. Food in Transit and Wellness in Transit)
• Review and revitalize an Adopt-A-Stop program.
• Respond to, track and monitor public comments based on the Public Involvement Plan (PIP).
• Resolve customer questions, complaints and suggestions related to current engagement for projects, services and policies. 
• Track, compile, and report community outreach efforts.
• Contribute to digital and social media objectives and strategies to build public dialogue about IndyGo community involvement on multiple platforms and with various key stakeholders.
• Maintain and update outreach and engagement-related website materials.
• Assist with public notice submission and site analysis outreach.
• Supports Customer Experience & Outreach Director in partnership and stakeholder engagement and agreement execution. 

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Assist department compliance with federal ADA, Civil Rights, and procurement regulations.
• Develop, manage or assist with special projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None. 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, nonprofit management, sociology, psychology, communications, marketing, journalism or a related field is preferred.
• Driver License required.
• One (1) or more years of experience in community organizing, volunteer management, public relations, marketing, external communications, community affairs, customer service, or other outreach, engagement, or communication positions is preferred. 
• Experience presenting and communicating to large groups required.
• Transit industry or IndyGo experience preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, or other languages preferred to support engagement with diverse communities.
   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Must possess and exhibit a high degree of professionalism, sound judgement, and respectful interpersonal effectiveness.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written, with individuals and groups using tact, patience, and courtesy in dealing with angry or upset individuals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, the internet, web editing platforms, complex spreadsheets and databases, and software programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; strong listening skills.
• Knowledge of principles, concepts, practices and procedures of government and community relations.
• Developed presentation skills and the ability to speak publicly and communicate to groups.
• Ability to interact with internal and external constituents, both in person and through phone, e-mail, and written correspondence.
• Above average decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Average mathematical abilities (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Knowledge of basic photography and videography skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to process and analyze data, and to develop reports on data and statistics.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage tasks and time effectively, strong project management skills.
• Ability to motivate and influence others.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to be self-motivated and driven.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including copiers, fax machines, and phones.
   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law.

• Regular on-site attendance is an essential function of this position due to the need for in-person collaboration, operational support, hands-on infrastructure management, and training and development activities. This role is designated as fully onsite and is not eligible for remote work. (Do Not Remove This Bullet)
• Evening and weekend hours are required often.
• Periodically requires “on-call” availability. 
• Some local and conference travel required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-orientated office environment.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday, occasionally between departments and/or facilities. 
•  Ability to perform the essential functions of the role which may include communicating with others, reviewing materials, and navigating work environments, without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift and/or carry 25 lbs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. 

IndyGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer