Community Engagement Specialist I

Description

Do you have the desire to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and diverse community? Apply your passion for public service in the City of Irvine, nationally-ranked for safety, educational institutions, business enterprises, and quality of life.

The City of Irvine is seeking to fill a Community Engagement Specialist vacancy in Special Events. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing community services programs within an assigned area. The Community Engagement Specialist in Special Events will provide oversight of City special events including operations and logistics, event production, contractor management, and special projects at a variety of City facilities. The Specialist will also support cross-section communication, budgeting, creative programming, and coordination of staff and volunteers. In addition, the Specialist will develop and engage community partnerships and establish long-term relationships with businesses, non-profits, cultural groups, and community stakeholders.

Your Impact

• Plan, organize, supervise, and implement a core community service program or event.
• Interact with the public, various community groups, and all levels of City staff, as well as work cooperatively with team members.
• Schedule and supervise part-time staff, prioritize and review work, provide technical guidance and training, and evaluate employee performance.
• Respond to and resolve inquiries and concerns from participants, parents, facility patrons, and the public.
• Participate in program budget preparation, prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations, submit justifications for assigned programs, monitor and control expenditures.
• Conceptualize, develop, and execute all phases of creative program planning and production.
• Enforce City policies, procedures, and applicable regulations to ensure the safety and welfare of participants. Respond to emergencies and provide appropriate First Aid or other assistance.
• Identify maintenance and safety problems, submit work orders, purchases/requisitions supplies and equipment, and serve as a liaison with Facilities Maintenance, Landscape Maintenance, and other on-site contractors.
• Provide support in the planning and execution of special events including, but not limited to, production schedules, site plans, signage needs, and donation solicitation.
• Schedule varies and requires some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Find additional information in the Community Engagement Specialist I job description.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of college or university level work (coursework in Recreation, Hospitality, Event Management, Education or a related field preferred) and two years community event, outreach or public relations experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and evidence of a good driving record.
• Requires certification in First Aid/CPR/AED within three months of employment.

Best Fit

• Ability to effectively listen and respond to the public’s needs by providing services, information, and assistance in a professional, courteous, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.
• Ability to act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to follow directions, manage multiple priorities, and accurately complete requests in a busy environment.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team of part-time staff and volunteers.
• Diverse experience in both administrative and field operations.
• Ability to evaluate program budgets, publicity material, and other documents relevant to programming and operations.
• Familiarity with purchasing processes, work order submittals, and City software platforms.
• Proficient in using software platforms to register participating organizations, manage communications and payments, track deadlines, and generate reports. Experience with CivicRec and Event Squid preferred.
• Experience with fostering quality guest experience and high commitment to customer service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; flexibility to respond to changes in direction quickly and effectively.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.
• Willingness to set up event equipment including moving tables, chairs, and other event equipment such as EZ Ups and sandbags.

Your Team
The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life. The City of Irvine’s five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine through embrace of a team oriented approach by living our values every day.
The Communications & Engagement Department plays a crucial role in maintaining an effective flow of information between the City government and its residents, businesses, and visitors. Made up of four divisions: Marketing & Communications, Irvine Community Television, Engagement, and the Hotel Improvement District, the department is responsible for ensuring that the public is well-informed about City policies, initiatives, events, programs, and services. It manages various channels of communication, including the City website; its award-winning quarterly magazine, Inside Irvine ; social media platforms; press releases; digital media; video; and more, to disseminate important information to the community. The department fosters international relationships by welcoming visiting delegations and strengthening Irvine’s global ties through its Sister City and Friendship City programs. It also manages the Hotel Improvement District, known as Destination Irvine, which promotes the City as a premier Southern California destination by showcasing Irvine’s shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly events. Additionally, the department engages with the public through community outreach programs, special events, and public relations efforts, to foster a sense of community and facilitate feedback and participation from residents and businesses.

Supplemental Information
The Process
The selection process will include an examination and a background investigation prior to appointment. This recruitment may establish an eligibility list to fill future positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation.



Closing Date/Time: 9/29/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Irvine

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