Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator
Metro Nashville Planning Department

THE POSITION:

The Metro Nashville Planning Department is seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator to lead public outreach, community relations, department communications, and the coordination of public records responses. This role will serve as a core member of the Planning Department's executive team, helping to connect residents, stakeholders, and community groups to the Department's long-range planning efforts, current development initiatives, and policy updates.

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in public engagement, storytelling, relationship-building, and message development, and will play a key role in shaping how the Planning Department communicates its work to the public, elected officials, and Metro partners. This person will also serve as a liaison to community groups and neighborhood associations and help facilitate meaningful, inclusive participation in planning processes.

This position will report to the Chief of Staff and work in close coordination with the department's Graphic & Social Media Coordinator.

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• Develops and executes strategic communications and community engagement plans to support long-range planning efforts, policy updates, and community-based initiatives.
• Coordinates and facilitates Planning Department participation in public meetings, open houses, and community events.
• Builds and maintains relationships with community groups, neighborhood leaders, advocacy organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborates with staff and project teams to identify engagement needs and ensure inclusive outreach strategies are in place.
• Works with the Graphic and Digital Communications Coordinator to review and coordinate accessible public-facing materials including presentations, flyers, social media content, and website updates that translate complex planning concepts into clear, engaging messages.
• Partners with Metro departments and external consultants to support cross-agency outreach efforts.
• Attends and represents the department at neighborhood association meetings and other public forums, as needed.
• Tracks and evaluates engagement efforts to inform best practices and continuous improvement.
• Responds to resident and stakeholder inquiries and coordinates responses with appropriate Planning staff.
• Supports internal communications and helps maintain consistency in tone, branding, and messaging across department materials.
• Assists with media inquiries, press releases, and coordination with the Mayor's Office and other Metro departments as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience in communications, public engagement, marketing, public relations, or related fields, preferably in government, nonprofit, or community-based work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, cultural competency, and experience working with diverse communities are essential. Familiarity with urban development and civic processes is a plus.

Annual salary is $ 90,767.

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Expansive suite of benefit options including paid family leave; medical, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; optional deferred compensation plan; flexible spending accounts; pension program; subsidized public transit; and more
• Support for qualifying professional licenses, certifications, and professional development hours
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying loans

Candidate materials accepted through August 29, 2025.

Qualified applicants should send letter of interest and resume to:

Randi Semrick
Human Resources Administrator
Metro Nashville Planning Department
800 President Ronald Reagan Way
P.O. Box 196300
Nashville, TN 37219-6300

or

E-mail to: randi.semrick@nashville.gov

The Planning Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline or any other employment practices because of non-merit factors shall be prohibited. For ADA inquiries, contact Randi Semrick, ADA Compliance Coordinator, at (615) 862-7230 or e-mail her at randi.semrick@nashville.gov. For Title VI inquiries, contact Human Relations at (615) 880-3370. For all employment-related inquiries, contact Human Resources at (615) 862-6640.