Public Outreach Coordinator

.Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment..The Public Outreach Coordinator plans, leads, and manages public outreach and engagement activities for Hampton Roads Transit (HRT).

Serving as a central liaison between HRT, community stakeholders, and partner organization, this role designs and delivers inclusive outreach strategies that inform, engage, and build trust across the region.

This position plays a critical role in advancing HRT’s mission by fostering meaningful two-way communication, increasing public awareness of transit services, and strengthening community support for all modes of transit (bus, ferry, and light rail) across HRT’s diverse service area. The Public Outreach Coordinator acts as a lead ambassador for the agency, ensuring outreach efforts are equitable, transparent, and aligned with organizational goals.

The Public Outreach Coordinator plays a strategic advisory role by translating community input into actionable insights that inform agency decisions, improve service delivery, and strengthen public trust in Hampton Roads Transit.

Essential Job Functions:

(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)Support the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of public involvement in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, including requirements related to official public hearings, Title VI, ADA, and language access.

Lead the planning and execution of comprehensive public outreach strategies that educate community organizations, stakeholders, and residents about HRT services, initiatives, and projects.

Develop and implement targeted outreach plans and communication strategies tailored to specific audiences, including drafting community-facing content; tracking and organizing public comments; and coordinating timely responses to public inquiries.

Serve as the department lead for public outreach related to service changes, including the introduction of new services and the modification or discontinuation of existing services. Coordinate follow-up activities to ensure accurate, consistent, and effective public communication.

Plan, coordinate, and facilitate community meetings, public forums, outreach events, and engagement activities related to transit studies and agency initiatives including managing logistics, vendor support, and dissemination of information to maximize participation.

Provide leadership and direction to public outreach staff and contractors, ensuring alignment with agency goals and outreach best practices; lead and participate in cross-departmental teams to support special initiatives and high-profile or sensitive projects.

Act as primary liaison between HRT and the community, addressing questions and concerns, and maintaining strong working relationships with community leaders, neighborhood associations, advocacy groups, civic organizations, and partner agencies at the local, regional, and state levels.

Design and manage inclusive public involvement approaches that address needs of diverse populations, including communities historically underserved by transportation systems, and support equity-focused initiatives.

Coordinate HRT participation in community events, public education programs, disability advocacy activities, and other community relations efforts; collaborate with internal communications and marketing teams to support web-based outreach as appropriate.

Maintains positive working relationships with…