Community Engagement Strategist

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Strategist serves as the lead for developing and guiding long-term, high-impact community engagement strategies for New Braunfels Utilities (NBU). This role is designed for an experienced professional with the vision, expertise, and initiative to identify where and how NBU should focus its engagement efforts to best serve customers, strengthen relationships, and advance organizational priorities.

Operating with a high degree of independence and critical thinking, the Strategist will analyze community needs, anticipate emerging issues, and proactively design initiatives that foster trust, enhance understanding of NBU’s water, wastewater, and electric services, and position the utility as a valued community partner. This position will influence and guide engagement approaches across the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Planning and Program Leadership

- Lead the creation and implementation of multi-year community engagement strategies that align with NBU’s mission, regulatory environment, and long-term service goals.

- Identify priority audiences, key issues, and optimal engagement channels through research, data analysis, and stakeholder input.

- Recommend focus areas for community investment, partnerships, and expanded outreach, ensuring resources are allocated for maximum impact.

- Anticipate community concerns and emerging trends to develop proactive engagement plans and minimize potential conflict.

Stakeholder Engagement

- Cultivate and maintain relationships with civic leaders, industry groups, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.

- Serve as a representative of NBU at community events, public forums, and regional engagement initiatives.

- Facilitate strategic conversations between NBU leadership and key community stakeholders to advance shared goals.

Internal and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

- Partner with Communications, Headwaters, Customer Solutions, Conservation, Operations and other departments to integrate engagement priorities into project planning.

- Lead cross-functional teams during large-scale events, campaigns, and outreach initiatives.

- Provide expert guidance on public perception risks and opportunities related to NBU projects.

- Ensure consistent, clear, and transparent messaging across all community touchpoints.

Measurement and Continuous Improvement

- Develop metrics to assess the effectiveness, public sentiment, and impact of engagement initiatives.

- Deliver reports and presentations to senior leadership on program performance and community feedback.

- Conduct post-event evaluations and strategic debriefs for continuous improvement.

General Responsibilities

- Maintain regular attendance; manage schedule to ensure availability for key deadlines and events.

- Follow NBU policies and procedures and adhere to NBU safety guidelines and practices at all times.

- Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

- Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, customers, and the public.

- Uphold strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

- Exemplify NBU’s Core Values: Integrity, Stewardship, Team, Culture, and Safety.

- Support initiatives to achieve NBU’s annual performance measures.

Formal Education And Work Experience Requirements

Degree/Diploma Obtained: Bachelors

Work Experience Time Frame: Five Years or More Field of Study: Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, or a related field

Other: Master Degree preferred

Qualifications Certification and Licensures Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree required in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, or a related field.

- Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in community engagement, public relations, or public affairs.

- Proven ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and propose innovative engagement solutions.

- Strong track record in building relationships with diverse audiences and navigating complex political and community dynamics.

- Strong knowledge of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.

- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to present to large and small groups.

- Demonstrated capacity to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and deliver results without direct supervision.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign preferred), and project management tools.

- Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.

Certifications

- Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

- IAP2, CP3, or MCP3 certification preferred.

Additional Information

- Occasional evening and weekend work required.

- Local travel within NBU service area is expected.

- Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, presenting, and occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs)