Engagement Manager bei Kent County, MI

About the Department

Kent County is creating the Engagement Manager position to strengthen connections inside and outside the organization. As the first person to hold this role, you will help shape its direction and impact. Working closely with Human Resources, County departments, and elected offices, you’ll foster a positive workplace culture, support creativity and collaboration, and ensure that employees feel engaged and valued. Externally, you’ll build meaningful community partnerships, increase awareness of County services, and promote best practices in communication and engagement. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, strong collaborator, and passionate advocate for both employees and the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish a new role for the County– Shape the vision, strategies, and practices of this inaugural position in collaboration with Human Resources, County departments, and elected offices.
• Lead internal culture and engagement– Partner with Human Resources and leadership to strengthen workplace culture, encourage creativity, and enhance employee connection, recruitment, and retention.
• Advance community engagement– Collaborate with departments and offices to build relationships with residents, organizations, and local/state partners to increase awareness of and access to County services.
• Develop strategies and frameworks– Work across departments to create plans and engagement frameworks that align with the Board of Commissioners’ strategic goals and promote best practices in communication and collaboration.
• Support organizational improvement– Provide recommendations and lead initiatives that improve customer service and organizational responsiveness.
• Represent the County externally– Identify and coordinate County participation in community events, ensuring alignment with County priorities.
• Research and innovate– Stay current on engagement trends and best practices; provide expertise and guidance to departments, elected officials, and staff on improving engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, human resources, social sciences, organizational development, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience developing and managing functions related to community engagement, employee relations, human resources, public relations, strategic planning, organizational development, or equivalent related experience.

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current issues related to community engagement.
• Knowledge of effective supervisory and managerial practices, as well as principles and methods used for training and development.
• Skill in organizing and facilitating events, workshops and meetings.
• Skill in data analysis, critical thinking and problem solving.
• Skill in leading organizational change and the ability to communicate effectively in writing and through public speaking.
• Ability to network and develop/implement strategies and programs collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to serve on committees and programs to develop initiatives, programs, and processes.
• Ability to identify and address challenges, think creatively, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Other Qualifications

Don't take our word for it that Kent County is a great place to work and thrive. Watch this video of why our staff have made us their employer of choice: