Communications Specialist - Marketing

POSITION OBJECTIVE

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a writing sample that demonstrates your writing abilities. Examples for submission include:

• Sample press release or news article (500 words maximum)
• Sample social media campaign (including proposed content for three posts across any platform)
• Sample transformation of complex information into an engaging story for audiences (500 words maximum)
• Other sample demonstrating your ability to communicate with diverse audiences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in promoting the City’s vision, goals, and activities to citizens, businesses, community organizations and community leaders.
• Assists the Communication Coordinator with website development. Tracks key performance indicators for the City’s website and social media platforms. Creates content in accordance with brand guidelines.
• Writes reports to communicate the mission and performance of the division’s communication strategies.
• Provides subject matter expertise to internal clients on effective marketing strategies for their programs or services. Creates and executes email marketing and digital advertising campaigns.
• Takes photographs of municipal events, activities, programs and services and maintain an internal library of indexed images for staff use.
• Creates branded infographics and occasional graphic designs.
• Plans, designs, produces, directs, scripts, records, edits and posts video productions and public service announcements either in the studio or on location.
• Provides day-to-day support for relationship with the City’s video production vendor related to public meeting and ad hoc video productions.
• Oversees inventory of video production equipment, troubleshoots minor technical issues, collaborates with vendors for support when needed, and monitors and provides budget input on equipment replacement.
• Supports and assists in public relations and communication efforts related to the City’s Cable Franchise.
• Plans and manages production of the City newsletter and Recreation brochures.
• Assists with general communication tasks, including email and social media campaigns, copywriting, and other communication needs for the City. Assists with preparing emergency communications, when necessary.
• Prepares information for City websites, marketing emails, social media content and videos.
• Conducts presentations within the community and to the City Council and advisory commissions on community engagement programs, events, projects, and initiatives.
• Maintains awareness of current and future trends in communications best practices.
• Assists in other City Manager’s Department projects or events, administration functions, including City-wide events, meetings, trainings, City Council and advisory commission activities, elections, or community meetings as needed.
• Works cooperatively and provides back-up to the Communication Specialist – Engagement, when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four-year degree in public relations, journalism, communications, video production, political science, community planning, liberal arts, social science or related field, or a combination of two-year degree with required experience.
• One to three years’ experience in marketing and communications.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of operating contemporary production equipment such as cameras, audio mixers, editing and graphic equipment, etc.
• Possess a valid driver's license with good driving history.
• Ability to work flexible work hours that periodically include evenings and weekends.
• Finalist will be required to successfully complete and pass a thorough criminal background investigation and reference check process along with a pre-placement drug test.

• One to three years’ experience in planning and coordinating events, organizing people and groups, or marketing and communications.
• Staff or volunteer development experience.
• Previous experience as a volunteer.
• Experience in diagnosing device problems and implementing technical or procedural solutions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Teams.
• Basic knowledge of social media platforms, analytics tools, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to interact tactfully and positively, including working collaboratively, with the general public, elected officials, businesses, outside agencies, and City staff.
• Project management experience and strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Knowledge of video editing principles and the use of related tools such as cameras, lighting and sound equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse ethnic, economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including making presentations and performing trainings.
• Ability to review and refine written materials to ensure accuracy, with strong attention to detail to identify and correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors.
• Familiarity with content management systems, style guides (APA, etc.), and digital tools for document editing, collaboration, and quality assurance.
• Demonstrated ability in being creative and self-directed while performing collaboratively with a variety of different groups, levels, and agencies.
• Ability to handle, discern and maintain confidentiality and propriety information as required and in compliance with policies and directives.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service, support and consultation to employees, other departments, staff, etc.