Job Description

Position Summary:

This non-exempt position reports to the City Manager and performs a variety of professional, administrative, and technical duties related to the communication functions of the city. This position requires the ability to manage and maintain the city's digital presence, create engaging content, design graphics, manage social media platforms, and effectively communicate with the public both digitally and in person. The Communications Specialist will work closely with all city department heads to promote their respective departments, their work, and their objectives.

Essential Duties and Tasks:

• Website Management: Oversee the content and functionality of all city entity and department websites, ensuring they are up-to-date, user-friendly, and aligned with city branding and communication goals.
• Content Creation: Develop, write, and edit a variety of content for digital and print media, including press releases, newsletters, reports, and promotional materials.
• Graphic Design: Create visually appealing graphics for various platforms, including social media, websites, print materials, and public presentations.
• Social Media Management: Manage the city's social media accounts by creating, scheduling, and monitoring posts, responding to comments and messages, and analyzing engagement metrics.
• Public Interaction: Serve as a liaison between the city and the public, addressing inquiries, providing information, and facilitating community engagement through various communication channels.
• Collaborative Promotion: Work with department heads to understand their communication needs, develop strategies to promote their work and objectives, and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Event Support: Assist in planning, promoting, and executing city events, ensuring effective communication and public engagement.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns, providing regular reports to the City Manager and other relevant stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, and possess at least three years of professional experience in communications, public relations, social media management, or a related area. They should demonstrate proficiency in graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems like WordPress, and social media management tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen attention to detail, are essential. The ability to work independently as well as part of a team, managing multiple projects and deadlines, is crucial. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively are also required. Alternatively, individuals with relevant experience in lieu of a formal degree may be eligible if they can demonstrate an equivalent combination of training and experience related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of communication principles and practices.
• Skill in word processing, spreadsheet, and other office automation equipment and systems involving a variety of software applications.
• Ability to write clear, engaging, and informative content for various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse personalities at all levels of the organization and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of best practices in digital communication, social media trends, and graphic design.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• The position is primarily sedentary with some walking, standing, and lifting.
• Work is typically performed in a controlled office environment but may require occasional outdoor work for events and public engagements.
• Must be capable of handling the physical demands and work environment representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions and nothing herein restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Reporting Responsibility: City Manager

Review Responsibility: City Manager

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