What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Coordinator position at City Of Newton?
Title: Communications Coordinator
Department: Administration
Reports To: Director of Communications
FLSA: Full Time; Hourly, Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Communications Coordinator assists in keeping the Newton community well-informed and actively engaged. Under the guidance of the Director of Communications, this role involves creating and managing communication materials, including social media, the City’s website, newsletters, advertising, and print materials. This role is ideal for a creative, proactive, and dynamic individual who thrives on bringing people together and telling stories that matter.
This position also serves as a backup to the Director of Communications as Public Information Officer for the City.
This position requires a high level of communication skills of all types, and related technical proficiency, along with the ability to work independently, work well with others, and perform in a team environment on a daily basis.
Essential Functions
- Content Creation: Produce communications materials in various formats that are engaging, concise, and appropriate for the target audience. Support the production and scheduling of City communications and publications including the website, e-newsletters, printed newsletters, flyers, and mailers.
- Social Media: Assist with the City's social media platforms by creating engaging and informative content, scheduling posts, and responding to inquiries.
- Video and Photography: Create and edit high-quality video content that effectively supports the services and successes of the City of Newton and take publication-quality photos for digital and print applications.
- Website Management: Contribute innovative content, design, and navigation ideas for the City’s website and serve as a website administrator.
- Research and Innovation: Keep up to date with emerging communication trends and technologies. Collaborate with staff to research, develop, and implement new ways to engage diverse audiences efficiently and effectively, including those with limited English proficiency.
- Community and Public Engagement: Help to design and implement community engagement initiatives and events. Participation in some evening and/or weekend events may be required.
- Strategic Planning: Participate in establishing and implementing Communications Department goal setting and strategic planning initiatives.
- Departmental Collaboration: Coordinate with other City departments on public messaging needs including educational outreach, storytelling, and interdepartmental projects.
Marginal Functions
- Generic clerical duties such as typing documents and entering data.
- Receiving and responding to inquiries.
Position Requirements
Experience: Related experience and/or training in the communications, public relations, community engagement, government, or journalism field.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, public administration or related field; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Experience in social media marketing with a strong understanding of engagement strategies across platforms. Experience in video, photography and graphic design, with a keen eye for visual storytelling and aesthetic quality. Skills in website management, with an ability to update and enhance online user experiences. Experience working with diverse community groups, demonstrating sensitivity and inclusiveness in public engagement.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines. The ability to work in a multi-tasking team environment. Kansas driver’s license required.
Problem Solving: Constant problem solving exists in relation to the challenge of communicating complex information to diverse audiences within the community and beyond. Most problem solving is accomplished in conjunction with supervisor.
Decision Making: Frequent decision-making involves the creation of public involvement and communications strategies and establishing priorities.
Accountability: Employee is responsible for completion of assigned work in a timely manner.
Personal Relations: Continual contact with other city departments and the public.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None.
Working Environment: Works primarily in office setting, using standard office equipment and computers. Must be able to work flexible hours as needed. Work may include occasional evening meetings and weekend events.
Physical Requirements: The physical job demands include occasional maximum lift of 25 lbs from floor to waist; occasional lift 5 lbs to 60" ht; occasional maximum carry of 25 lbs, 50’; occasional forward reach; occasional overhead reach; occasional crouch/bend; continuous bilateral hand coordination; continuous sit; occasional stand; occasional walk. See Job Analysis for details.
PDC Level: Medium.
This description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.
