Communication Coordinator

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for implementing and managing comprehensive communication strategies, public affairs, and social media marketing programs for the City to promote transparency, engagement, and trust between the city government and the public. A strong and independently motivated PIO thrives on creating and enhancing the understanding and awareness of the City's programs, services, special events and projects. Expand the community's outlook, enhance the city's image and public's perception ofthe city to ensure consistent messaging that aligns with the city's vision, mission, and priorities. Serves as a resource for all city related information. Make recommendations on strategic directions for the City's communication and marketing efforts.

SUPERVISION AND GUIDELINES: Reports to Information Technology Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media Relations:

• Serve as the city's official spokesperson and primary point of contact for media inquiries
• Draft press releases, media advisories, and statements
• Arrange and facilitate press conferences, interviews, and media briefings

Crisis Communications:

• Coordinate timely communication during emergencies, including drafting alerts and updates
• Collaborate with emergency management and response personnel to disseminate critical information in a timely manner
• Collect and verify details about an emergency incident from various sources including incident commanders, local officials, and subject matter experts

Public Communications and Community Engagement:

• Develop and implement communication plans for city initiatives, programs, and events
• Create and distribute newsletters, reports, and other public facing documents
• Work with community groups and stakeholders to foster positive relationships

Social Media Management:

• Generate creative and relevant content for social media platforms including text, images, videos, and graphics ensuring consistency in brand messaging and tone across all social media platforms
• Manage city social media accounts, ensuring timely and accurate posts
• Oversee branding efforts to maintain consistency across city communications
• Stay up to date with new and emerging trends to keep the city's social media presence consistently relevant

Internal Communication:

• Assist with internal messaging for city staff to ensure alignment and morale
• Coordinate messaging between departments to promote transparency and collaboration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Degree in Communication or Marketing or equivalent experience
• Strong writing, verbal communication, and presentation abilities to effectively convey complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Understanding of media operations, interview techniques, and the ability to handle challenging questions from journalists
• Ability to think quickly under pressure, make sound decisions in rapidly evolving situations, and manage crisis communication effectively
• Basic understanding of graphic design principles to create visually appealing content
• Knowledge of various social media platforms to include but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and WordPress emerging trends, and their best practices
• Ability to create fresh and engaging content ideas
• Strong understanding of how to craft effective social media strategies
• Ability to adapt communication strategies to address the needs of diverse audiences including non-English speakers and individuals with disabilities
• Strong multitasking capabilities under pressure
• Clear and confident communication skills
• Effective time management skills
• Strong familiarity with computers, email clients, and social media tools
• Independently self-motivated, forward thinking, and a genuine servant attitude

ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL FACTORS:

The following functions are representative, but not all inclusive of the work environment and physical demands an employee may expect to encounter in performing tasks assigned to this job. Work is performed in an office setting. A valid driver’s license and travel may be required. The assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The employee must regularly interact positively with co-workers, clients, the public, and City Councilors.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $65,000