What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Outreach and Events Coordinator position at Town of Ashland, MA.?
The Town of Ashland is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Community Outreach and Events Coordinator. This position is responsible for the coordination and execution of all annual town sponsored events as well as assisting the town with communications with and to the general public, using a variety of mediums including but not limited to social media and print formats. The successful candidate will program and implement community and cultural events throughout town as well as create and enhance opportunities for participatory, collaborative, and meaningful community engagement.
Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree with specialization in communications or a related field; three to five (3-5) years in a profession requiring frequent communication with an external audience; experience with current social media and other technology utilized for communication purposes; familiarity with municipal government; experience planning and executing events; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License
Knowledge, Abilities And Skill
Knowledge: Comprehensive technical and practical knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques relative to public communications and event planning; knowledge of state and municipal government organization; knowledge of laws and regulations regarding public information; understanding of specialized computer or technological applications including word processing, presentation software, desktop publishing, website management software, and the Internet, including common social media such as Facebook and Instagram, in support of communication of Town operations; knowledge and understanding of print and broadcast media practices and operations. Knowledge and experience creating and executing events.
Abilities: Ability to plan and run an effective event for 200 people. Ability to plan and implement a communications strategy that establishes and maintains effective communications with the community; the ability to deal with employees and stakeholders tactfully and effectively; the ability to maintain effective public relations; ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form including the use of technology to make effective public presentations; the ability to understand the relationship between human, financial, and material resources to achieve the correct balance so that the Town may represent itself to the community in an efficient and effective manner.
Skill: The ideal person will be self-sufficient and self-motivated, have excellent people and communication skills, knowledge of Microsoft products, social media platforms, canva, constant contact, and event planning experience. Effective communication and technology skills; creativity, innovation and judgment relating to the development and implementation of short and long-term planning in accordance with Town goals and objectives. Strong organizational skills are required to manage this role.
Physical And Mental Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Demands: Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, kneeling, twisting, reaching with hands and arms, and standing. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects weighing 40lbs or less.
Motor Skills: Position requires the application of basic motor skills for activities including but not limited to operating a personal computer, office equipment, word processing, pushing, pulling, or lifting office equipment, lifting and moving tables for events, and the sorting of papers.
Visual Demands: Position requires the employee to constantly read documents, computer screens, and reports for understanding and analytical purposes. The employee is rarely required to determine color differences.
Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Coordinate and run pre-established community events as well as develop new events that would benefit the town as a whole.
- Plan, coordinate and market all events at The Corner Spot to include social media, website and print materials.
- Work cooperatively with internal departments, outside vendors and organizations to create successful events for residents and visitors.
- Proactively seek information concerning the activities and operations of the Town that should be communicated with the public; prepare and present appropriate communication materials for the public audience.
- Support the efforts of the Economic Development Department in marketing Ashland events through various media platforms.
- In collaboration with departments and committees, ensure that website and social media content is fresh and up-to-date.
- Work with the Town Manager and public safety departments on time-sensitive emergency notification and information.
- Work with non-profit organizations, community groups and town departments to assist in the development of new and innovative programming and events in Ashland.
- Plan and implement informational programs to maintain consistent communication with the public on a wide variety of topics.
- Assist with the marketing of the town to a variety of different audiences utilizing different platforms of communication.
- Assist the Executive Team in the presentation of major news and events to the public.
- Develop reports and communications as required by the Town Manager or designee in order to publicize or clarify Town activities, events, operational initiatives and program expenditures.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community stakeholders.
- Ensure that all communications including presentations, website content, social media platform postings are professional and uniform.
- Attend professional meetings, stay current with new communication media. Recommend appropriate changes to Town’s communication policies and practices to incorporate better procedures, practices, and materials.
- Other tasks or duties may be assigned by the Town Manager or their designee.
Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree with specialization in communications or a related field; three to five (3-5) years in a profession requiring frequent communication with an external audience; experience with current social media and other technology utilized for communication purposes; familiarity with municipal government; experience planning and executing events; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Special Requirements: Must possess a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License
Knowledge, Abilities And Skill
Knowledge: Comprehensive technical and practical knowledge of the materials, methods and techniques relative to public communications and event planning; knowledge of state and municipal government organization; knowledge of laws and regulations regarding public information; understanding of specialized computer or technological applications including word processing, presentation software, desktop publishing, website management software, and the Internet, including common social media such as Facebook and Instagram, in support of communication of Town operations; knowledge and understanding of print and broadcast media practices and operations. Knowledge and experience creating and executing events.
Abilities: Ability to plan and run an effective event for 200 people. Ability to plan and implement a communications strategy that establishes and maintains effective communications with the community; the ability to deal with employees and stakeholders tactfully and effectively; the ability to maintain effective public relations; ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form including the use of technology to make effective public presentations; the ability to understand the relationship between human, financial, and material resources to achieve the correct balance so that the Town may represent itself to the community in an efficient and effective manner.
Skill: The ideal person will be self-sufficient and self-motivated, have excellent people and communication skills, knowledge of Microsoft products, social media platforms, canva, constant contact, and event planning experience. Effective communication and technology skills; creativity, innovation and judgment relating to the development and implementation of short and long-term planning in accordance with Town goals and objectives. Strong organizational skills are required to manage this role.
Physical And Mental Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Demands: Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, kneeling, twisting, reaching with hands and arms, and standing. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects weighing 40lbs or less.
Motor Skills: Position requires the application of basic motor skills for activities including but not limited to operating a personal computer, office equipment, word processing, pushing, pulling, or lifting office equipment, lifting and moving tables for events, and the sorting of papers.
Visual Demands: Position requires the employee to constantly read documents, computer screens, and reports for understanding and analytical purposes. The employee is rarely required to determine color differences.