Communications & Marketing Specialist

Starting salary range is $56,889 – 66,928 DOQ; complete salary range for the position is $56,889 – 90,468.

Distinguishing features of work:

The Town Communications Department is seeking applicants who are passionate about serving the community to join their team in the Communications & Marketing Specialist role. This individual reports to the Director of Communications and Community Relations and is primarily responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing municipal communications, public relations and marketing strategies for the Town of Normal. This position works closely with all departments to organize and coordinate public information and public outreach through written and verbal communication, using all forms of media and technology including print, digital and social media. This position is also responsible for coordination of public presentation materials, audio-visual productions and graphic design materials. The Town welcomes candidates who have a passion for public service and civic engagement.

Examples of work performed:

• Consults with departments across the organization to identify communication objectives; creates effective communication/marketing plans to meet objectives and share media and public information messages that inform and engage audiences.
• Effectively, creatively and innovatively crafts, publishes and maintains organizational messaging (e.g., communication/marketing plans, website content, advertising copy, press releases, social media posts, promotional and marketing materials, paid media, etc.) which explains complex topics, elevates community engagement and further develops informed, engaged and invested audiences.
• Develops, manages and oversees the quality and execution of communication/marketing plans, working collaboratively with others to meet communication and organizational objectives.
• Ensures materials communicate the right message to the appropriate audience and align with strategic positioning. Reviews and proofs content for Associated Press Style, grammar and readability. Collaborates with others to ensure information about and involving the Town is communicated accurately and in a timely fashion.
• Creates strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as an advocate for the Town and its priorities
• Assists and consults on the creation of presentation materials, including print, graphic, digital and audio-visual, to be used by municipal representatives. Identifies and protects the Town of Normal organizational brands, logos, trademarks and symbols.
• Researches and stays current on trends and best practices to enhance and increase community engagement. Serves as internal consultant and information resource/content trainer to Town staff responsible for social media engagement, website content publishing and accessibility standards.
• Advises the Director of Communications and Community Relations (and other leaders, as needed) on matters related to communications, marketing, community and public relations. Creates and presents recommendations on issue management strategies, as directed.
• Supervises communication intern(s), including interviewing and recommending candidates, overseeing work assignments and providing feedback which help interns gain real-world experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills; excellent skill in writing and developing informational and promotional content, including (but not limited to) communication & marketing plans, news releases, social media posts, website content and media talking points.
• Ability to effectively establish positive, productive working relationships with team, internal business partners, media, community organizations, the business community, other key stakeholders.
• Ability to responsibly handle confidential material and information to effectively, legally and ethically represent the municipality.
• Ability to analyze and make sound recommendations on communications strategies, public affairs and community relations issues.
• Experience successfully developing and implementing project communications, public relations and community relations plans that align appropriately to the initiative’s goals, communications objectives (know-feel-do) and the organizational vision.
• Experience with relevant software applications required (e.g., social media platforms, Microsoft Office); experience with Adobe Creative Cloud is beneficial.
• Effective experience pitching the media and responding to media inquiries; strong understanding of making paid media buys and advertising placements. 
• Strong skills in effectively using/implementing social media applications, identifying and managing social media trends and effectively representing the municipality via social media.
• Ability to interpret internal business partner needs and apply knowledge of communications strategy and message development to meet organizational goals.
• Strong creativity and energy to facilitate successful communications, public relations and marketing strategies.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks without constant supervision.

Desirable experience and training:

A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related field, and three to five years of experience in marketing, media relations, journalism or a related field, or any other training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the job requirements.