Summary
WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.
OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization.
Summary Of Position
Under general direction, and working closely with designated department team members and subject matter experts, the Communications and Media Specialist, Senior position plays an integral role in helping the city execute its strategic communications and marketing plan to communicate with its various internal and external audiences both to broaden McKinney’s brand and image outside the community and to educate and communicate with residents and other local constituents. This position is for a well-rounded communication professional with a strong overall communications and writing background as well as experience in all forms of digital media (social, video, web) as well as print materials, media relations, marketing, internal communication and crisis communication. This Senior-level position is distinguished from the Communications & Media Specialist by assuming responsibility for a specific communication channel, and maintaining a high depth of communication knowledge so as to be able to provide backup for at least one functional area within the department.
Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.

• Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and city goals are interconnected.
• Contribute to a positive work culture.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
• Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
• Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Plays a key role in the Communications and Marketing team, with the mission of implementing the City Strategic Communications and Marketing plan, serving as a central resource for information from an overarching city and community perspective.
• Communicates with a variety of constituent audiences, broadens McKinney’s image, expands the collective brand and instills confidence in our community.
• Fosters positive interaction between city government and the people it serves.
• Plans communications outreach and project based marketing plans.
• Builds strong relationships – Adept at communicating with team members at all levels of the organization to gather information and build communications content.
• Works collaboratively within cross-functional teams and with external partners to share information effectively.
• Responds to citizen inquiries.
• Record results and progress of communications activities to determine effectiveness.
• Proofreads materials for accuracy and quality.
• Prepares applications for various national, state and local awards and other programs.
• Represents the city on various working task forces, committees, and boards.
• Prepares, edits and distributes the employee and community digital newsletters.
• Works on special marketing projects and events.
• Performs related work as required.
• Complies with all written city policies and procedures.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and procedures.
• Maintain availability to work after regular work hours/weekends as events, meetings and programs dictate.
  

When assigned to Communications & Marketing

• Assists with social media outreach and strategy.
  

When assigned to Tourism

• Writes and distributes press releases and develop relationships.
• Manages and consults on all city social media and digital communications.
• Writes columns and talking points for a variety of city officials.
• Measures work effectiveness.
• Edits and quality checks materials.
• Coordinates annual city awards and other special events as required.
• Manages and writes communications collateral including media releases, newsletters and speeches and talking points.
• Oversee day to day social media outreach and strategy.
  

Other Job Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Behaviors

• Ability to embrace and embody the city’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
• Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
• Strong proofreading skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in AP style.
• Ability to convey complex information in a way that is relevant, in plain but compelling language.
• Thorough knowledge of integrated communications strategies.
• Strong project management skills and a comfort level working in a fast-paced, demanding environment, juggling multiple projects concurrently and thoroughly.
• The ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers and customers with respect.
• Detailed, deadline oriented with a focus on quality and exceptional writing skills a must.
• Flexibility, enthusiasm, creativity, professionalism, diplomacy and extreme attention to detail are essential.
• Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change and stress.
• Experienced in developing communications plans.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Experienced in managing complex projects on strategy and within budget.
• Have a passion for excellence and get truly excited about helping the city in its strategic communications and marketing endeavors.
• The right candidate will have high standards and appreciate working for an organization that values quality, innovation and value for the taxpayer’s dollar.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel and other day to day business programs.
  

Required Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or closely related field; supplemented by five (5 or more) years previous experience in local government or a corporate communication environment that includes public relations, communications, journalism, writing, or marketing; or an equivalent combination of training, experience or education.
Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic graphic design principles, web CMS, video production, Sprout Social and Mailchimp is a plus, in addition to a well-rounded communications background.
  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License
  

Physical Demands/Supplemental
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently (over 2/3 of the time) required to listen, talk, sit, and work on the computer. The employee is (between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time) required to stand and walk. The employee is rarely (under 1/3 of the time) required to reach, touch, handle or feel objects, and lift and/or exert force up to ten (10) pounds. Close vision and color vision are special vision requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
There is limited exposure to environmental conditions. Candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.