Sr Specialist, Communications

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements public relations and strategic marketing plans, policies and procedures.
• Directs press relations including serving as a spokesperson, contacting media to propose stories and feature articles, and crafting press releases.
• Works with engineers, subject matter experts (“SMEs”) and other professionals to develop strategic communication plans and foster positive working relationships within the department/division, with other City departments, and stakeholders.
• Advises and assists department staff with respect to information dissemination, marketing plans, media relations, advertising, web page and social media development and maintenance.
• Advises management on media relations, community relations projects and activities.
• May help coordinate departmental involvement in various types of public or virtual events.
• May contribute to decisions concerning outsourcing of projects, and coordinate production with external vendors, including copy shops, printers, mail houses, media, graphic design and independent contractors.
• Coordinates with others and may produce a wide variety of projects including posters, fliers, web and social media applications and maintenance, brochures, newsletters, speaking points, invitations, calendars, ads, presentations, press releases, feature stories, etc., using digital or traditional methods.
• May coordinate and assists with production of videos, and ads.
• Develops advertising/promotional campaigns and negotiates contracts for print, radio, digital, broadband and television broadcast media.

Requirements

• College degree or equivalent work experience. Some positions may require functionally related certification or advanced degrees Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) or more years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required Knowledge Skills And Abilities - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including expertise with AP writing style and editing.
• Ability to interact effectively with City staff, vendors and the general public.
• Typing, word processing and layout skills, including specific proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite software.
• Ability to work independently on various projects, as well participate as an engaged and supportive team player.
• Proficient in development and maintenance of web pages, including some technical knowledge of backend processes.
• Ability to conceptualize and analyze solutions for public information assignments.
• Ability to research, write, and edit technical and general information to develop a final product that is easily understood by general and specific customer groups.
• Knowledge of and experience working as lead or backup PIO manager in collaboration with internal and external organizations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision (for self, spouse, domestic partner, children) – eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
• Retirement + company contributions – after 6 month probation period and immediate vesting
• Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
• Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Wellness program, workout facilities
• Employee/family onsite health clinic
• Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility
• Collaborative work environment