Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Coordinate, establish and maintain two-way communication between the City Manager’s Office and various external and internal customers, clients, and media; develop and implement public information and customer service plans for the City Manager’s Office; support and manage the organization’s website, portals, web content management system and social media sites; develop press releases and respond to media inquiries; conduct community education and public relations activities; convey department messages to the public and employees.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Non-Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Communications Supervisor/Manager.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Coordinate, establish and maintain two-way communication between assigned department, staff and its various external and internal customers; provide strategic leadership in media relations and crisis communications in addition to communications advice and counsel to department leadership and personnel.
2. Serve as a liaison between City Manager’s Office and members of the media; assist in coordinating communication during emergency and non-emergency events; handle media requests and manage media access; schedule interviews with press regarding City issues and activities.
3. Manage the City’s websites and portals to ensure users receive consistent, current, accurate, and engaging content; collaborate with City staff to create and maintain web content on the City’s public and employee websites; conduct quality assurance checks and content audits to verify accuracy, standardization, functionality and compliance with ADA accessibility; troubleshoot website issues; test website appearance and functionality in multiple browsers and platforms.
4. Identify and select appropriate products, packages and vendors to meet current and future communication needs; make recommendations to stakeholders on the appropriate use of advanced web technologies, tools and techniques; assist in the selection, purchase, and installation of web page creation and publishing software.
5. Coordinate and participate in public meetings and open house programs to promote City services and to provide a better understanding of the organization; provide public education and information; create and implement programs, citizen outreach activities and special events; work with City staff across multiple departments to identify and develop solutions for engagement needs.
6. Prepare written material to include blog and social media posts, press releases, newsletters, presentations and public service announcements; take photographs of various events and occasions; oversee writing, design and printing functions.
7. Monitor, interact, and respond to citizen interactions on the City’s website and social media channels to cultivate engagement; monitor social media keywords and hashtags to detect trends in the community;
develop networks and relationships with various media outlets to maximize positive public relations and communications; maintain collaborative relationships with representatives of the community, citizens, and employee and public interest groups; develop and maintain information on the assigned intranet and internet web sites attend regularly scheduled public information officer meetings; anticipate negative news coverage and plan accordingly.
8. Work closely with City departments to ensure accuracy and consistent design standards; assist in communication of strategies or messages from senior leadership; participate in brainstorming and planning sessions; research, develop and advocate best practices; establish content requirements and maintain templates to ensure consistent design standards.
9. Review analytics across all social, print, and broadcast media and translate data into recommended plans to revise City strategic communications plans; lead survey initiatives and analyze public opinion; implement actionable insights.
10. Anticipate and respond to questions and concerns from the public regarding programs, services, issues and work plans; provide information as requested.
11. Work with staff in other City departments and outside agencies to prepare communications and promotional items for specific projects.
12. Gather information and prepare a variety of reports and records; maintain logs and records of activities and events.
13. Perform other duties as assigned in area of responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Modern practices, procedures, strategies and techniques of communications, marketing, branding, media relations, governmental relations, and community/public relations.
Principles, practices and tools of website administration.
Effective communication and public speaking techniques.
Effective technical and news writing skills.
Experience in web design and content production.
Experience in copywriting and editing.
Quality assurance, performance monitoring and integration methodologies.
Internet standards, protocols, and security.
Modern practices of organizational development and constructive problem solving.
Principles and practices of communicating and coordinating programs and initiatives.
Principles and applications of graphic design and layout.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Principles and practices of public administration.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Manage and develop strategic organizational communication planning.
Organize and manage multiple projects and deadlines across departmental lines.
Create and maintain the content of complex web sites and pages.
Design, write, edit and oversee materials for publication.
Monitor and analyze social media trends and their impact on the City's brand.
Manage community relations programs, including crisis communication.
Network and arrange special engagements for elected officials.
Interact effectively with City staff, Council, the media and the public.
Identify and develop opportunities to publicize City programs.
Prepare and conduct presentations.
Use sound judgment in evaluating and implementing decisions.
Demonstrate outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Coordinate and plan City-sponsored community events.
Elicit community and organizational support for City programs.
Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, public relations, and marketing experience or other related field.
Training:
Bachelor's degree in communications, business or public administration, journalism, or related field from an accredited college or university.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job's purpose and are performed daily:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see and demonstrate manual dexterity. The employee is also required to perform light lifting. May be required to observe work site duties in outside environments with weather conditions that are hot, cold, or wet.