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
Direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate all aspects of the City’s strategic communication plan; develop effective messaging and communication strategies; disseminate information on City policies and initiatives to the public; manage media interaction and coverage, develop the City’s annual report, oversee website content and navigation and social media platforms; create materials for special events and implement logistics; create City branded presentation materials; maintain City functions related to public information and community relations; coordinate assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and provide senior level communications counsel to the City Manager.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Exempt, Non-Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager.
Exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Communications and Engagement Department including the implementation of the City Strategic Communication Plan, the Engagement Plan, and the Crisis Communications Plan.
2. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of public engagement and communication initiatives, policies, and procedures in support of the City’s Strategic Plan.
3. Coordinate accurate, timely, and accessible public information to promote a positive City image and public perception, communicate local government issues, and maintain public awareness of City programs and services; anticipate areas of public concern and follow through on activities designed to keep the public informed and aware of major issues. Oversee collaboration amongst all City communications personnel to include C & E team, GJPD PIOs, GJFD PIOs, Parks and Recreation, General Services, and Human Resources.
4. Coordinate, author, edit, and publish the City Calendar and Annual Report, staff enewsletter City Lights, special event scripts and presentations for the City Manager and Mayor; oversee writing, design, translation and printing for marketing and promotional materials, write press releases and videos as needed.
5. Oversee and manage the City’s website gjcity.org along with Engagegj.org. Manage and monitor social media platforms. Develop and implement staff policies related to communications (e.g. social media, AI)
6. Implement the Accessibility Plan and ensure Citywide compliance by creating and disseminating the Accessibility Guide and other tools.
7. Manage outreach to and engagement with our underserved community including non-English speaking community members.
8. Develop and oversee community engagement programing; develop strategies to enhance information flow between City staff and community members; in collaboration with City staff create and implement promotional plans for new projects and programs; lead or participate on committees working to resolve community issues.
9. Manage media relations to include writing and disseminating press releases, coordinating interviews for key leadership and the Mayor/City Manager, addressing key issues with local editorial boards, pitching story ideas to local reporters, writing articles for submission, preparing spokespersons and conducting media training.
10. Provide editing and input on Council Briefing, Council memos and Agenda items in Council packet. Manage Citywide email communications.
11. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
12. Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work of assigned staff; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
13. Select, train, and evaluate communication and engagement personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
14. Serve as staff on Mesa County Communicators Association and Mesa County Joint Information Center as well as other professional committees or organizations; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay up to date regarding trends and innovations in the field of public information and government/community relations.
15. Respond to inquiries and concerns on behalf of the City.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of municipal government services, organization, and general political structure.
Principles and practices of public relations, community involvement and marketing strategies.
Social and economic conditions, cultures, dynamics, and issues associated with living and working in diverse communities.
Principles and practices of cultural diversity and inclusion.
Principles and practices of community engagement/public participation.
Public outreach, resident response, and neighborhood development and program planning principles, practices, current issues, and trends.
Customer service principles and problem resolution techniques.
Principles and practices of project management.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Effective public speaking and presentation techniques.
English usage, spelling grammar and punctuation.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Supervise, plan and direct a public information and communication relations program.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
Organize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Write and/or edit written materials for publication.
Identify opportunities to publicize City programs.
Present technical data, in verbal, written, graphic and map form to a variety of audiences.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the public and City employees.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible media relations, public relations or journalism experience including three years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Training:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, public administration or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License and Certifications
City of Grand Junction Leadership Track certification within two (2) years of appointment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment.
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 on a daily basis:
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 occasionally required to kneel, stoop, and perform light lifting.