Communications & Marketing Specialist

Communications & Marketing Specialist

This position performs professional, administrative and technical works under the direction of the Communications & Marketing Manager to plan, develop, coordinate and execute internal and external communications programs for the city. This position will be responsible for certain aspects of digital communication and marketing, including but not limited to developing social media content and strategy, maintaining the city website and employee intranet, creating graphic design elements, providing analytics, and assisting with the city's internal communication efforts. Job duties will include assisting with essential writing and public information functions, such as press releases and guest columns for local publications. The Communications & Marketing Specialist is expected to create and foster relationships with the community and use new and emerging technology to execute communications programs. This unclassified position is FLSA Exempt from overtime compensation.

Examples of duties include:

Digital Communication/Media:

• In conjunction with the Communications and Marketing Manager, develops social media strategy and manages social media content, providing social media monitoring assistance.
• Evaluates digital opportunities and placements of ads while tracking, analyzing and reporting analytics and trends.
• Assists in managing city website in conjunction with the Communications & Marketing Manager, who serves as webmaster; updates content and creates new content.
• Assists in developing and maintaining employee intranet.
• Assists in creating graphic design elements for social media and newsletters.

Public Relations:

• Promotes city programs, events and services. Identifies newsworthy information, develops ideas and gathers necessary details to write, edit and disseminate information through media releases, news articles, speeches, presentations, speaker's points, employee communications and newsletters.
• Coordinates talking points and interviews of city officials as necessary in conjunction with Communications and Marketing Manager.
• Monitors and responds to a wide variety of inquiries received from private citizens and public officials in other jurisdictions, including public records requests in conjunction with the Communications and Marketing Manager.
• Develops relationships with community groups to create communication opportunities with targeted audiences within the community.
• Supports the Communications and Marketing Manager as a member of the crisis management team.

Publications:

• Assists in creating annual reports, city brochures, e-newsletters, advertising copy, promotional copy, special projects and other miscellaneous publications and copy needs.
• May be responsible for coordinating, writing, compiling and/or editing a City Manager Report and/or monthly department reports.

Internal Communications:

• Assists with the creation of internal communications programs to city staff.

Media Relations:

• Develops and maintains relationships that facilitate earned media pertaining to New Albany programs, projects and services.
• Other duties and/or projects as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English, Public Administration, or a similar major course of study; professional experience with digital marketing, public relations, public affairs, government, or community involvement; or, the equivalent of experience and/or education that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required. A background check and pre-employment drug screen are required. A valid Ohio driver's license is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of strategic communications, marketing, public relations, and the latest communication trends; governmental or non-profit operations; graphic design production

Skill in verbal communication to connect with target audience; create content to be used in a variety of forums; using social media for marketing, public relations and professional communications; writing to positively impact public opinion through effective writing of press releases, newspaper/magazine columns, video scripts, social media posts and talking points composing various types of correspondence using proper grammar, punctuation, and appropriate style; editing various forms of correspondence for a wide variety of audiences to convey appropriate facts, tone and message; media relations; using computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or Canva; creating, editing, and updating websites; videography/photography and video editing

Ability to coordinate projects and organize groups of people to achieve desired result; work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, on weekends, evenings, or holidays; think analytically and independently problem solve; collaborate with team members and to manage simultaneous projects involving internal and external team members; accurately record and deliver information, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality of restricted information; use independent judgment, common sense, and principals of influence and rational systems in the performance of tasks; develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, community partners, public officials, auditors, vendors and the general public; maintain personal composure and tactfully handle difficult situations and interpret questions correctly; behave in a friendly, understanding, helpful and professional manner with coworkers, supervisors and the general public; work outside normal business hours and in outdoor, inclement weather, as necessary to achieve objectives such a covering community events, parades, etc.; have regular and predictable attendance.