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Port Orchard

Communications Specialist

Port Orchard, Port Orchard, Washington, United States, 98366

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Note to applicants: We welcome attachments to your application. Please know, however, that attachments are not visible to the initial review team. Be sure to include in the online application pertinent information that you want the review panel to consider. The completeness of your application is a factor in determining which candidates advance to the next phase of our recruitment process. Please do not contact Human Resources in regards to your application. Please use the online application system to monitor the status of your application. Your cooperation is appreciated. Pays $39.98 to $46.36 per hour. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. HRA VEBA account may also be provided. Retirement benefits include a choice between PERS 2 or 3 and optional Deferred Compensation. The City recognizes 11 paid holidays and provides up to 2 personal holidays annually. Vacation leave is accrued at 0.0385 hours per straight time hour paid in the first 2 years of employment, with increases thereafter. Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave per regular straight-time hour paid. More benefit details are available by clicking on the Benefits tab of this job posting. Major Function and Purpose

Handles Citywide public information and media relations to a broad range of audiences. Provides communications assistance to the Mayor and City departments. Serves as the City’s webmaster and primary contact for social media. Provides administrative assistance to the City Clerk’s office. General Function

The Communications Specialist creates written and visual content for print and digital publications, website, social media and other platforms while ensuring accessibility of language to meet community needs. Posts website content and manages the City’s social media platforms. Creates and distributes press releases and public notices. Support the City Clerk’s office with administrative tasks such as management of the Mayor’s schedule, records management, purchasing, public records requests, and preparing materials for Council meetings. Supervision Responsibilities

This is a non-supervisory position. May supervise interns or other temporary employees. Job Duties and Responsibilities

This job description reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. These listed duties and responsibilities in no way imply these are the only duties to be performed. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to: working in other function areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload. Accordingly, individuals occupying this position will be required to follow any job-related instructions, tasks, or other duties as assigned by the Director or designee, and must be able to proficiently perform all assigned duties. Perform a variety of public relations and marketing activities, including preparing news releases, audio visual materials, and videos in line with the City’s established branding, values, and mission Prepare various communications and engagement materials including newsletters, public service announcements, presentations, surveys, speeches and reports for the Mayor’s office Maintain and actively update information on City website and social media accounts, providing timely and relevant information about City projects and activities Gather and coordinate City webpage information with various departments to include technical design, editing, upgrades, and application maintenance Draft and disseminate City news stories on a timely basis, coordinating interviews and articles with local journalists Maintain relationships with key community stakeholders; identify and cultivate relationships with new audiences to solicit feedback and increase engagement with City services Develop an annual calendar with anticipated announcement dates and updates around key projects and initiatives and craft messages as appropriate Assist departments with the creation of consistently branded department-specific informational materials, including fact sheets, brochures, display boards, newsletters, photographs, presentations, etc. related to public information about City operations and services Attend offsite events or outreach opportunities with other departments, such as job fairs and farmers markets, as directed Complete special projects as assigned by supervisor in line with departmental goals Serve as point of contact for citizens and community groups requesting government assistance with community activities Collect and review feedback, interpret data and prepare reports on City communication efforts, polls, surveys and programs Collaborate monitor the work performance of vendors and contributors as directed Maintain records and/or files in accordance with the state’s record retention schedule Assist with the processing of public records requests in accordance with the WA State Public Records Act Assist the City Clerk’s office with the implementation of community special events by creating and promoting marketing and outreach materials as appropriate Compile and prepare meeting agenda packets, ensuring distribution as directed Monitor, prepare, and post required notices for Council quorums in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act as needed Assist the City Clerk’s office with coordination of City Council meetings and functions as needed Attend City Council and committee meetings as needed Route telephone calls on a multi-line telephone system as required Assist the City Clerk with drafting ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other materials for Council consideration Record official documents and register City vehicles with the Kitsap County Auditor’s office as needed Issue Cabaret, Special Parking, Marijuana, Liquor, Banner, and Temporary Vendor permits as needed Facilitate and document fundraising efforts and activities including the sale of Commemorative Bricks and Tiles and similar efforts related to City properties Assist with creating and finalizing purchase orders Assist with processing the annual Title VI non-Discrimination report to the State Receive Open Bid Documents and prepare bidders list for large construction projects as needed Assist with the Festival of Chimes and Lights event and yearly downtown tree decorating contest as directed Assist with posting legal notices in accordance with legal requirements and City policy Provide input to City Clerk for budget preparation Maintain confidentiality as appropriate Reliable and regular attendance is required Other duties as assigned Contacts and Relationships

Routine contacts may include local business people, vendors, state, county, and school officials. Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with some travel to different sites. May be required to attend or participate in various events and meetings on behalf of the City outside of regular business hours. Telecommuting within Washington state is permitted at the supervisor’s discretion in accordance with City policy. Evening and weekend work may be required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of concepts, methods, practices, and techniques of digital engagement, graphics, communication plan development, media relations, and public information; applicable ordinances and other regulations; and website development and social media content creation and process. Skilled in creating effective and engaging written, verbal and visual communications using the English language; managing multiple projects simultaneously; organizing work for efficiency and effectiveness; proofreading and editing; and maintaining a high attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors; use discretion, tact, courtesy, and patience with the public and inter-office contacts; work independently as a self-starter seeking opportunities to assist in the messaging efforts of the City; exercise good judgement, tact and diplomacy; and track community engagement and measure effectiveness of communication strategies. Physical Requirements

Primary functions require ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to hear and verbally communicate to exchange information. Minimum Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or a closely related field, is required. Two (2) years of experience in communications, public outreach, and/or marketing are also required. Current, valid, unsuspended driver’s license required upon hire. Out of state candidates are required to obtain a WA state driver’s license in accordance with state law. Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered. Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change.

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