Communications Specialist

You can do great work and love what you do with the City of Delaware. We are an organization that succeeds because of teamwork, dedication, diversity, and the innovative spirit of all our employees. The City of Delaware is an award-winning local government organization known for its professionalism, customer service orientation and a strong commitment to distinctive and well-planned community development. The work environment is stable with excellent benefits and retirement packages. Our mission is to ensure an effective government, a healthy economy, being a safe city and welcoming you to be a part of this great community! Under the direction of the Community Affairs Director, the Communications Specialist performs professional, administrative, and technical work to plan, develop, coordinate and execute internal and external communications programs for the city. This position is responsible for essential writing and public information functions evident in printed materials and digital public communications to the public. In this role, the Communications Specialist creates and fosters relationships with the community and uses new and emerging technology for communication programs. Essential Functions Perform day-to-day maintenance of the city’s website to ensure it remains timely and accurate, including regularly scheduled updates; collaborates with users and internal teams to implement content into website structure and to continually improve website Coordinates, develops, and creates video, still photography, radio content, and other social media content via multiple production and delivery methods. Assists in leading the city’s social media strategies, implements campaigns, and utilizes analytics and 24/7 monitoring to improve engagement. Promotes city programs events and services; manages communications-based projects. Identifies newsworthy information, develops ideas and gathers necessary details to write, edit and disseminate information from multiple communication methods. Coordinates talking points and interviews city officials as necessary. Monitors and responds to inquiries received from citizens and public officials. Develops relationships with community groups for the purpose of creating communication opportunities with targeted audiences within the community. Supports the Community Affairs Director as a member of the crisis management team. Assists in creating annual reports, city brochures, newsletters, advertising copy, promotional copy, special projects and other miscellaneous publications and copy needs; manages graphic design, printing, video and distribution service projects with consultants. Provides communications support as necessary and/or oversees creation, development, production, implementation, and writing adherence to the city’s branding program and style guide in all city materials. Coordinates the news gathering, writing, editing, and design of the City’s internal Telemetry video communications platform. Develops and maintains relationships that facilitate earned media pertaining to Delaware programs, projects and services. Provides communication support to the City Manager and leadership. Attends City and community functions as necessary. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Sharepoint, OneNote, and Teams) and other computer software. Adobe Suite application Canva application City and Department goals and objectives. City and Department policies and procedures. Government structure and process. Common social media platforms and Granicus web development and editing application. Effective marketing techniques. Marketing and local government. Graphic design and branding. Smart phone functionality for both still photo and video. Thorough knowledge of the English language, vocabulary and grammar Skills Excellent organization, attention to detail, accuracy, time management, and critical thinking skills. Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Civic engagement and customer service. Strong customer service skills to engage with residents, answer questions, gather feedback and positively represent the City. Excellent verbal communication skills used to promote the City and speak in front of groups. Excellent written communication skills to share information through digital formats, memos, and letters. Strong proofreading and editing skills. Abilities Prepare correspondence. Compile and prepare reports. Understand and follow written and oral instructions, policies and procedures. Be honest, dependable and trustworthy. Maintain effective working relationships. Communicate effectively, both in oral and written form and to prepare and present effective public presentations. Exercise independent judgement and discretion. Work in a professional office environment. Stay current on City, social media, and marketing trends. Think creatively and critically about marketing and promoting the City. Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Effectively plan, organize, schedule, and prioritize work assignments and tasks. Work courteously and effectively with people concerning controversial issues. Work effectively under stressful conditions in a fast-paced environment. Engage with residents. Be comfortable promoting the City and speaking in front of groups. Physical Requirements The primary duties of this position are performed in a public office building environment with some activities being performed outdoors and under adverse weather conditions. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, use a telephone and communicate effectively with others over the telephone or in person. Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written material and work on a computer. Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and computer systems. Sufficient body flexibility and personal mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office setting and lift up to 30 pounds. Equipment Operated Computer, copier, phone, and other standard/modern office equipment; computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, Canva, Video Editing software, and other applicable computer software). Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations communications, journalism, or related field. Two (2) or more years of related work experience and prior public sector experience preferred. Experience in marketing, writing, and designing communications, graphic design, branding, and customer service required. Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Must meet and maintain qualifications for driving at all times and as a continued condition of employment. Regular and reliable attendance Any combination of training and experience which will indicate the possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed below. The City of Delaware offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: health, dental, and life insurance, retirement pension and savings plans, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and longevity pay and in many positions, paid uniforms or clothing allowance. This position is part of the Management Pay Plan. Details about the compensation and benefits for this position can be found in the agreement by clicking here. The information above is intended to be illustrative of the kinds of duties that may be assigned to the position and should not be interpreted to describe all the duties which may be required of employees holding this position. The City of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA), the City of Delaware will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr