Communications and Community Engagement Specialist

The City of Neenah is seeking a highly-motivated and professionally-skilled communicator to work in the Mayor's office.

Communications and Community Engagement Specialist
Position Summary
The Communications and Community Engagement Specialist serves as the lead communications staff member for the Mayor’s Office and plays a key role in strengthening communication between the City of Neenah and the public. This position is responsible for creating, managing, and growing the City’s communications strategy across digital platforms, including the city website, social media, video, and digital publications.

This position works closely with the Mayor and City departments to tell the story of Neenah, strengthen public trust through clear and engaging communication, and build a modern communications system that connects residents to their local government. The position also provides limited front-office and administrative support within the Mayor’s Office as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. City Communications and Storytelling

Develop, write, edit, and publish content for the city website, social media platforms, newsletters, video updates, and other digital communications

Lead the City’s storytelling efforts by highlighting projects, services, events, staff, and initiatives that reflect the work and values of the City of Neenah

Create clear, accurate, and engaging public-facing communication that is accessible to residents

Translate complex city information into plain language for the public

Produce and publish a digital city newsletter at least quarterly

Identify opportunities to proactively share information and strengthen public understanding of city operations and priorities

2. Social Media and Digital Content Management

Manage the City’s primary website and official social media accounts

Create and edit digital content, including graphics, photos, short-form videos, and written posts for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok

Coordinate with departments that maintain their own social media presence and elevate department content through citywide communication channels

Develop platform-specific strategies to improve reach, engagement, and consistency across the City’s digital presence

Monitor digital engagement and recommend improvements to communication efforts over time
3. Mayoral Communications and Support

Work closely with the Mayor to develop and implement a communication system for the City

Assist with drafting speeches, remarks, talking points, public messages, and official correspondence

Help communicate the Mayor’s priorities in a professional, community-focused, and non-political manner

Support outreach efforts that improve visibility, accessibility, and public engagement

Assist in coordinating communication related to public appearances, city events, and community engagement opportunities

4. Communication Planning and Coordination

Develop and help implement a citywide communication plan that can grow and expand over time

Coordinate with department heads and staff to gather information, identify communication needs, and maintain message consistency

Support communication during major city projects, events, public notices, and service updates

Help strengthen internal communication habits that support better external communication

5. Front Office and Administrative Support

Provide limited administrative support within the Mayor’s Office

Assist with welcoming and directing residents or visitors who come to City Hall seeking the Mayor or Mayor’s Office

Help maintain a professional, organized, and responsive front-office environment

Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Mayor’s Office and city communication efforts

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, digital media, public administration, or a related field required

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Equivalent relevant experience in communications, media, marketing, community engagement, or related work may be considered in lieu of some educational requirements

Three years of relevant professional experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to create clear, accurate, and engaging content for a variety of audiences

Experience managing websites and social media accounts for an organization or public-facing entity

Experience editing video and creating digital content for web and social media platforms

Ability to tell stories visually and in writing in a way that connects with the community

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain professionalism

Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with regular interaction with residents, elected officials, department heads, and staff

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters appropriately

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common communications, design, video, and social media tools

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in local government, public sector communications, media relations, and / or community engagement

Experience with website content management systems

Experience with graphic design, photography, and short-form video production

Experience building communication plans and content calendars

Familiarity with public-facing communication in a governmental or service-oriented setting

Core Competencies

Strategic Communication

Storytelling and Content Creation

Public Engagement

Digital Media Management

Initiative and Problem Solving

Professional Judgment and Discretion

Organization and Follow-Through

Relationship Building and Collaboration

Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction with residents, elected officials, department heads, and City staff. The position works in a shared office environment that may be active and occasionally fast-paced. Some evening and weekend hours may be required to support meetings, community events, and city communication needs.

ADA / EOE
The City of Neenah is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process.

Compensation and Benefits

Full time (37.5 hours / week) Typical schedule is 8.5 hours per day (7.5 hours of work with one-hour unpaid lunch). Summer hours involve longer days M-Th with a half day on Friday.

Expected hiring range is $54,000 to $61,000 annual. Position is non-exempt.

Paid vacation, sick, and holiday pay

Health, dental and vision insurance with WRS participation

FREE care for employees and eligible dependents at City of Neenah Employee Clinic (provided by ThedaCare at Work)

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