Communications Specialist

Nature of Work

Responsible for developing and administering communications strategies, establishing pro-active relationships with the public, media, City Commission, community and staff fostering two-way communications regarding City programs, projects, issues and services. Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy City Manager.

Essential Functions of Work

• Develops and implements plans, strategies and activities to ensure the successful implementation of the City's communications and marketing initiatives.

• Responsible forresponding to or designating appropriate spokesperson to respond to media requests from City departments.

• Attends department, staff and other government meetings as required to collaborate and understand current and future city policies and undertakings.

• Initiates and delivers internal and external communications and marketing for the City including news releases, website content, project branding, brochures & newsletters, and public service announcements; using multimedia (social networking, television, print, radio, blogs, etc.) to increase awareness of City's programs and services.

• Leads and facilitates the city's communication team to brainstorm and determine communication focus areas that would benefit from increased visibility.

• Establishes strategies and trains members of the organization on interacting with the media and the public and holding press conferences and interviews.

• Plans and conducts press conferences to announce major developments or responses to issues.

• Prepares written communications for the organization including speeches for senior executives.

• Fosters partnerships with community and neighborhood organizations, and other municipal, county, state, and federal governments.

• Develops networks and relationships with various media outlets to maximize positive public relations and communications.

• Stays abreast of new trends in the field of public relations and information services.

• Collaborates with others to implement, respond, track and close citizen complaints or inquiries.

• Creates proposals, presentations and reports and tracks progress and performance measurements of assigned projects.

• Assists in the preparation and monitoring of annual division budget.

• Delivers work products with responsiveness, courtesy and tact.

• Serves as the Public Information Officer for the City; consults with appropriate departments on media releases for high-profile matters.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree inCommunications, Public Relations, Business, Planning, Public Administration or related field ispreferred.

• Minimum of three years experience inPublic Relations, Business, Planning, Public Administration or related field.

• Local government experience is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid Montana driver's license.

Requirements of Work

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of public relation skills and techniques.

• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude with poise and approachability.

• Ability to organize information for presentation to the public including written flyers, reports, newsletters, press releases, television, radio, internet and other publications.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from citizens, the media, and internal customers.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to multitask and respond to requests for service in a diplomatic manner.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, periodicals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations.

• Knowledge of facilitation skills and de-escalation techniques.

• Ability to explain policies and procedures regarding City programs to the public.

• Extensive knowledge of computerized software applications; Microsoft Outlook, Office, Excel, desktop publishing, email, and the internet.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Highest Degree of Ethical Conduct, Confidentiality and Credibility

• Technical Expertise

• Possesses, Applies and Develops Knowledge and Skills

• Communication Proficiency

• Oral, Written and Persuasive

• Customer Oriented

• Analytical and Forward in Thinking

• Relationship Building

• Takes Initiative and is Accountable

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not supervise staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required toperform light physical work and to frequently lift and carry up to 25 pounds at a time; the ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, grasp, pinch, ride, pull and perform similar body movements; possess hand/eye coordination sufficient to write reports, operate a personal computer and drive a vehicle; to talk and hear in person or by telephone; and to see and read reports.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work schedule is a 40-hour work week, Sunday through Saturday. There may be occasional periods where work demand requires work beyond the regular 40-hour work week. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily to various local worksites and community meetings during the business day and some evenings. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.