Public Works Communications Specialist
Job Title: Public Works Communications Specialist
Department: Public Works
Reports To: Administrative Services Supervisor
Open Date: March 18, 2019
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Hiring Range: $18.63 - $23.79 per hour, DOE
Salary Range: $18.63 - $27.93 per hour, DOE
Job Summary:
The Public Works Communications Specialist is responsible to plan, develop, implement, and coordinate Public Works communications, information and outreach efforts to City and Department staff. Additional work includes keeping the general public informed about programs, services, projects, and accomplishments of the Public Works Department. This position provides public outreach for the City’s infrastructure projects and solicits public engagement and feedback when appropriate. Performs administrative and professional communications duties in the development and implementation of the Department’s internal communications. The nature of the work performed requires that this position establish and maintain effective working relationships with the assigned manager, Department personnel, other City employees, and the general public. Work is performed under the direction of an assigned manager, but leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Support Department needs related to internal and external communications; develop, prepare, and review/revise communications content for materials such as public notices, fact sheets, newsletters, surveys, signs, banners, flyers, brochures, or other communications tools, seeking input from leadership regarding appropriate messaging, graphics, and related factors;
Plan, develop, implement, and coordinate public information and events for Department programs and projects;
Plan and facilitate Public Works special community outreach activities and events;
Participate in the development, coordination, and implementation of the Department’s Communication Plan(s);
Collaborate with staff to develop Department education and outreach procedures and information; create effective communication tools; determine and utilize appropriate delivery methods and media;
Review and work closely with the Department technical staff and City’s communications team to design, write, coordinate and maintain public information on the Public Works website; initiate requests to the City Communications Manager and assist in developing information for media releases; route information, announcements to the community, updates to Public Works project and other ideas for social media posts;
Plan, coordinate, and conduct public education programs and information outreach for various Public Works functions and workgroups;
Update and solicit feedback from the Department Director and Executive Staff on public outreach efforts for various Department projects and programs and work with appropriate internal staff to respond proactively to identified issues and/or concerns;
Develop and maintain a network of contacts for the collection and dissemination of information on upcoming Department events and projects; develop project mailings and/or outreach lists;
Develop processes to inform internal City staff about key Public Works programs and projects;
Take photographs or videos of various public works projects and events for distribution via centralized communication channels, including social media channels managed by the Communications Manager;
Prepare award nominations and submissions;
Create, implement, post and coordinate Department communications via internal and external channels such as web, print, and email marketing, etc.;
Serve as a Department liaison to the City’s communications team to coordinate Department communications with City-wide initiatives, including branding, design, layout, and production of graphic materials for departmental projects; work collaboratively with the City Communications Manager to ensure messaging is aligned to City design and branding standards;
Coordinate and facilitate small to large group meetings and events for a variety of purposes; prepare agendas; obtain and schedule presenters; present resulting recommendations to Department management and appropriate staff; write meeting summaries or reports resulting from group deliberations;
Update community calendars with Public Works-related events;
Gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the varied Public Works functions and services;
Assist team members with the development, design, and editing of reports, documents and plans, as needed;
Serve as the Public Works Department’s point of contact and coordinate with City’s Communications Manager regarding citizen inquiries and complaints;
Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Duties & Responsibilities:
Prepare and design presentation materials incorporating data, text, video and graphics for use by Department management or staff;
Attend after-hours activities and special events as necessary;
Organize special events and dedications;
Prepare and make presentations to groups;
Demonstrate an excellent work ethic, initiative, and work skills essential to successful performance;
Meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines;
Lead or engage with cross-functional teams;
Demonstrate the ability to collaborate and work effectively with others;
Possess and utilize excellent presentation and communication skills;
Demonstrate the ability to handle customer concerns or complaints tactfully and respectfully;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with respect to stakeholders, other City personnel, and the general public;
Develop stories and video content for web and presentations.
Job Specifications:
Requires an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university (bachelor’s preferred) with emphasis on business management, marketing, communications, or journalism, and three (3) years of progressive experience in technical communications, public information, or marketing communications, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, or training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position;
Demonstrate advanced Microsoft Office Suite capabilities which include, but are not limited to: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, Publisher, video editing and production software;
Possess a thorough, functional knowledge of graphic design principles and capability to create graphics;
Possess thorough knowledge of strategies for messaging, promoting, and marketing ideas and initiatives;
Proficient knowledge of writing methods and techniques to address diverse audiences on a variety of topics;
Possess ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals and groups;
Prefer experience with Canva, Wix, Adobe and Final Cut Pro software.
Interpersonal Skills:
Team Building and Talent Management
Collaboration and Coordination
Communication (Verbal, Written, Non-Verbal)
Public Speaking
Facilitation
Licensing or Certifications:
Must hold a valid Idaho Driver’s license.
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