What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at CITY OF FARMINGTON?
Job Details
POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The Communications Specialist performs various tasks and completes projects relating to communications, public relations and marketing. Assists departments in promoting the City, city operations and city services to the public and acts as project coordinator for all City department and City Council communication efforts. Performs administrative assistant duties under the supervision of the City Attorney or his/her designee.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & FUNCTIONS
- Gather timely and critical information that needs to be pushed out to the public.
- Work with City departments to assure consistency and uniformity in voice and messaging to the public and media outlets.
- Assist in developing publications and documents for the City and departments, such as flyers, brochures, and fact sheets as necessary; assist with media outreach, media inquiries, media releases, and press events for positive city stories and media goodwill.
- Back up social media posting and monitoring comments as needed; oversee City departments news and content updates on website.
- Implement relevant and creative daily social media messaging; coordinate Farmington’s Facebook pages, as well as other social media platforms and create content for interactive apps; actively use strategies to increase likes and social engagement across all social media channels.
- Support web editors to facilitate web content updates; support and facilitate internal and external surveys as needed.
- Help with communication and marketing project requests from city departments; help departments update event calendars on the City website and social media when needed; create graphics for social media and online posts; assist in upkeep of city street banners.
- Liaison for City and community engagement projects (related to communications).
- Assist in preparing presentations to educate and inform key audiences on City issues.
- Maintain, document, and organize all print material paper archives for the City including, newsletters, special projects, utility inserts, ads, news stories, etc.
- Assist with disaster communications when needed.
- When necessary, attend meetings to gather information needed for accurate communications.
- Prepares, compiles and processes legal documents, ordinances, resolutions, and correspondence insuring correctness of form and content.
- Reviews and edits incoming and outgoing material for accuracy; drafts correspondence; receives and responds to telephone calls and walk-in public.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Graduation from college with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, graphic design, or a related field preferred.
Experience: Requires two (2) years related work experience with demonstrated competence in writing and social media. Experience with graphic design is preferred. May substitute an equivalent combination of education or experience.
Certifications/Licenses: Must possess and maintain a valid Utah Driver’s License.
Knowledge of: Public relations and media relations, computer software including word processing and desktop publishing, graphic design, social media channels, and video editing. Preference given to candidates with a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
Responsible for: Working with departments on public relations efforts and programs; choosing the proper type of communication medium to present information to the Mayor, City Council, citizens, media outlets, and other affected public.
Communication Skills: Ability to professionally obtain and communicate information to the public. Must use tact and judgment to avoid friction; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, executives, and the public.
Tools, Machines, Equipment Operation: Requires regular use of a personal computer, printer, copier, and telephone system. Requires use of personal or city vehicle.
Analytical Ability: Prioritize tasks; work well under pressure and impending deadlines; establish effective working relationships with employees, Department Directors, the media and the public; relate well with a variety of persons under varying circumstances; ability to analyze a situation and make sound recommendations and presentations.
Working Conditions:
Physical Demands: While performing duties of job, employee typically handles office equipment, objects, or controls and communicates with others daily. Employee may frequently bend, stoop or crouch; and frequently communicates with others. Employee may sit or stand for long periods of time and may occasionally move up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment: Employee will work in a generally comfortable office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. Great mental effort is required daily; moderate mental pressure and fatigue exist during a normal workday due to constant exposure to deadlines; frequent contact with high-profile individuals.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. The approved class specifications are not intended to and do not infer or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. This updated job description supersedes prior descriptions for the same position. Management reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Salary : $26 - $39
