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 for responding 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 in Communications, Public Relations, Business, Planning, Public Administration or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three years experience in Public Relations, Business, Planning, Public Administration or related field .
• Local government experience is preferred.

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.

• 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

Full-time Employee Benefits

The City of Great Falls offers a complete benefits package to our full-time employee including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement/pensions, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. The City offers life and long term disability insurance to all full-time non-union employees. Union employees receive longevity pay. Optional plans are available for employees, flexible spending account, and 457 deferred compensation accounts.