JOB TITLE:
Communications Specialist – Full-Time
Hourly, FLSA Non-Exempt – Non-Union
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:
Communications Department
REPORTS TO:
Communications Director
JOB SUMMARY:
The City of Oak Park is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Communications Specialist! This position communicates clearly and concisely in writing, on social media/digital platforms and orally. Additionally, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for growing a digital audience through social media and website content creation and curation, will determine relevant facts and exercise independent judgment to communicate messages to an intended audience, and works well under pressure. This position will also prepare publications with City staff while meeting deadlines; plans, organizes, and creates images and graphics to support content, and continuously produces high quality work. Lastly, the Communications Specialist uses discretion, maintains confidentiality, and performs other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Content Creation: Write, design, produce and edit content, including digital, video, and print communications. Such material may include graphics, brochures, newsletters, reports and other informational materials.
- Social Media Management: Manage existing social media channels through targeted content creation and curation that remains in line with the City’s mission, goals and strategic plan; respond to citizen communications received via social media sites and other City-operated online forums.
- Website Administration: Develops and maintains updated content on the City website through coordination and communication with departments throughout the organization.
- Event Planning: Assist in the development and planning of City-wide events.
- Community Outreach: Establish and maintain positive relationships with citizens and local businesses and organizations to best communicate City news, events and understand the needs of the community.
- Support the City’s policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Experience in presenting, public speaking, writing, and editing.
- Ability to communicate in the City’s voice and tone through various communications channels and to be able to adjust the voice and tone to appropriately match communications channels.
- Ability to work with content experts to synthesize technical and complex information, priorities, and policies into succinct, effective project goals, priorities, messages, and narrative.
- Ability to effectively use and learn essential communications tools and software (social media, email marketing, CRM, CMS, Adobe Creative Cloud helpful).
- Ability to update website as directed.
- Ability to support video shoots and events in various indoor and outdoor settings and to be cross trained to operate City video production equipment and cable channel.
- Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and tactfulness.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships internally and externally.
- Execution of excellent organization and project management skills to allow for timely planning, executing & reporting on multiple projects at the same time, effectively and accurately.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university with a major in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or other closely related field.
- Proficiency in Associated Press Style.
- Experience in writing, editing, and creating content for various communication channels, including web, media, print, social media, internal, and external channels.
- A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in public relations, or any combination of education, training, or work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
PREFERRED:
- Three years of recent, relevant experience writing/producing stories or digital media for media outlets or organizational communications channels.
- Political acumen with at least one year experience working in the public sector.
- Proficiency with Adobe programs and various Content Management Systems.
- Advanced editing skills and demonstrated competence to handle a variety of activities with significant attention to detail and quality.
SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Communications Coordinator will be required to work some evening and weekend hours, holidays, and special events, both indoors and outdoors. Must also have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various locations within the City, or outside of the City limits.
SALARY RANGE:
This is a full-time position with an annual rate of $50K to $62K per hour, depending on qualifications.
BENEFITS: A comprehensive package is available and includes healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and section 125 plan (City employees currently do not pay for insurance premiums)
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must work frequently on a computer, and work with assorted computer files. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of light-weight. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting but is also required to work in the field occasionally and attend meetings after standard business hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Depending on special events, this position may work indoors and outdoors.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS/DISCLAIMERS:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of an employee so classified.
Employees must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
The City of Oak Park does not discriminate in its employment or any other programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, economic status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability, if requested.
