Communications & Marketing Specialist-Economic Development bei City of New Albany, OH

About the Department

This position performs professional, administrative and technical works under the direction of the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer to plan, develop, coordinate and execute internal and external communications programs for the city, with specific emphasis on economic development. To support the city's economic development programs, this position will be responsible for digital communication and marketing, such as developing social media content and strategy, maintaining city websites, creating graphic design elements, and providing analytics.  As a part of the communications team, the position supports the city’s overall communication and marketing efforts. Job duties will include writing and public information functions, such as press releases, letters from City Council, creating web content for specialized pages such as economic development, marketing economic development events, and guest columns for local publications. The position has considerable interface with all levels of city staff, media, governmental organizations, special interest and civic groups, the general public, and, on occasion, with elected officials. The Communications & Marketing Specialist is expected to create and foster relationships with the community and use new and emerging technology to execute communications programs. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills are required to be successful in this position.

This unclassified position is FLSA-exempt from overtime compensation.

Position Duties

The following duties are examples of duties that would be normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

Digital Communication/Media

• Produces periodic or weekly e-newsletters. This includes creating graphic design elements for use within the newsletter.
• Assists with production of video content (for use on social media and websites).
• In conjunction with Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, manages social media content and provides social media monitoring assistance.
• Assists in managing websites in conjunction with the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, who serves as webmaster; updates content and creates new content.

Public Relations

• Promotes city programs, events, economic development and city services. Identifies newsworthy information, develops ideas and gathers necessary details to write, edit and disseminate information through media releases, website updates, news articles, speeches, presentations, speaker’s points, employee communications, social media and newsletters. 
• Coordinates talking points and interviews of city officials as necessary in conjunction with Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. 
• Monitors and responds to a wide variety of inquiries received from private citizens and public officials in other jurisdictions, including public records requests in conjunction with Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. 
• Develops relationships with community groups to create communication opportunities with targeted audiences within the community. 
• Supports Chief Communications and Marketing Officer as a member of the crisis management team. 

Publications

• Assists in creating annual reports, city brochures, e-newsletters, advertising copy, promotional copy, special projects and other miscellaneous publications and copy needs. 
• May be responsible for coordinating, writing, compiling and/or editing a City Manager Report and/or monthly department reports. 

Internal Communications

Media Relations

• Develops and maintains relationships that facilitate earned media for New Albany programs, projects and services. 
• Other duties and/or projects as may be assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English, Public Administration, or a similar major course of study; professional experience with digital marketing, public relations, public affairs, government, or community involvement; or, the equivalent of experience and/or education that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  A background check and pre-employment drug screen are required. A valid Ohio driver’s license is required. 

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of: strategic communications, marketing, public relations, and the latest communication trends; governmental or non-profit operations; graphic design production

Skill in: verbal communication to connect with target audience; creating content to be used in a variety of forums; using social media for marketing, public relations and professional communications; writing to positively impact public opinion through effective writing of press releases, newspaper/magazine columns, video scripts, social media posts and talking points composing various types of correspondence using proper grammar, punctuation, and appropriate style; editing various forms of correspondence for a wide variety of audiences to convey appropriate facts, tone and message; media relations; using computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, or Canva; creating, editing, and updating websites; videography/photography and video editing 

Ability to: coordinate projects and organize groups of people to achieve desired result; work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, on weekends, evenings, or holidays; think analytically and independently problem solve; collaborate with team members and to manage simultaneous projects involving internal and external team members; accurately record and deliver information, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality of restricted information; use independent judgment, common sense, and principals of influence and rational systems in the performance of tasks; develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, community partners, public officials, auditors, vendors and the general public; maintain personal composure and tactfully handle difficult situations and interpret questions correctly; behave in a friendly, understanding, helpful and professional manner with coworkers, supervisors and the general public; work outside normal business hours and in outdoor, inclement weather, as necessary to achieve objectives such a covering community events, parades, etc.; have regular and predictable attendance.