Communication and Marketing Specialist bei Cirichlandwa

Department:

Division: 

Target Hiring Range: $31.88 - $38.26 Hourly (DOQ)

Position Salary Range: $31.88 - $44.64 Hourly

This position is not remote and is expected to work regular full-time hours in the office. The expected schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm or the ability to work a 9/80 schedule with alternating Fridays off (to be determined after hire).

GENERAL SUMMARY

As aligned with the City’s Strategic Communications Plan, performs intermediate technical work communicating news and information that accurately and effectively tells the exciting story of the work of our City. Information will be tailored to employees, residents, and the media. Includes related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Communications and Marketing Manager (“supervisor”).

CORE VALUES

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Richland’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City. The values of Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence promote and maintain a high level of morale and productivity and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across all functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid driver's license.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of marketing experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in communications, marketing, public relations, business administration, public administration or closely related field.

• Four (4) years of public relations support experience, preferably in communications and/or marketing.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, work in a fast paced environment, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and balance priorities.

• High level of organizational skills with excellent written and verbal communications skills.

• Prior experience working in the public sector, preferably in a municipality.

• Prior experience managing social media presence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Additional duties of a similar nature and level may also be assigned. The City may make reasonable accommodations to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Researches, writes, and distributes media releases for communication to residents and businesses regarding municipal issues, local initiatives, activities and events; utilizes a variety of communications methods, including website, print, TV, digital reader boards, and various social media platforms and media outlets for the timely dissemination of information and illustration of our narrative through the important work that we do. Leads the City's social media presence with a clear perspective on how to engage on each platform (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) including tactical operations such as utilization of social media scheduling software / processes, calendar development, trend analysis, analytics reviews, etc.

• Adept at smart phone video production and editing for social media outputs, understands trends and platform dynamics.

• Administers and provides regular content updates to the City's websites; oversees the content strategy, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the City’s website platforms to ensure accurate, accessible, timely, and engaging information that aligns with City branding and communication goals.

• Manages and updates the City’s intranet to ensure content is current, relevant, and user-friendly, supporting effective internal communications and employee access to key resources.

• Develops, writes, edits, and distributes the City’s biweekly employee newsletter to inform, engage, and connect staff with organizational news, initiatives, and events; prepares analytical data using email marketing software; prepares talking points for City Council or City Staff as needed.

• Supports the planning, creation, and delivery of internal communications across departments to ensure employees are informed, aligned, and engaged with City initiatives, policies, and organizational updates; develops and organizes news stories; establishes and maintains relationships with local media contacts.

• Represents the City at community events, public meetings, and outreach activities to promote City programs and initiatives and engage with residents; promotes new and existing businesses through social media marketing and City-wide special events; collaborates and hosts city events.

• Hosts bi-weekly government access channel program; provides voice-over and additional hosting duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. 

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes, and regulations related to assigned activities.

• General principles and methods of conceptual design, page layout, photographic, computer techniques, processes, and equipment.

• Website Content Management Systems.

• Social media management software and general social media best practices.

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment, both as a team member and individually.

• Principles and techniques of preparing and disseminating public information.

• News media, including newspaper, television, social media, and other communication sources.

• Modern office practices, methods, procedures, and equipment.

• Record-keeping principles, procedures, and techniques.

Skills and abilities to:

• Demonstrate the ability to think creatively.

• Demonstrate strong follow-up skills and attention to detail.

• Prepare cost estimates for projects within quality specifications, financial constraints and time schedule for each project.

• Retain focus to see projects from conception to completion.

• Work on multiple projects at the same time as well as the ability to set and meet deadlines.

• Promote the brand of the City through social media, website, media releases, and distribution of promotional items, creative printed pieces, and advertising.

• Understand basic municipal issues.

• Find creative approaches to preparing and presenting issues.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to intended audiences.

• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; work independently with little or no direction, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Operate a variety of modern office equipment and personal computers using standard or customized software application programs appropriate to assigned activities.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Provide continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

COMPETENCIES

Foundational

• Use Technical/Functional Expertise: Displays an appropriate depth of knowledge and skills as required for the position and commensurate with the time in class. Uses technology as appropriate for the position. Seeks additional knowledge and information to continually enhance knowledge in areas of specialty. 

• Be Accountable for Performance: Actively shows responsibility, reliability, and trustworthiness. Ensures work and information are complete and accurate. Admits mistakes and looks for ways to improve. Models self as dependable and reliable. Follows up with others to ensure agreements and commitments have been fulfilled. Values the importance of team and organizational success. Independently takes action to influence events, to improve own or organizational performance and to promote the goals of the organization. 

• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Anticipates, assesses, and responds effectively to the needs of diverse customers, both internal and external, providing consistently excellent service that is timely, accurate, courteous, and respectful. 

• Communicate Effectively: Uses verbal and written skills effectively to ensure that information is successfully shared throughout the organization. Relates well to a range of people. Shows sensitivity to the needs of others. Demonstrates ability to build rapport and facilitates mutual understanding. 

• Work Safely: Knowledge and application of relevant safety requirements that apply to the specific work being done. Recognizes and mitigates safety hazards on the job. Observes rules and regulations to comply with personal and workplace safety standards. Works to create a hazard-free, accident-free environment. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work requires regular and punctual attendance at the office or other assigned location; work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, speaking or hearing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

SELECTION GUIDELINES

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
 
The job classification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Richland and any employee and is subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection will be based on overall qualifications, skills testing (if applicable) and an interview process. Final candidate selected will be subject to a comprehensive background/reference check commensurate to the position.

Summary of the City of Richland benefits for unaffiliated staff (non-represented employees):

Note: Unaffiliated staff (non-union employees) may receive some or all of the benefits listed below based on the Compensation Plan for Unaffiliated Employees (Comp Plan) with the City; consult the Comp Plan for specific information about position benefits.

Regular Full-Time (35 to 40 hr/week) Employee Benefits

• Excellent open access (preferred provider) medical plan with substantial City-paid contribution
• City-paid dental and vision plans
• City-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (equals two times the employee's annual salary)
• City-paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Participation in the State of Washington's Retirement Plan (PERS)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 4% City-match deferred compensation with 457 and 401(a) plan options
  • Senior Management Level = additional 4% City-paid into the 401(a) Plan
  • Management Level = additional 3% City-paid into the 401(a) Plan
  • Supervisors or Exempt Level = additional 1% City-paid into the 401(a) Plan
• Extended Sick Leave (ESL)
• Section 125 - Flexible Benefits Plan (Medical/Dependent Care)
• City Paid and Employee Paid Retirement Health Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual Performance Assessment System

Regular Full-time (30 to 34/hr week) Employee Benefits

• Essential Plan health coverage (High Deductible PPO Plan)
  • City pays 50% of the premium for Employee & Child/dren only, Employee pays 100% of Spouse premium
• Participation in the State of Washington's Retirement Plan (PERS)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holiday Leave
• 4% City-match deferred compensation; 457 and 401 (a) Plan options
• Extended Sick Leave (ESL)
• Section 125 - Flexible Benefits Plan (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Annual Performance Assessment System

Regular Part-Time (20 to 29/hr week) Employee Benefits

• Participation in the State of Washington's Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holiday Leave
• 4% City-match deferred compensation; 457 and 401 (a) Plan options
• Extended Sick Leave (ESL)
• Section 125 - Flexible Benefits Plan (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Annual Performance Assessment System

Limited Term, Temporary & Provisional Employee Benefits (Full-time) -

Must meet eligibility requirements

• Essential Plan health coverage (High Deductible PPO Plan)

Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual

Regular Full-Time (40hr) Accrual Rates. (The accrual rates for full time (30-34hr) and part-time positions is pro-rated based upon the position's budgeted hours.)

Years of Continuous Service / Maximum Hours Per Month

0 months through 6 months / 13.33 hours per month

6 months through 9 years / 20.33 hours per month

10 years through 15 years / 22.33 hours per month

16 years through 20 years / 24.33 hours per month

Over 20 years / 26.33 hours per month

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified work force.  Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), martial or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
 
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested.  Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department about the accommodation needed at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling (509) 942-7392. 
 
The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed, or implied, contract of employment with the City.  Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.