Communications Specialist

Position Description:

The City of Inver Grove Heights seeks a dynamic Communications Specialist with demonstrated experience in social media, website content, video, and print publications, as well as event planning and coordination. Ability to attend occasional after-hours and weekend events, and act as back-up for the Communications Manager as assigned. Potential for some remote work after demonstrated success in the position. This is a full-time benefited union position, with a hiring range of $32.70-$36.50/hr.

Under the direction of the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist is responsible for coordinating and implementing communications for the City of Inver Grove Heights, which includes supporting the communication efforts of all City departments, including Administration, Finance, Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development. Assists the Communications Manager in providing marketing and communications support for citywide programs and initiatives, with a focus on social media,publications,City events, and the City website.

Essential Job Functions:

Assists the Communications Manager in ensuring the consistent application of the City’s Communication Plan throughout the organization, including accessibility, branding, style guides, messaging and tone. Creates, reviews, and/or recommends consistent communications and public relations strategies that align with City goals.

Posts to social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor) for the City or departments as assigned, including creation of site content (e.g., text, graphics and video), with proper tone/intent. Responds to questions/comments from the public and staff.

Manages the City’s website in coordination with the Communications Manager.

• Creates content: text, graphics and video.
• Makes content interactive and easy to navigate.
• Monitors and updates site information.
• Utilizes content management software to organize and structure sections of the website.
• Implements website accessibility guidelines.

Drafts marketing materials including post cards, trifolds, flyers, brochures, posters, letterhead, forms, and reports.

Distributes and promotes department programs and services through mailings, email, and internal marketing or other sources. Collaborates with department staff and managers to gather materials and compile information necessary to complete projects. Responds to communications project requests.

Assists the Communications Manager in the coordination and creation of the Insights newsletter and other printed materials. Coordinates with printing vendors as assigned.

Monitors and responds to requests and inquiries submitted to the Communication Division’s email inbox.

Responsible for creating and updating City meetings, events and editorial calendars.

Completes communications projects as assigned and provides back-up assistance to the Communications Manager to ensure timely communications to the public, including posting of press releases and other timely information on social media.

Acts as City photographer/videographer as assigned.

Assists with planning and set-up of City and partner-sponsored special events. Attends events, interacts with the public and takes pictures as assigned.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as apparent or assigned.

Required qualifications:

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English or a closely related field and 3 years of experience in organizational communications or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the work. Advanced knowledge of and proficiency in social media platforms is required. A valid driver's license and the ability to attend events, as assigned.

Desired qualifications:

• Additional years of related work experience. 
• Experience working with Civic Plus content management software (CMS) and Hootsuite.
• Prior experience in a communications role with a city, county, or state agency. 
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. 
• Experience creating graphics using software such as Canva. 
• Ability to speak or write in a second language in addition to English that has a presence in the community (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, Somali). 
• Experience in event planning and coordination. 
• Knowledge of the newest WCAG accessibility guidelines and how to make documents accessible. 

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Fundamentals and practices of digital marketing, social media, and communications management.
• Ability to make sound recommendations to staff concerning marketing and communication efforts and approaches.
• Principles, techniques and approaches to marketing design, implementation and analysis.
• Principles, techniques, standards and approaches to graphic design, photography, videography and print management.
• Knowledge of the City of Inver Grove Heights communication plan and vision, and the mission, objectives and goals in alignment with that plan.
• Knowledge of social media and outreach techniques.
• Knowledge of website design, maintenance, and accessibility.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Hootsuite, Civic Plus.
• Advanced knowledge of AP Style and its use.
• Ability to manage social media and websites to promote, inform and market programs, services, and amenities of City departments.
• Advanced communication, presentational, and writing skills.
• Ability to effectively work with others to gain cooperation and understanding of marketing and communications issues/needs/initiatives consistent with the objectives and vision of the City.
• Ability to train staff on the usage of website and communication-related software.
• Ability to apply good judgment when communicating on behalf of the City.