Communications Specialist

City of Molalla; Molalla (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Molalla seeks a Communications Specialist to develop and execute city communications, public information, and digital content management. You will craft messaging for social and digital platforms and coordinate content to promote a clear, informative city image.

You will monitor community inquiries, write engaging copy for newsletters and websites, and collaborate with staff to address communications needs while ensuring professional, accurate information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
• Two years of experience in communications, marketing or public outreach with extensive written and verbal communication.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preference for experience in a public-sector environment.
• Ability to read and write Spanish is desired.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate and execute City communications, public information and digital content management.
• Lead development and analysis of communications for social and digital media platforms, including messaging and content strategy.
• Monitor and engage with the community on digital channels and inquiries to build trust and improve city service.
• Write copy for social media, newsletters, websites and other communications in line with City standards.
• Collaborate with staff to identify communication needs and implement outreach strategies.
• Monitor media coverage and inform City leadership of significant issues.

Skills

Written communication

Public communications

Social media management

Content creation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Marketing/Public Relations or related field

Tools

Content management systems (CMS)

Job description

The Communications Specialist position is responsible for developing, coordinating and executing City communications, public information and digital content management. Work will include production and development of social and digital media content as well as hard copy content in a manner that promotes an informative and consistent image of the City that is in line with the goals, objectives and values of the City of Molalla. This position requires sound judgment, strong organizational and writing skills, attention to detail, creative problem solving, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Work involves considerable discretion, initiative, and professionalism while fostering positive relationships.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as project lead for development, execution and analysis of communications for social and digital media platforms, including development of effective messaging, content strategy, and scheduling for social media communications and engagement.
• Monitors and engages with the community on various digital communication channels and inquiries from members of the public in an inviting, informative, authentic and professional manner to build trust, foster conversations, and ultimately improve our service to the community.
• Understand social and digital media trends and best practices to communicate more effectively, elevate our online presence and grow our audiences on various communication platforms.
• Write compelling and informative copy for various social media postings, newsletters, websites and other internal and external communications, informational, and instructional pierces while meeting City organizational standards for writing, style and grammar.
• Works collaboratively with team members, willingly takes on a variety of administrative tasks and projects, and provides support wherever needed to help the team and organization succeed.
• Collaborate with City staff to identify communications and engagement needs and gaps, develop and implement strategies to promote awareness and understanding of City services, policies, projects and issues.
• Monitors media and social media coverage for significant or emerging issues, using sound judgment to distinguish matters requiring attention from routine commentary, and keeps City leadership appropriately informed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations or related field; and
• Two years of experience in communications, marketing or public outreach with extensive written and verbal communication; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential function and responsibilities of the position.
• Preference may be given to experience operating in a public-sector environment.
• Ability to read and write Spanish is desired.