Engagement Officer

City-of-Bismarc; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bismarck is seeking an Engagement Officer to disseminate public information across the website, social media, and other platforms, ensuring communications align with the city's mission and values while informing residents, the Board of Commissioners, staff, and partners.

The role develops campaigns, manages media relationships, supports emergencies, analyzes engagement data, and collaborates with departments to promote city initiatives and public events.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of website, content management and social media platforms.
• Strong writing, editing and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility with evolving technology and task lists.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• Two years of experience in similar communications roles preferred.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Willingness to pursue continuing education (FEMA, TEEX, EMI, CDP, etc.).
• Familiarity with municipal government operations is preferred.
• Knowledge of Google Analytics and social media insights for evaluating engagement.
• Knowledge of SEO and keyword research best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Understanding of crisis communication strategies.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies and campaigns.
• Monitor and respond to user comments to foster an active community.
• Manage social media, website content and other public content.
• Liaise with news media and coordinate interviews and storytelling.
• Provide support during emergencies and assist with crisis communications.
• Track KPIs and analyze data to inform city projects and events.
• Prepare communications and presentations for City Commission and departments.
• Support internal city communications and external-facing platforms.

Skills

Website management

Social media management

Writing and editing

Analytics

Public speaking

Project management

Public relations

Strategic communication

Crisis communication

Job description

This position is primarily responsible for disseminating the City of Bismarck's public information through available platforms, currently identified as the website and social media, among others. The Engagement Officer helps ensure the city's Communications Division's programs, activities and assets are consistent with the organization's values, goals and mission. Outreach efforts aim to inform and engage City of Bismarck residents, the Board of Commissioners, city staff, community partners, and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies, schedules, and campaigns that align with the City of Bismarck's brand and strategic plan.
• Monitor, listen to, and respond to user comments and messages to build relationships and foster an active community.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy in public contact.
• Recognize opportunities to develop or augment innovative and engaging content.
• Assist in the management of social media, website content and additional internal- or external-facing content and stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
• Serve as a supporting liaison between the City of Bismarck and news media, answers inquiries and coordinates or participates in interviews. Proactively develops and manages relationships with local, regional and national media professionals. This includes pitching stories, managing media contacts, responding appropriately to media inquiries and assisting city departments through coordination with media, preparation of talking points/messaging, and other support under the direction of the city's Communication Strategist.
• Provide support during emergencies to produce clear, effective and timely communications under the direction of the city's Communication Strategist. Serves as a backup Administrative Public Information Officer as directed.
• Assist in ongoing evaluation and support of emergency and/or crisis communication plans as requested.
• Compile city data to support the goals and objectives of City Commissioners and departments.
• Track key performance metrics (KPIs), data summaries and analyze data to promote projects, services and events, as well as direct public inquiries to appropriate departments and City information sources.
• Analyze the organization's engagement strategies and make improvement suggestions.
• Prepare and edit communications, documents and presentations on behalf of the City Commission, the Administration Department, or other departments of the City of Bismarck, to further the communications vision for the city and aid in dealings with state legislative and executive officers, federal administrative agencies and officials, officers of local governments, schools and community groups.
• Utilize analytical and critical thinking abilities and attention to detail while doing repetitive tasks.
• Assist with internal city communication efforts, as well as providing content for external-facing platforms and/or publications.
• Support planning and promotion of city-sponsored events and public engagement initiatives.
• Maintain working relationships with other professionals in the field; attend local and statewide meetings.
• Performs related work duties and activities in accordance with city policies and procedures, while articulating the city's mission, vision, and values.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A deep understanding of website, content management, and social media platforms.
• Strong writing, editing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to stay flexible with an ever-evolving technology landscape and task list.
• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Dakota, for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Willingness to pursue continuing education through organizations such as FEMA, TEEX, EMI, CDP, etc.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with municipal government operations is preferred.
• Knowledge of website administration, content management, and social media management principles.
• Knowledge of analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics, social media insights) to evaluate engagement performance.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and keyword research best practices.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suites, etc.).
• Knowledge of graphic design and multimedia content.
• Knowledge of writing and editing techniques, such as journalism principles and practices, for a variety of platforms.
• Knowledge of public communication relations principles, techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of modern office principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of government, the context in which the city operates, and the roles of City Commissioners and staff in this environment.
• Knowledge of crisis communication strategies.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of problem-solving, prioritization, organization and planning tactics.
• Knowledge of oral and written communication and presentation best practices.