Strategic City Communications Lead

City of Blue Springs; Blue Springs (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Blue Springs is seeking a Communications Specialist to support strategic communications, public information and community engagement. You will create, refine and distribute content informing residents and businesses about city services, programs and events.

The role collaborates across departments to ensure consistent messaging and branding, manages digital channels, conducts media relations and supports public information efforts with photography, design and special events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• One to three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or a related field. Experience in local government, public sector communications or community engagement is preferred.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, communications, journalism and marketing.

Responsibilities

• Develops and produces communication materials for print, digital and multimedia platforms, including newsletters, brochures, reports, presentations, fact sheets, infographics, advertisements and other public information materials.
• Writes, edits and proofreads content for a variety of audiences while ensuring accuracy, clarity and consistency with City branding and communication standards.
• Assists with the planning and implementation of communication strategies and campaigns that promote City services, programs, projects, initiatives and community engagement opportunities.
• Develops content that helps residents better understand City operations, policies, services and capital improvement projects.
• Collaborates with City departments to identify communication needs and develop effective messaging strategies.
• Assists in maintaining and enforcing City branding standards and visual identity guidelines.
• Creates, manages and updates content for the City’s website, social media platforms and other digital communication channels.
• Develops and schedules social media content that educates, informs and engages the community.
• Monitors digital platforms and assists in responding to inquiries and public comments in a professional and timely manner.
• Evaluates digital communication performance and recommends strategies to improve engagement and reach.
• Identifies emerging communication trends, technologies and best practices to enhance City communications.
• Assists with the preparation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, public notices and other public information materials.
• Supports media inquiries and helps coordinate interviews, press conferences and public announcements.
• Assists in communicating information related to City projects, programs, services and emergency or time-sensitive situations.
• Helps maintain positive relationships with local media organizations, community partners and stakeholders.
• Supports transparency initiatives by helping communicate government activities and decisions to the public.
• Assists with public outreach and community engagement efforts designed to increase awareness and participation in City programs, services and initiatives.
• Provides communication and promotional support for City-sponsored events, public meetings, open houses and community activities.
• Captures photography and video content at City events, meetings and activities for use in communication materials and digital platforms.
• Supports partnerships, sponsorships and collaborative communication efforts with community organizations, businesses and civic groups.
• Serves as a professional representative of the City when interacting with residents, community partners and other stakeholders.
• Produces and edits photography, video, graphics and other visual content to support City communication initiatives.
• Assists departments with graphic design, publication development, presentation materials and other communication-related projects.
• Maintains digital media libraries and organizational assets.
• Ensures visual content meets accessibility, branding and communication standards.
• Coordinates multiple communication projects simultaneously and ensures deadlines are met.
• Assists with the development of annual reports, performance metrics, communication analytics and other reporting tools.
• Maintains records, databases, communication calendars and project documentation.
• Conducts research and gathers information to support communication initiatives and public information requests.
• Uses sound judgment to resolve issues and recommend solutions within established policies and procedures.
• Performs special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Public relations

Strategic communications

Content creation

Social media management

Writing and editing

Graphic design

Photography

Video production

Editing for accessibility

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Job description

City of Blue Springs is seeking a Communications Specialist to support strategic communications, public information and community engagement. You will create, refine and distribute content informing residents and businesses about city services, programs and events.

The role collaborates across departments to ensure consistent messaging and branding, manages digital channels, conducts media relations and supports public information efforts with photography, design and special events.