Communications Specialist
Location
Villa Park, IL | United States
Job description
Definition and Purpose :
Under the general direction of the Assistant Village Manager, the Communication Specialist is responsible for collaborating with a diverse array of public, staff, and community representatives to build a comprehensive approach to public engagement and communications. This position is responsible for website management, social media engagement, program marketing, event promotions, and citizen communication materials.
This position serves as the main communication staff for the Village providing website management, social media engagement, program marketing, and citizen communication materials.
Characteristics Functions and Duties :
- Designs, edits and produces village related communication products in a variety of formats including electronic, social media, web and print used for communication plans and marketing strategies.
- Maintains social media content calendar, generates and schedules posts, and monitors social media platforms. Works collaboratively with departments to develop, implement and manage social and digital communications.
- Oversees website content and trains users to update website content.
- Develops, edits, and assists in the design of communication materials including the quarterly newsletter, bimonthly e-newsletter brochures.
- Recommends, develops, and implements guidelines, regulations and procedures regarding brochures, articles, fact sheets, photographs, videos, web pages, graphics, new releases and other materials.
- Assess various community concerns, values, and opinions on Village projects, programs and initiatives and presents findings to Village staff.
- Identifies press opportunities and submits content to be disseminated via press releases and/or editorial submission.
- Photographs and/or captures video of village related functions and special events.
- Recommends and prepares correspondence in response to inquiries, complaints and suggestions. Contact staff members to obtain and verify relevant facts and information.
- Develops and records video segments which are broadcast through the Village’s cable network and social media platforms. Assist the Cable Commission as directed.
- Monitors, supports and trains Village staff on the Village emergency notification service CodeRed.
- Develops communication strategies, standards and branding across all departments and provide support in coordination of communication planning.
- Performs all other duties as assigned by the Assistant Village Manager.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Principles and techniques of public relations, communications and media relation programs typical to local government;
- Techniques of preparing, producing and disseminating information to the public, news media and community;
- Preparation, composition, layout, production and dissemination of informational and promotional materials;
- Principles, practices and emerging trends of public relations and public communications;
- State and federal laws applicable to communications and social media management.
Skills to:
- Design and implement effective public information programs using a variety of methods and media;
- Resolve conflict through facilitation of group activities and discussions;
- Use computers and software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to:
- Write grammatically correct, compelling, on-brand and platform appropriate communications across multiple platforms (digital, print, social, etc.);
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, citizen groups, elected officials and representatives of business, other governmental and community agencies;
- To read, comprehend, listen to and follow complex verbal or written instructions from multiple sources;
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism regarding sensitive internal and external information;
- To conduct effective presentations and express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to groups and individuals;
- Work through complex technical tasks which may involve various public safety communication systems.
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements :
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
- Three years of communications experience, including writing, posting and maintenance of website content, social media pages and accounts.
- Experience with photography, graphic design, videography or video production desired.
- Experience with graph design programs (Canva), social media platforms, and content management systems.
- Must be available outside of normal business hours for community events, press inquiries, and to assist in responding to major incidents and emergencies.
Physical Demands and Work Environment :
- This position works primarily in an indoor office setting with low to moderate noise level. Frequent interruptions may occur. May work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions to fill village work functions, locations and events where noise level may be moderate to loud.
- Frequent contact with the public and employees in person and by telephone and may experience adverse or confrontational situations with internal/external customers.
- Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers in a repetitive motion, twist and turn for long periods of time.
- May require some light lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of up to 50 pounds.
May require the use of personal vehicle for business purposes to attend other village locations, events, or offsite training opportunities.
This position is full-time scheduled for 40 hours per week from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday – Friday. Evening and weekend hours may be required based on need. The starting pay for the Communications Specialist is between $55,000 and $65,000, with anticipated starting salary around $60,000 depending on qualifications. The Village offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverages, wellness program offering, retirement benefits through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and paid time off.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Suzanne McVey, Assistant Village Manager at [email protected]. Position is open until filled. First review of applicants will occur on March 1, 2024.
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