Strategic Marketing Communications Specialist

Full Job Description

The purpose of this job is to support the City's Vital Streets road design and construction community engagement.

This position will execute a communications strategy, involving in-person, digital, and other methods, to create more touch points with the public throughout all project phases and provide public education about new road features such as separated bicycle facilities and roundabouts.

This position will also be instrumental in the renewal campaign for the Vital Streets income tax extension to be approved by voters.

The Specialist will coordinate with the appropriate staff to ensure consistency and quality of City-wide communications efforts and align activities with department and City strategic goals.

This position will work under the supervisor of the Assistant Planning Director in the Planning, Design, and Development Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job- related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Develop and implement mid- and long-term communications strategies, deliverables, and performance metrics.
• Provide strategic communications guidance to internal customers. Provides consulting services to departmental communication staff, managers, executives, and key stakeholders.
• Consults with departments, project/program representatives, and vendors to develop effective and engaging communications projects and programs.
• Develop and lead the implementation of communications plans/strategies.
• Advises on development of project budgets and guidelines.
• Provide leadership and guidance on imaging, branding, and marketing of events and activities.
• Fosters relationships within the organization and external agencies.
• Coordinate design, writing and editing of print and electronic marketing materials. Serve as a liaison for the department to departments and various external agencies, including, private businesses, community partners, residents, vendors, and interest groups as directed.
• Develop, distribute and follow-up on press materials that support assigned activities.
• Assist in the planning, marketing and execution of special events that support assigned activities.
• Develop social/electronic media strategies that support communications initiatives.
• Coordinates distribution schedules and timelines across all platforms and channels to ensure identified communications goals are met.
• Conduct public education projects and presentations.
• Assure consistency and quality of communications materials and alignment with City guidelines and expectations.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to city staff through various methods­; identifies needs and feedback.
• Provides expertise in the bidding process/contract negotiation for communications services as required.
• Assists in the development of appropriate procedures and policies governing communications activities.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with primary coursework in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or a related field.

-AND-

• Four (4) years of related professional work experience.

-OR-

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• Experience working in a public relations or marketing agency preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a public relations or marketing agency
• Bilingual

Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Qualifications

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles of strategic marketing communications, including the use of interactive, electronic, and social media tools.
• Principles and best practices of media relations. 
• Project management techniques and principles.

Skilled in:

• Effective oral and written communication 
• Writing a wide variety of communications tactics such as press releases, memos, newsletters, op-eds, talking points, social post, blogs, scripts, etc.) 
• Consulting with a variety of clients offering a wide range of individual programs and services. 
• Negotiating shared solutions on project/program priorities and communications strategies. 
• Handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Using computers and related business and design applications.
• Data analysis and problem solving.

Ability to:

• Prioritize and manage concurrent programs, activities, and deadlines. 
• Quickly evaluate situations and develop appropriate strategies for communications. 
• Develop, foster, and maintain positive client relationships. 
• Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with clients, employees, elected officials, and the public.

Additional Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Please Note:
This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules