Communications & Engagement Specialist

Description

At the Fargo Park District, our mission is to grow community through places, spaces, and experiences, and communication helps bring that mission to life.

The Communications and Engagement Specialist leads strategic communications, public relations and community engagement efforts that strengthen relationships between the Fargo Park District and the people it serves. This position translates complex organizational information into clear, accessible communications for residents, media, employees, executive leadership and the Park Board.

Through storytelling, public information, engagement and cross-departmental coordination, this role supports transparency, informed decision‑making and awareness of the Park District's community impact. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful strategist, skilled communicator and trusted relationship‑builder who can navigate both planned initiatives and fast‑moving public information needs.

• Coordinate the development of presentations, talking points, summaries and other communication materials for Park Board meetings, public meetings, executive leadership and organizational events.
• Gather, synthesize and organize information from departments and subject‑matter experts into clear, audience‑appropriate materials.
• Support leadership and staff in preparing for media interviews, public presentations, community discussions and other high‑visibility communications.
• Review Board‑facing and executive communication materials for clarity, consistency, accuracy and public accessibility.
• Assist with communication following Board actions, organizational decisions and major public meetings.
• Develop templates, processes and guidance that improve the consistency and efficiency of organizational communications.

• Develop, coordinate and implement communication strategies that support the Park District's mission, strategic priorities, major projects and operational needs.
• Research, write and edit clear, accessible content for press releases, presentations, talking points, newsletters, website content, social media, community reports, letters, scripts, internal communications and public notices.
• Translate complex operational, financial, policy and project information into communications that are understandable and useful to public and internal audiences.
• Collaborate with departments to identify and communicate stories, projects and updates that demonstrate the impact of Park District parks, programs, facilities, partnerships and employees.
• Lead communication planning for major initiatives, capital projects, policy or fee changes, facility updates and other matters with significant community impact.
• Develop communication timelines, key messages, frequently asked questions and supporting materials in collaboration with subject‑matter experts.
• Coordinate messaging and collaborate with creative staff to ensure communications are accurate, accessible and consistent with Park District brand standards.
• Develop or coordinate basic visual communication materials, presentation layouts, signage and multimedia content as project needs and team capacity require.

• Serve as a primary media contact and Park District spokesperson, coordinating responses with leadership and subject‑matter experts as appropriate.
• Research, draft, edit and distribute press releases, media advisories, public statements, interview briefs, key messages and talking points.
• Triage media inquiries, identify appropriate spokespeople and coordinate interviews, schedules, locations, approvals and supporting materials.
• Prepare staff and leadership for interviews by developing background information, anticipated questions and key messages.
• Build and maintain responsive, professional relationships with local and regional media outlets.
• Proactively identify media opportunities that highlight Park District programs, people, partnerships, facilities and community impact.
• Monitor media coverage and public response, identify emerging communication needs and share relevant developments with leadership and affected…