Communications Specialist

JOB OPPORTUNITY Communications Specialist Current Salary Range (F): $23.54 - $36.55/hour (depending upon qualifications)

Following is a brief overview of the position. Please review the entire job description (attached) for a complete listing of the essential duties, responsibilities, physical demands and working environment, minimum qualifications, and other requirements of this position. Class Summary

Performs communications, public relations, marketing and administrative support work in serving the Communications Manager, senior officials and major departments or City-wide functions. Work involves performing a full range of complex communications and administrative support duties requiring discretion, confidentiality, judgment, and tact. Responsible for the communications operation of City departments, requiring frequent contact with the public and senior officials of the City.

Serves as the primary point of contact for public records requests. The position will be an essential member of the Communications Department responsible for developing and implementing internal and external communications and marketing for City Council, the City Manager and City departments.

Works with the Communications Manager to develop and implement external and internal communications strategies. Plans and manages department’s communications publication schedules. Writes and edits various communications (i.e. letters, correspondence, publications, newsletters, press releases, advertisements, speeches, announcements, articles, and video scripts). Manages website and public engagement site content and updates, ensuring consistent, dynamic and fresh content including posting stories, announcements, and emergency alerts.

Writes, designs and edits electronic newsletters and social media campaigns and coordinates social media communications and responses. Writes, designs and edits printed newsletters, flyers and marketing materials. Writes, designs and edits presentation materials, PowerPoint and Canva presentations. Works with the Communications Manager to respond to requests from the media, write press releases, coordinate press conferences, media campaigns and crisis communications.

Manage the intake, review, and fulfillment of public records requests, including the identification and redaction of exempt information. This position coordinates directly with the Communications Manager and the City Solicitor to ensure strict compliance with Ohio Sunshine Laws. All redacted documents and legally sensitive disclosures are reviewed by the City Solicitor prior to release to uphold statutory compliance. May assist in coordinating, scheduling, and monitoring special events.

Coordinates the development and implementation of marketing promotions, videos and other materials for special marketing projects. Performs a variety of administrative tasks in relieving the Communications Manager of important administrative details; conducts responsible research and gathers information for meetings and reports; transmits orders and instructions for the department manager as directed; interprets administrative policies and procedures. Prepares letters, statements, reports, memoranda, minutes, and a variety of correspondence from dictation, notes or rough draft;

composes correspondence without instruction or review, based on knowledge of departmental operations, policies and procedures; assures the accuracy of outgoing materials; edits for grammar, spelling, punctuation, style and format and makes corrections as Receives telephone calls and department visitors; determines the nature of calls and the purpose of visits; provides information within areas of discretion and authority or directions to appropriate staff or office;

answers inquiries or forwards calls and takes messages; provides general assistance and back-up support to other office staff. Establishes and maintains physical and digital files and records; ensures confidentiality of files and records and uses discretion in controlling access to and release of information. Ensures all documentation is accurate, organized, and readily accessible for annual audits and adherence to public records laws.

May receive and review correspondence coming into the office and identify important correspondence that needs immediate attention routing to the appropriate staff for action or response. May assist in monitoring budget expenditures. May order office supplies and copy paper and maintain records for the purchases.

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Work involves sitting for long periods of time, standing, bending, walking, climbing stairs, lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, using hands and fingers to operate computers and other office equipment. Work involves exposure to normal everyday risks typical of offices.

Bachelor’s degree in public relations,…