Kenmore Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Communications Specialist oversees and implements public information and external communication efforts for the City of Kenmore. This position performs projects such as creation of digital and print materials, website administration, news releases, and marketing. Because of the small number of City employees, each staff member is expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties as may be required from time to time.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning and organizing external communication efforts assigned to this position to ensure consistency in presenting City information to the public in a timely and effective manner.
• Assisting City departments in planning and executing communication and public relations efforts to achieve the same objective.
• Managing the City's interaction with news media, issuance of media releases, and responding to media inquiries, with the assistance of consultants as needed.
• Managing citywide marketing and communication projects, including but not limited to, City newsletter, e-news, social media, and digital and print media, to strengthen the City's image and boost community engagement.
• Maintaining physical and electronic records, such as photographs and other informational materials for use in City efforts in promotion, education, and recruitment.
• Preparing draft press releases and coordinating with involved department(s) to achieve final edited and approved product.
• Overseeing the development and maintenance of the official City website and the host of the site by the contracted consultant. Managing additional consultants as necessary to provide communication assistance.
• Developing, negotiating, and overseeing various documents and agreements for City operations including contracts, interlocal agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other agreements on behalf of the City.
• Participating in the development of policy guidelines, program work plans, budget proposals, goals, and objectives. Coordinating budget development and budget management for programs in the City Manager's Department, for review and approval.
• Representing the City on inter-jurisdictional work groups and task forces and presenting related policy/program options and analysis to the supervisor and/or other City officials. Serving as a professional resource to various organizations and committees.
• Participating in the City's Emergency Operations Center and functions as the City's Public Information Officer, among other duties and assignments, during disasters and emergencies.
• Participating in the hiring and supervising interns and/or other staff as assigned.
• Occasional attendance at night meetings and weekend work is required.
• Assisting with City events as needed.
• Performing other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and the organization.

Qualifications include knowledge of public administration and local government services and processes, best practices of public relations, media relations, communications, promotional and marketing methods and techniques, budget processes, financial reports, and statistics used in government, preparing professional correspondence, reports, and presentations, methods of legislative policy analysis and contract preparation and administration, project planning and management principles, and major social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Skilled in personal computer-based software programs, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet, graphic design, website and social media presentation graphics, website content, and other special applications used by the City. Excellent written communication and ability to quickly produce emails, press releases, marketing materials, and other documents. Well-developed interpersonal skills to work productively and cooperatively with diverse teams, conduct fact-finding, exercise patience when dealing with internal and external customers, and convey technical concepts.

Use of general official/legal reference materials.

Ability to independently perform all the duties of the position. Conduct research independently including the ability to plan and implement steps to reach an objective and employ critical thinking, analysis, and judgment. Understand, interpret and apply statutes, codes, ordinances, resolutions, and legal documents. Must be able to learn, interpret, explain and apply knowledge of City organization, operations, programs, functions, special terminology, contracts, and agreements.

Manage time and meet deadlines to complete projects and assignments. Communicate professionally with staff, customers, and the public using patience and courtesy, and in a manner that reflects positively on the City. Work as contributing member of a team. Work productively and cooperatively with other teams and the broader community and convey a positive image of the City and its services.

Sufficient hand-eye-arm…