Communications & Media Specialist - Parks & Recreation

Summary

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. The City has been named “The #1 Best Place to Live in America.” All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping sustain an exceptional work environment as a high-performance organization.

OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. We also support one another through four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (RISE). We are supported by servant-based leaders who foster a healthy, family-oriented culture.

Summary Of Position
Under general direction of the Creative Services Manager and the Director of Parks and Recreation, and working closely with Parks and Recreation, Communications and Marketing teams, the Communications and Media Specialist helps the Parks and Recreation Department execute its strategic communications and marketing plan to reach internal and external audiences, broaden the Parks and Recreation brand, and educate residents and local constituents.

This position requires a well-rounded communication professional with strong writing, experience in digital media (social, video, web), print materials, media relations, and marketing.

For us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.

• Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and city goals are interconnected.
• Contribute to a positive work culture.
• Ability to assess personal and team performance.
• Contribute to the development of others and the working unit or organization.
• Ability to work as part of a team, demonstrate team skills, and perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
• Ability to continuously learn and develop through internal and external training opportunities, and encourage subordinates to do the same.

• Play a key role in the Parks and Recreation and Communications and Marketing teams, implementing strategic communications and marketing plans and serving as a central information resource.
• Communicate with diverse audiences, broaden the Parks and Recreation image, expand the brand, and instill community confidence.
• Foster positive interaction between the Parks and Recreation Department and the public.
• Plan communications outreach and project-based marketing plans.
• Manage projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Build strong relationships and gather information to create effective communications content.
• Write columns and talking points for various audiences.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and measure work effectiveness by recording results and progress.
• Edit and quality check materials; strong proofreading and attention to detail; proficient in AP style.
• Prepare applications for national, state, and local awards and programs.
• Coordinate special events as required; represent the department on task forces, committees and boards.
• Prepare the Parks and Recreation e-newsletter and update content on webpages.
• Convey complex information in plain, compelling language; apply integrated communications strategies.
• Manage communications collateral including media releases, newsletters, speeches, and talking points.
• Oversee day-to-day Parks and Recreation social media outreach and strategy; work on special marketing projects and events.
• Perform related work as required and comply with city policies and procedures; adhere to assigned work schedule; be available after hours/weekends as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

• Embrace and embody the city’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Effective communication with peers, supervisors, and customers.
• Ability to produce quality work on time; plan and organize work, time,…