Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Under the direction of the Mayor and the City Administrator, the Communications and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, administering, and managing the City’s strategic communications plan, including public information, public relations, media relations and inter and external communications. This position also provides some administrative support for the Mayor and City Council.

• Design, market and enhance the City’s public image, vision, values and central themes to enhance the City’s Communication services and visibility in the local and regional vicinity.

• Prepare and deliver oral and press briefings and written press releases to the media on city issues; disseminate new and information on City programs, projects and services; respond to resident and media inquiries; anticipate media responses and cultivate publicity campaigns.
• Research, develop, write, and edit news/press releases, articles, feature stories, speeches, pamphlets, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters and scripts for print and electronic media.
• Participate in community outreach efforts including coordination of focus groups and community meetings.
• Establish working relationships with other government entities, local organizations and residents to increase public awareness of programs and services.
• Develop and implement communications projects, including surveys, utilizing Web-based technology and listservs to directly communicate with the community.

• Maintains appointment calendars for Mayor, City Administrator and City Council members as necessary; and responds to phone and email questions.

• Manages the process of filling vacancies of City Council, and City’s Boards and Commissions; maintains Boards and Commissions Directory.
• Serves as Confidential Support to Mayor, by composing, typing and processing confidential correspondence; assists the Mayor in maintaining effective communications with the City Council, as directed.
• Acts as a public relations representative and liaison for the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator so that citizen concerns and interests are brought to the attention of city officials.
• Conducts research as assigned by Mayor and City Administrator; prepares information and visual displays for meeting presentation; gives presentations when assigned to do so.
• Prepares reports, agenda bills, proclamations and other written documents for Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator. Files correspondence of Mayor and City Administrator.
• Staff liaison to various Boards and Commissions.
• Prepares press releases, City Newsletter articles, and manages “Ask Mukilteo” and franchise-related issues.
• Manage the City website and social media accounts, including interface with contractors, posting and communications; provide training and assistance to staff users.
• Periodically serves as a backup to the City Clerk during Council meetings and assists with public records requests as needed.
• Performs others duties as assigned.

Any equivalent combination of education which provides the applicant with knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and ability would be:

At least five years experience in advanced business office work with knowledge of municipal operations preferred.

Associate arts degree in Business Science or equivalent work experience.

Washington State drivers’ license.