Economic Development & Public Relations Coordinator

Economic Development & Public Relations Coordinator City of Newport | Newport, KY

Date Posted: 9/8/2026 10:23:43 AM

Description:

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION: The economic development & public relations coordinator serves as the city’s lead communications and public relations representative, building and protecting the city’s brand across press, broadcast, social, and digital platforms. The position serves as a primary media contact for the city and must be comfortable and effective representing the city in print, online, television, and radio interviews and public appearances.

The coordinator plans and executes public events, leads community and media outreach, and develops public relations and promotional strategies that highlight the city, its neighborhoods, businesses, development activity, and community initiatives. The position also performs an active economic development and business relations role. The coordinator works with the city manager and assistant city manager to support prospective businesses, developers, property owners, and development partners;

assists with the coordination and advancement of development and business opportunities; and serves as a liaison between businesses and city departments. The coordinator maintains relationships with existing Newport businesses to identify needs, address concerns, support business retention and expansion, and connect businesses with appropriate city programs, resources, and partner organizations. The position provides direct support to the city manager and assistant city manager on economic development initiatives, strategic projects, intergovernmental relations, public communications, and other assigned responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works with the city manager and assistant city manager on economic development initiatives involving prospective businesses, developers, property owners, investors, and development partners
• Serves as a point of contact and liaison for prospective and existing businesses, helping coordinate communication with city departments and connecting businesses with available programs, resources, and partner organizations
• Develops and maintains relationships with existing Newport businesses to support business retention and expansion, identify emerging needs or concerns, and strengthen communication between the business community and the city
• Assists prospective businesses and development partners in navigating city processes and coordinates with appropriate departments regarding zoning, permitting, infrastructure, incentives, redevelopment, and other development-related matters
• Supports business recruitment and attraction efforts, including responding to business inquiries, coordinating site visits, preparing information and promotional materials, and assisting with business openings and announcements
• Maintains relationships with commercial property owners, brokers, business organizations, economic development agencies, and other partners to identify development and business opportunities
• Coordinates ribbon cuttings, grand openings, business announcements, and other promotional activities in partnership with businesses and community organizations;
• Represents the city with economic development and business organizations, including the Newport business council, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, regional economic development organizations, and other appropriate agencies and organizations
• Supports administration and promotion of the Business Facade Grant program with ReNewport and other economic development, business assistance, and incentive programs as assigned
• Assists with the preparation, administration, compliance, and reporting associated with Tax Increment Financing (TIF), grants, development incentives, and other economic development programs as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with businesses, developers, public officials, community organizations, the media, and the general public
• Demonstrated organizational and project coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, events, and priorities
• Ability and willingness to…