6.2 Communications Specialist 01 22 2024 (update to 3.4)Position Description
Position: Communications Specialist
Department: Administration
Position Status: Part-time
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Pay Grade: 5
Date Approved: DRAFT
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
General Statement of Duties: Assists in the City’s internal and external communications and marketing
activities by performing a variety of specialized and technical tasks. Assists in community outreach and
engagement activities for the city.
Immediate Supervisor: Assistant City Administrator
Supervises: None
Provides Work Direction to: None
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Communications:
a. Follow and assist in external communications policies and procedures for the City.
b. Assist in coordination of the production of City newsletters, including developing
relevant content, writing/editing news articles
c. Evaluates communications resources, assesses effectiveness, and recommends
adjustments as appropriate.
d. Provides local media with articles about specific City programs or activities of general
interest as well as periodic press releases to other media.
e. Enhances and performs maintenance on City websites, which includes preparing
information and graphics, monitoring quality control, and maintaining usage report
records.
f. Creates and maintains consistent communications and messaging, synchronizing
website and social media content.
g. Reviews engagement across various platforms to make data-driven communications and
marketing decisions.
h. Provides community updates about City Council meetings.
i. Prepares staff reports for Council consideration as needed.
j. Supports and participates in the staff Communications Team meetings.
k. Providing input on strategy development and help the management team with
formalizing and communicating strategic approach and solutions.
l. Assists City PIO in maintaining, and executing emergency response protocol.
m. During public safety emergency, serves on the Emergency Response team by assembling
and distributing public safety information.
2. Marketing:
a. Writes, edits, designs, and produces public information pieces for City residents and
employees, including brochures, handbooks, maps, flyers.
b. Collaborates with the City departments to plan, develop, and produce various targeted
communications and marketing pieces for distribution to affected and/or interested
audiences.
c. Follows and promotes the City of Otsego brand through marketing materials and
communication resources. Help communicate our vision and mission to stakeholders
and residents.
d. Develops prospect materials and proposals for economic development department.
e. Builds and manages the City’s social media profiles and presence, including Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, and additional channels deemed relevant.
f. Develops documentation for processes, A/B tests, and promotions that succeed through
email. Measures results of email engagement.
g. Manages design needs such as presentations, signage, and collateral materials as
needed.
h. Stays up to date with the latest trends and changes with SEO and major search engines.
3. Community Engagement and Outreach
a. Participate in community events and engage in outreach programs
b. Assist and participate in community event planning
c. Coordinates and implements activities such as focus groups, surveys, education,
information presentations, and other forums that fosters public input
d. Coordinate and assist in open house events for city projects and initiatives
e. Manages various email campaigns, including the template designs, calls-to-action, and
content used in our email sends. Grow email campaign engagement.
f. Creates and manages City content calendar with engaging text, image and video
content.
g. Works with diverse communities to establish and strength working relationships with
community organizations, businesses, and the public
4. Other Items:
a. Assist in the planning and marketing of the different city events and festivals
b. Perform clerical duties for various departments as assigned
c. Assist the City Clerk during election cycles
d. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
5. General
a. Treat fellow employees with respect and integrity
b. Promote a positive and motivating environment
c. Provide exceptional customer service
d. Confer with supervisor, peers, and employees to discuss and resolve issues
e. Make decisions that are always in the best interest of the City
f. Perform other duties and projects as assigned
g. Follow all safety policies and procedures
h. Follow all City policies and procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Demonstrable experience working with websites and social media
• Demonstrable experience in providing exceptional customer service both in person,
electronically, and on the telephone
• Demonstrable experience and proficiency in word processing, data base, spreadsheet,
presentation, and other office software programs
• Knowledge of and experience in communication medias such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
and Nextdoor
• Knowledge of and experience of graphic design software
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, effectively, and precisely both verbally and in
writing
• Ability to diffuse conflict and tense situations with public in person or over the phone
• Ability to listen and summarize conversations with the public or in meetings
• Ability to pay attention to detail
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize your work
• Strong sense of honesty, integrity, and credibility
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Two years of related experience managing an organizations social media platforms
2. Associate’s degree or technical education in Journalism, English, Public Relations,
Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, or a closely related field
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, English, Public Relations, Communications, Public
Administration, or a closely related field
2. Experience responding on social media platforms
3. Experience with Social Media Analytics
4. Photography and video production/editing skills
5. Previous experience working for local government
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Most work is inside in a normal office setting. Work is done alone, with others and with the public. This
includes medium physical strength work occasionally.
Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): sitting, talking, hearing
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): repetitive motions, eye/hand/foot coordination
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing,
stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, handling, grasping, feeling
City of Otsego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
reasonable accommodations are offered to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current
employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential
functions, and duties of the position.
_______________________________________________
Employee Name
_______________________________________________ ______________________
Employee Signature Date