City Manager & Communications Assistant

City of Ypsilanti•Ypsilanti, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This role supports the City Manager and Communications Manager by carrying out administrative actions, managing communications, and assisting with special projects. The position involves preparing agendas, reports, and minutes, maintaining records, handling correspondence, answering phones and emails, drafting press releases, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating interviews. It also includes transcribing meeting minutes, conducting research, analyzing policy, responding to resident concerns, and organizing public meetings. A key aspect is assisting with the development and implementation of the Communications Strategy and keeping stakeholders informed through various communication channels. The role requires flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Education or experience in marketing, finance, business, grant writing, or public relations.
Impeccable writing and grammar skills.
Must be entrepreneurial, self-starting, energetic, imaginative, and capable of prioritizing tasks and assignments.
Must be an organizer capable of functioning effectively in a very independent environment.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with property owners, business operators, supervisors, volunteers, employees, and the general public.
Knowledge of modern office procedures and practices.
Extremely proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software, as well as other programs essential to efficient and effective job performance.
Ability to maintain the city website and proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suites or Canva).
Skill in maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, merchants, property owners, public officials, and the general public.
Ability to deal effectively with stress and deadlines.
Must be able to maintain the city website and know applicable software to manage the site-proficiency in design software, either Adobe Creative Suites or Canva.

Responsibilities

Carry out necessary administrative actions to support the City Manager and Communications Manager, including preparation of agendas, reports, minutes, and recommendations for meetings.
Maintain minutes, files, and records, assist with budget preparation, and handle purchasing, accounting, invoicing, notices, and correspondence.
Answer phones and emails for the City.
Draft press releases, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate interviews for city officials.
Assist in transcribing minutes from various board and commission meetings.
Assist with special projects, research, and policy analysis to support city initiatives.
Respond to resident concerns, track issues, and ensure timely follow-up with appropriate departments.
Help organize public meetings, open houses, and forums to facilitate community dialogue and gather feedback.
Assist with the development and implementation of the Communications Strategy.
Keep City Council and other organizations informed on the progress of the work program through verbal and/or written updates, e-newsletters, and presentations.
Other duties as assigned by the City Manager and The Communications Manager.