Communication & Engagement Specialist

City of Loveland•Loveland, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Loveland is seeking a skilled and adaptable Communication and Engagement Specialist with a strong background in strategic communication, public relations, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to design and implement impactful strategic communication campaigns that align with Citywide initiatives and support the goals of their assigned client partner departments. This role requires expertise in crafting professional, audience-focused print and digital content and building meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders. The specialist will engage the community on critical topics and must be comfortable navigating challenging discussions, sensitive topics and fostering understanding. Additionally, this position will play a key role in strategic decision-making and act as a trusted advisor on communication matters. Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust Collaboration, Innovation Safety Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. Please view our video Working at Loveland to learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City.

Requirements

4 years progressive work experience and responsibility in communications or marketing with an emphasis on writing, creating campaigns to inform and educate audiences, and demonstrated familiarity with modern media platforms including social media channels.
Must be in addition to any experience used to satisfy the education requirement.
Experience with project management experience and demonstrated experience with online communications and marketing software including Canva, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Asana, and/or other publication software applications used in producing high-quality publications.
Excellent and diverse writing, presentation and communication skills.
Requires excellent grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Ability to listen and communicate effectively with diverse groups.
Knowledge of website and social analytics tools.
Must be able to gather media and archive materials for records purposes and future use.
Knowledge and expertise in media relations and press releases.
Creative and innovative thinker, tech-savvy with, content management systems, software commonly used for creating marketing material and social content.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees across the city, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.
Requires creativity and strong customer relation skills.
Must consistently prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and work independently.
Coordinate and organize numerous projects simultaneously.
Must be capable of discerning when confidentiality ability and maintaining confidentiality.
Must work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Requires functioning at high-speed to allow for completion of projects in a timely and accurate manner.
Excellent customer service skills.
Requires to learn, follow, apply and relay guidelines, policies, rules and regulations applicable to social media and communications with citizens and fellow employees.
Web content management systems and graphic design.
Provide objective feedback and counsel on communication strategy.

Nice To Haves

Media relations and municipal experience.

Responsibilities

Lead engagement and planning for the department, establishing goals and campaigns to meet department needs.
Develop, create, coordinate and execute the communication, public relations, marketing, media and outreach programs for specific department(s).
Disseminate information in a coordinated manner.
Develop and establish proactive communication and community involvement efforts targeting diverse populations.
Collaborate in the short and long-term planning and development of the City’s overall branding and visual identity programs.
Manage community engagement for all represented department efforts.
Coordinate outreach programs, open houses, and high-profile projects.
Assist with City communications, team members, efforts for emergency operations and preparedness.
Lead the response or assist with responding to public requests for information or complaints.
Ensure positive public relations and relationship building necessary for community trust, cohesiveness and understanding.
Provides recommendations for promotional materials to ensure a consistent look and message that promotes the Department’s goals and objectives.
Oversee and manage department web pages content and appearance.
Remain current on department-wide issues, services, programs, events, and projects.
Collaborate with communications team to identify and create earned media opportunities and implement those strategies to promote and market programs, services, etc
Produce and create key external communication materials in varied formats, using a style that is engaging, concise and appropriate in tone for the organization/ audience.
Keep up to date on emerging communication trends and technologies and recommend and implement new tools that can help broaden and deepen department communication efforts.
Ability to travel and conduct business throughout the City.
Maintains records of department media releases, website and social media content.
Assists with communication research and marketing strategy.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
Discounted Chilson Center passes
Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
Flexible spending including Dependent Care
Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary 529 College Invest program
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Referral Program
Personal and Professional Development opportunities
Employee Recognition Program
Exceptional work-life balance
Market based pay & regular performance reviews
Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program