Communication Specialist III

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

9d•$73,568 - $106,674•Onsite

About The Position

This position plays a key role in advancing the City’s communication, outreach, engagement, and public information efforts for citywide priority initiatives, as well as Public Works, Transportation, and ongoing development projects. Serving as a strategic communications lead and liaison for large-scale, highly visible projects, this position partners with City leadership, project managers, engineers, consultants, and department staff to ensure timely, accurate, and effective communication with residents, stakeholders, and the media. The role is responsible for developing and executing communication and engagement strategies that keep projects moving forward and keep the public, media, and organization informed throughout the life of a project. This position requires strong project management skills, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to independently move work forward in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities, changing timelines, and competing demands. The Communication Specialist III must be able to assess situations, identify communication needs, make informed decisions, resolve challenges, and adjust strategies to maintain momentum, support project success, and build public understanding and trust.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree gained through a four-year college/university academic program or specialized technical training of equivalent length in the field of Communication and Engagement or a related field.
No less than five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience involving 21st-century communication practices (i.e., marketing, communications, media relations, public engagement, brand management, or related fields.).
Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job,
Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience with media monitoring software such as Meltwater or Cision.
Bilingual in Spanish preferred, but not required.
Proficient in project management to successfully schedule, lead and facilitate communication.
Familiarity with principles and practices of municipal large-scale projects, Public Works, Public Works and Transportation projects.

Responsibilities

Develop citywide strategic communication plans that support the IAP2 (International Association of Public Participation) model of public participation.
Partner with department leaders, city engineers, consultants, and project management teams to create communication and engagement strategies that inform, educate, and engage Greeley residents and community members, stakeholders about the state of critical infrastructure, transportation, and development projects.
Collaborate with, advise, and provide recommendations and communication support to facilitate the planning, execution and resources (including team members and applicable budgets) needed to support public infrastructure and transportation projects, conduct reporting and analysis on project outcomes, and coordinate stakeholder involvement.
Lead and manage multiple large, cross-functional and cross-departmental projects, overseeing resources, personnel, and timelines to ensure deadlines are met and successful project completion.
Exercise independent judgment in identifying communication risks, recommending solutions, and making decisions that support project momentum and keep the public informed.
Proactively identify barriers, gaps, and emerging issues that could delay communication efforts or affect public understanding, and take initiative to resolve them.
Lead highly visible and complex communication and engagement strategies for projects and initiatives within scope, schedule, and cost.
Facilitate regular updates for the team and decide on suitable strategies to make recommendations to ensure efficient and effective communications.
Coordinate with multiple team members to assess capacity, make recommendations, assign resources, and establish timelines for project completion.
Implement project management principles and systems to enhance efficiencies across teams.
Resolves conflicts to ensure a productive environment and adjusts schedules and targets on projects as needs and priorities change.
Work with the digital team to create messaging to build proactive communications, community outreach, and engagement across social media channels and GTV8 as well as create ongoing educational campaigns related to the work of large citywide projects, the Public Works and Transportation departments.
Work collaboratively with various department staff to support and/or perform face-to-face outreach at special event booths and community forums.
Coordinate and gather materials for meetings and public events that may include displays and signage.
Facilitate communication and engagement efforts with media support through strategies related to major citywide initiatives and projects.
Manage project productions logistics for communication materials, processes including printing needs, ordering promotional items, and collaborating with graphic design, digital, and video teams in the production of materials.
Assist with photography or videography projects related to communication projects as needed.
Ensure communications are timely, accessible, audience-appropriate, and align with City standards and project objectives.
Write and edit a wide range of communication materials, including news releases, advertising/promotional copy, annual, technical, and program reports, talking points, media pitches, e-newsletters, blog posts, social media content, video scripts, website updates, presentations, and handout materials.
Translate complex, technical, or sensitive information into clear, accurate, and accessible content for residents, stakeholders, and the media.
Edit and revise written materials created by City officials and staff to ensure clarity, consistency, accuracy, accessibility, and adherence to AP style and City standards.