Communications Coordinator

City of Johnston•Johnston, IA

About The Position

Under the general direction of the City Administrator, the communications coordinator leads, plans, develops, implements, and evaluates citywide communication strategies to enhance public engagement, maintain brand consistency, and support organizational goals. Serves as a key liaison for media, community outreach, digital platforms, and internal coordination, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective messaging aligned with City Council and City Administrator priorities. The following duties are normal for this position but dependent upon the level of skill, ability, and experience of the individual. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Graphic Design or related field.
Three (3) to Five (5) years’ professional progressive experience in television, communications or public information, marketing/promotions or closely related field which includes computer application experience.
Candidates for positions in this class must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Possession a valid Iowa driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
Knowledge of current social media, website and digital trends.
Understanding of the effective use of graphic arts in communication.
Complete functional knowledge of the workings of media, public relations and marketing to maintain the city’s brand.
Knowledge of Internet usage and various Internet and social media platforms and current social media practices.
Knowledge of journalistic writing and Associated Press (AP) Style.
Strong customer-service skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
Ability to produce and edit videos for city departments
Proficient in the operation of a computer, software programs; including InDesign, Adobe Premier Pro, Photoshop, and technology necessary for communication of publications and other public information articles via the city’s website, the Internet, social media and email.
Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure during crisis situations of time sensitive deadlines.
Ability and willingness to learn quickly and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.

Responsibilities

Develops, leads, and implements a comprehensive citywide marketing and communications plan across various media platforms; maintains consistent brand voice, visual identity, and messaging standards across all citywide materials, providing templates and guidelines for staff use.
Coordinates and implements the city’s internal and external public relations functions across a range of print and digital communication tools; prepares news releases and media alerts; designs brochures and public information pieces on a wide range of issues affecting the city and its residents.
Develops, implements and maintains crisis communications and internal communications plans to ensure the city is ready to respond immediately in the event of a crisis or natural disaster.
Capable of acting as city spokesperson, while working in close coordination with Johnston public safety officials, City Administrator, and other city leadership.
Coordinates marketing materials and consistency of messaging to capitalize on city's brand/identity, which includes working with each department in the city to develop unified and coordinated marketing and communications plans to ensure all forms of communication are coordinated, timely, accurate, and “on message” to promote credibility, public trust, and the best interests of the City of Johnston.
Oversee and optimize the city’s website and other digital content in collaboration with various city employees, and coordinate the development of future online solutions impacting the city and its residents.
Assists in preparing various organizational publications including, but not limited to annual reports, brochures, flyers, and other informational publications on issues affecting the city and its residents using various graphic design software packages.
Conduct research and manages the bi-annual community and business survey and makes recommendations on complex administrative projects and issues.
Prepares materials for and assists in the presentation of matters to the City Council.
Prepares correspondence, reports, and publications including, but not limited to letters, annual reports, brochures, flyers, and other informational publications on issues affecting the city and its residents for the Mayor and City Council, City Administrator, and city departments.
Receives and works with appropriate elected officials , leadership, and staff to effectively respond to citizen issues, concerns or feedback.
Provides oversight of the photo/video repository for use in communications/marketing materials.
Manage access to and consistency of city-branded items (letterhead, templates, stationery, etc.) to ensure staff can easily access appropriate materials and to maintain the integrity of the city brand and image in coordination with IT and other departments.
Disseminate and encourage organization–wide use of common templates, fonts, etc.
Writes and implements a plan for the city’s use of social media tools in communicating with the public; assists with the development of policies regulating the use of such tools.
Promotes special events and informational meetings.
Organizes, directs, and coordinates the activities of the communication specialist, including scheduling, supervising, and monitoring their work.
Performs other related duties as required.