Communications Coordinator

Bend Metro and Park Recreation District•Bend, OR

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Coordinator is a professional who thrives in a fast-paced organization, is passionate about serving the local community, and believes that engaging residents through a variety of communication channels is the duty of a public agency. This position is responsible for content creation to inform the public through professionally written communication using a variety of media, e.g., social media channels, website, press releases, newsletters, etc. The position also coordinates the photography assets for the district and serves as a spokesperson and point of contact for media. A day in the life: The successful candidate in this position might start the morning interviewing staff and community members to learn more about a compelling story, then spend the afternoon capturing photos or video, writing a news release, providing a media interview as a spokesperson, launching a social media campaign and responding to comments and questions. They'll create content that informs, inspires, and connects people to parks, recreation and community services through digital, print, media, email and BPRD’s 18 social media channels. They'll collaborate with subject matter experts, analyze communication performance, respond to public and media inquiries, manage seasonal campaigns, monitor community conversations, and ensure information across websites, social platforms, and publications is accurate and engaging. For a communications professional who thrives on storytelling, building relationships, and turning complex information into meaningful content, this position offers plenty of opportunity to make an impact every day.

Requirements

Strong Knowledge of: Business English and Associated Press writing skills, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures for copy communications, copyright, accessibility, and algorithms used by social media platforms; Research techniques and proofreading; Social media platforms and functionality; Data reporting analysis tools to inform strategies and future efforts; Photography technique and photo database management; Office administrative processes, procedures and functions; and Relevant district programs, services, and facilities.
Some knowledge of: Website content management system; Basic video production and editing; Basic graphic design programs such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Express, LightRoom, PhotoShop and/or Illustrator) and/or Canva; and Project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple projects and influence peers on a work team.
Spokesperson role and responsibilities and media relations best practices.
Skill and Ability to: Effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing, including by phone, e- mail or in person; Collaborate across departments and maintain timelines and deliverables relying on participation of others; Work independently while also able to work cooperatively with others; Plan, assign, lead and review work of others; Analyze data and draw logical conclusions; Accurately interpret policies and procedures; Demonstrate strong leadership, research, and problem-solving skills; Convert involved technical information into practical and understandable communications; Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; Proficiently operate office equipment including computers and associated software programs; Effectively evaluate new and existing programs, services, and events and provide sound recommendations; Demonstrate good judgment and initiative; and Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and respectful working relationships with all contacts.
Associate’s degree or equivalent 2 years college coursework; AND Three (3) years of professional experience in writing, communications, and social media management; OR Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.
Some positions may require possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.
This position may require reporting to additional sites throughout the workday, typically achieved in a motor vehicle OR other modes of transportation. If choosing a personal vehicle, possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy. If you do not have a driver’s license or have an unacceptable driving history, it does not disqualify you from this position, only from driving a vehicle for district business.

Nice To Haves

Website content management system
Basic video production and editing
Basic graphic design programs such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Express, LightRoom, PhotoShop and/or Illustrator) and/or Canva
Project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple projects and influence peers on a work team
Spokesperson role and responsibilities and media relations best practices

Responsibilities

Writes and submits stories and updates for communications channels, including website, social media, news media, print and digital publications.
Creates compelling and thoughtful written and visual content (video, photography and graphics) both independently and in collaboration with district staff or community members.
Creates, edits, sends and reports on email marketing and social media communications.
Meets with staff to research, develop and confirm accuracy of content.
Coordinates project management for broad and seasonal communications campaigns.
Monitors and responds to stories/information posted to social media formats to broaden public knowledge and engagement with the district.
Adjusts strategies based on data-driven insights.
Coordinates with subject matter experts and replies promptly to public inquiries.
Serves as a spokesperson and point of contact for media.
Updates and verifies accuracy of information on the district website and internal staff channels.
Monitors and responds to external reviews and ratings about the district.
Facilitates document translation requests.
Performs special projects as assigned.
Acts as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.
Performs other duties as assigned.