Communications & Engagement Specialist

Bozeman, City of•City Hall, MT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Bozeman is now accepting applications for a Communications & Engagement Specialist. The Communications & Engagement Specialist develops, coordinates, and assists in delivering communications and public affairs efforts including written materials, media coordination, and various internal and external communications to a wide range of stakeholders. Communications & Engagement Specialists are assigned to support specific departments and divisions, but may also assist other departments and divisions throughout the organization as operational needs arise. This position will primarily support the Bozeman Police Department and Bozeman Fire Department with additional support provided to Neighborhood Services Division and the Bozeman Municipal Court. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile public safety environment and demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, adaptability, and professionalism while managing time-sensitive communications. This role plays an important part in supporting community awareness, emergency response communications, and public information efforts during critical incidents and evolving situations. The successful candidate must be prepared to respond to urgent communications needs, community events, and public safety incidents that may occur outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by joining the City of Bozeman! You will be part of a passionate team driving positive change while enjoying a fantastic benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public or Media Relations, Public Administration, Journalism, or a related field; AND Some (1-3 years) experience in communications, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or outreach; OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Thorough knowledge of effective media, public relations, social media, and communications;
Thorough knowledge of and experience with creating and writing press releases, newsletters, speeches, and other forms of communication outlets;
Some knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the function of services within the public sector, preferably within a municipal government;
Some knowledge of or ability to quickly learn current practices and procedures involved in City service delivery;
Some knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the overall functions, duties and responsibilities of assigned Departments/divisions;
Some knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment;
Some knowledge of modern office filing systems and procedures;
Some knowledge of good phone etiquette and practices;
Ability to identify communication and marketing needs and to develop strategies to address them;
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and perform the work at a high level;
Ability to deal with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may be upset over some issue involved with City activities and policies;
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 operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
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 of time-sensitive deadlines;
Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
Ingenuity and inventiveness and the use of the appropriate levels of discretion in the performance of assigned tasks;
Consistently performs assignments in accordance with the City’s Core Values of Integrity, Leadership, Service and Teamwork.
Required to possess a valid Driver’s License and obtain a Montana Driver’s License within 60 days of employment;
Offers for employment are conditional upon a satisfactory response to post conditional offer process.

Nice To Haves

Some basic web editing experience is preferred

Responsibilities

Assists in implementing a city-wide strategic communications plan that communicates to employees, residents, businesses, and the general public;
Coordinates and/or assists in the coordination of public relations activities such as press conferences, public appearances, interviews, and special events;
Writes and edits press releases, talking points, and other related communication documents;
Manages social media channels, including drafting content and monitoring comments;
Assists in developing marketing and promotional materials for the City as they relate to communication and outreach;
Conveys complex issues, in succinct, easy-to-understand language, both orally and in writing;
Ensures that leadership and city employees are aware of media coverage through the review and dissemination of news clips and other information;
Attends community events as needed and disseminates information;
Attends various meetings and conferences, prepares agendas and presentations as required;
Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
Communicates with all related personnel in efforts to encourage, motivate, promote leadership, and encourage teamwork in accomplishing set forth objectives;
Operates modern office machines and equipment including personal computers, printers, copiers, calculators, and fax machines; routinely uses a full range of word processing and computer software applications;
Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees;
Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
As assigned, attends and participates in staff meetings and related activities; attends workshops, conferences, and classes to increase professional knowledge;
Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this classification.