Communications Specialist

City of Owatonna • Owatonna, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 26,000 residents. The Administration Department creates a better tomorrow by supporting and ensuring the alignment of all departments and elected officials to the City’s shared goals. The department is guided by the organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work. This position is responsible for coordinating, designing, writing, and implementing the production of professional digital, electronic and print publications and communications that educate and inform the public and staff of city policies, codes and government events.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• Advanced computer skills and 3+ years of communications, marketing, public relations, website design, or related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the duties listed above.
• Valid Driver's License
• Knowledge of Customer service principles; Graphic design, writing and marketing concepts
• Project coordination
• Strong organization and time management skills to include the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Basic principles and practices in assigned area of responsibility; Office procedures, methods, and equipment; English language, grammar, and punctuation; Data review techniques; Computers and related software applications; Applicable regulations and policies.
• Skills in Provide customer service and public relations; Proofreading and editing documents; Prioritizing and assigning work; Coordinating projects within assigned parameters; Reading and creating communications; Maintaining confidentiality; Using a computer and related software applications; Composing communications to staff and the public; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

• Flexibility is important to us and our employees, schedule may vary based on needs.

Responsibilities

• Works as a liaison with staff and outside agencies to develop information for internal and external publications.
• Responsible for coordinating, scheduling, designing, writing, editing, and preparing publications for print and digital formats.
• Serves as a photographer, videographer, photo and video editor to take and prepare photos and video for web, social media, and print pieces.
• Covers all city operations and works with departments on effectively capturing relevant information then distributing both for internal and external purposes.
• Responsible for updating the City's website by creating and linking content including designing and redesigning of the site to ensure the site is current and relevant.
• Creates video clips for the YouTube, website, and social media.
• Research trends and costs associated with communication tools.
• Supports polices and guidelines for City communications.
• Maintains working relationships with City staff, press and media contacts, communications professionals, external vendors, and customers.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Benefits

• We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level