Communications Strategist

City of Dublin•Oh, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Strategist develops and advances strategic communications initiatives that inform, engage and connect residents, businesses, visitors and stakeholders with the City of Dublin. The position leads the planning, coordination and evaluation of integrated communications campaigns and serves as a strategic advisor on audience engagement, content strategy, digital communications and emerging communication trends. This position combines strategic planning, content leadership, digital engagement, audience insights and marketing principles to ensure the City’s communications are effective, audience-centered and aligned with organizational priorities. The Communications Strategist works collaboratively across City departments to develop communication approaches that build understanding, strengthen trust and support informed decision-making. The position serves as the department’s lead strategist for audience engagement and content planning, using research, analytics, performance data and emerging communication practices to guide communications decisions and improve outcomes across communication channels. The Communications Strategist leads the City's strategic content planning, audience engagement initiatives and digital communications efforts while identifying emerging technologies and communication trends that support organizational goals. Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act regulations and, therefore, is not entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media or a related field; and four years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, digital communications or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and integrated campaigns.
Experience using analytics and audience research to guide communication decisions.
Experience developing content strategies and editorial planning processes.
Experience managing social media, digital engagement or public information initiatives.
Demonstrated experience utilizing major social media platforms and digital engagement tools, including content strategy, audience development, analytics and paid social advertising.
Knowledge of strategic communications and marketing principles, including audience segmentation, message development, content strategy and campaign planning.
Experience evaluating communication effectiveness and reporting outcomes to leadership.
Experience planning, implementing and evaluating digital advertising or paid media campaigns.
Experience working in local government, public-sector, nonprofit or similarly complex organizations.
Experience with video, multimedia storytelling and emerging communications technologies.
Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools and their application in communications, audience engagement and content development.
Excellent project management skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Ability to collaborate with team members
Ability to engage community members and partners
Must be able to participate in 24/7 social media monitoring rotation and after-hours and weekends on-call incident response

Responsibilities

Develops and implements strategic communication plans and integrated communications campaigns for major City initiatives, projects, programs and events.
Collaborates with City departments to identify communication objectives, target audiences, key messages and effective outreach strategies.
Serves as a trusted communications advisor, helping departments determine how, when and where to communicate with stakeholders.
Ensures communications efforts support the City’s strategic priorities, brand and organizational goals.
Identifies opportunities to proactively communicate emerging issues, projects and initiatives.
Develops and maintains the City's enterprise editorial calendar, content roadmap and strategic content planning process.
Develops content strategies that align organizational priorities with audience interests and communication objectives.
Identifies emerging topics, community interests, trends and cultural moments that create opportunities for timely and relevant communications.
Identifies opportunities for storytelling across City services, infrastructure projects, economic development initiatives, community events and quality-of-life topics.
Collaborates with Communications & Marketing staff to coordinate content across communication channels.
Coordinates communications planning and content development timelines to ensure projects are strategically planned, appropriately resourced and executed proactively.
Ensures consistency in messaging, brand voice and communication standards.
Serves as a subject matter expert on audience engagement, digital communication and social media strategy.
Evaluates audience behaviors, communication preferences and engagement trends to inform communication approaches.
Recommends strategies to reach underrepresented or difficult-to-reach audiences.
Researches emerging communication platforms, technologies and trends and evaluates their potential value to the City.
Identifies and implements innovative approaches to increase awareness, engagement and participation.
Develops strategies and campaigns that increase audience engagement, reach and growth across City communication channels.
Analyzes communication performance data, audience insights and engagement metrics to evaluate effectiveness.
Develops reports, dashboards, presentations and recommendations that translate performance data into actionable communication strategies.
Establishes measurable goals and key performance indicators for campaigns and communication initiatives.
Uses audience insights, research and performance data to refine communication approaches and improve outcomes.
Supports public engagement efforts by helping evaluate surveys, feedback and other forms of community input.
Leads the City’s overall video and short-form video strategy, including Reels, Shorts and emerging formats.
Identifies opportunities to use video, podcasts, digital content and emerging formats to support City objectives.
Collaborates with internal staff, contractors and creative partners to ensure content aligns with strategic goals.
Supports development of communication materials, presentations, digital content and public information campaigns.
Supports assigned City departments/divisions through communication planning, writing, editing and public information activities.
Assists with media relations, community outreach, event communications and issue-specific communication efforts as assigned.
Supports communication needs during emergencies, incidents and other time-sensitive situations.
Serves as a member of the Communications & Marketing team and performs related duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, participating in the on-call PIO schedule and 24/7 social media monitoring rotation.
Supports efforts of Digital Media Team for visual brand standards
Performs other related duties as assigned