Marketing and Communications Manager

City of Bentonville•Bentonville, AR

About The Position

The Marketing and Communications Manager will report to the Deputy Director and will work closely with BPR Leadership Team to promote parks, trails, public spaces and recreation programs for the department. In addition, this position will manage communications about events, construction projects and closures or impacts on current facilities. This position oversees all BPR marketing, media relations, community and public relations, public information, public education and branding. This includes, but is not limited to digital marketing, print materials, brand development and implementation, presentations and creative media development. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Reporting relationships, work assignments and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Maintains and coordinates all department public information and communication regarding parks and trails, facilities, recreation programs, special events, festivals and other quality of life recreation programs for Bentonville Parks and Recreation Creates and manages communication plans for new construction projects, trail detours and/or closings and maintenance projects. This includes constant communication regarding trail conditions during inclement weather and information regarding detours and best routes. Maintains and coordinates all department social media information and content in a manner that promotes our local and regional trail system and encourages residents and visitors to utilize our system that is safe, respectful, and fun for everyone. Planning, creating and managing the marketing and business development budget(s) including prioritizing the highest and best return on investment channels. Works with Recreation Staff to promote large events such as Bentonville Half Marathon, Square to Square, 4th July Celebration and other festivals and events by promoting events, selling sponsorships serving and sponsorship coordinator during these events. Assisting in maintaining an event calendar of events, as well as listing all facility activities planned. Maintains good relationships with media, monitors media coverage and coordinates department responses when appropriate. Serves as initial contact for media inquiries. Monitors and engages in social media discussions relevant to the department. Maintains and coordinates department website; routinely audits website to improve functionality and search engine optimization. Oversees the designing for graphics and content to promote programs, events, facilities, and other department offerings, both in print and electronic media. Develops and maintains community partnerships with the department. Create materials for presentations, documents, annual reports, and council and commission meetings, as requested. Maintains regular attendance and punctuality. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Recreation, Professional Writing, or related field is preferred; three (3) years of work in related position; or five (5) years of experience related to the job description; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Professional-level writing, editing, and social media experience required.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Nice To Haves

Experience working across multiple aspects of communications, including public relations, marketing, digital marketing, social media marketing, advertising, content development, web development, journalism, nonfiction writing for specific audiences, editing, publicist, etc. is strongly preferred.
Experience in libraries, museums, education, and/or nonprofit management is preferred but not required.
Graphic design, photography, and videography experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Maintains and coordinates all department public information and communication regarding parks and trails, facilities, recreation programs, special events, festivals and other quality of life recreation programs for Bentonville Parks and Recreation
Creates and manages communication plans for new construction projects, trail detours and/or closings and maintenance projects. This includes constant communication regarding trail conditions during inclement weather and information regarding detours and best routes.
Maintains and coordinates all department social media information and content in a manner that promotes our local and regional trail system and encourages residents and visitors to utilize our system that is safe, respectful, and fun for everyone.
Planning, creating and managing the marketing and business development budget(s) including prioritizing the highest and best return on investment channels.
Works with Recreation Staff to promote large events such as Bentonville Half Marathon, Square to Square, 4th July Celebration and other festivals and events by promoting events, selling sponsorships serving and sponsorship coordinator during these events.
Assisting in maintaining an event calendar of events, as well as listing all facility activities planned.
Maintains good relationships with media, monitors media coverage and coordinates department responses when appropriate. Serves as initial contact for media inquiries.
Monitors and engages in social media discussions relevant to the department.
Maintains and coordinates department website; routinely audits website to improve functionality and search engine optimization.
Oversees the designing for graphics and content to promote programs, events, facilities, and other department offerings, both in print and electronic media.
Develops and maintains community partnerships with the department.
Create materials for presentations, documents, annual reports, and council and commission meetings, as requested.
Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.