Assistant Communications Manager

JOB OVERVIEW
The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Communications Manager in the Bureau of Communications. The Assistant Communications Manager is a management-level position that provides high-level operational, administrative, and digital communications support to the Director of Communications. The position assists in managing the City’s digital communications platforms, website updates, graphic design production, public information, distribution and internal bureau operations. The role also supports departmental budgeting functions, reporting requirements, grant opportunity research, and communication planning initiatives. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Communications. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The City of Harrisburg offers a salary range of $60,000.00 - $65,000.00. This full-time position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision).

if interested, please submit a cover letter, your résumé, three employment references and salary history to (electronic submission preferred):

City of Harrisburg, Bureau of Human Resources
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center
10 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Phone: (717) 255-6475
Email: HR@harrisburgpa.gov

The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wanda R. D. Williams, Mayor.

JOB TITLE GRADE: M-20
Assistant Communications Manager
Department of Administration
Bureau of Communications

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Assistant Communications Manager is a management-level position that provides high-level operational, administrative, and digital communications support to the Director of Communications. The position assists in managing the City’s digital communications platforms, website updates, graphic design production, public information, distribution and internal bureau operations. The role also supports departmental budgeting functions, reporting requirements, grant opportunity research, and communication planning initiatives. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director of Communications. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:

Work is typically performed at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center and the adjacent McCormick Public Services Center, where the City’s production studio resides. Duties involve the use of computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, telephones, video cameras, digital cameras, audio recorders, and other technology as required. Standard hours are weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm. With occasional evenings, weekends, after-hours or holiday work when needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist the Director of Communications with the daily operational functions of the Bureau of Communications. Including but not limited to: tracking invoices, processing purchase orders, monitoring purchases, budget planning, monitoring budget activity and coordinating with vendors. Establishes and maintains master files for the Bureau of Communications. Assist in preparing quarterly and annual reports, compiling statistics and gathering needed information. Compile data and supporting materials for communication initiatives. Research and coordinate the monthly Harrisburg Hometown Hero feature. Assist the Director in developing and maintaining a resident communication database to support public outreach. Maintain and expand the City’s existing resident email distribution lists. Draft, edit and proofread written communications ensuring the use of proper grammar and clarity. Support the development of outreach tools such as QR codes or sign-up campaigns. Assist with monitoring communications across City digital platforms, including drafting, editing and posting information. Provide assistance in maintaining a communications calendar to track future events, announcements, requested proclamations and social media content. Coordinate the timing of social media platform posts to ensure constant public communication. Working with the Director, provide guidance to departments in submitting materials for postings. Under the direction of the Communications Director, process website upgrades and changes as received from City departments the Bureau of Communications, except for urgent, priority and emergency communications requests. Utilize the Revise Content Management System to make regular and urgent changes to the City’s website. Create new web pages, assuring website information remains accurate and current. Monitor the website for accuracy, organization, accessibility and clarity. Design and produce digital graphics, promotional materials, announcements and visual assets. Maintain regular, punctual and predictable attendance, report to work and remain at work in a productive condition, which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs other duties as assigned or required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong coordination with the Director of Communications.
• Ability to work with the Communications Director to identify communication strategies and develop the creative elements needed to convey messages effectively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines coordinate with the Communications Director.
• Proficiency in planning workshops and outreach program campaigns.

• Strong knowledge of social networking and digital communications
• Knowledge of major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Experience with Canva and Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or any other comparable graphic design software.
• Working knowledge or ability to learn Buffer, Dropbox, and Revise website content management system.
• Ability to translate and interpret clearly and effectively with language translator applications.
• Knowledge of budget tracking, invoicing, and departmental reporting.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to engage the public courteously and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, community partners, and residents.
• Competence in Microsoft Office Suite, and online survey platforms.
• Ability to research public and private funding opportunities related to communications, media infrastructure, public engagement, and accessibility; summarize grant requirements; and support application development through narrative drafting and documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field. Minimum two years of experience in communications, journalism or digital media; or a combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills or abilities. Experience assisting with social media platforms, website contact and digital content preferred. Valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver’s License, required. Bilingual communication a plus but not required.