Communication Specialist

Requires successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test (including marijuana/THC) as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

Primary Purpose

Under general supervision of the Director of Marketing and Communication a; provide and coordinate graphic design, public relations and communications activities for the City of Joplin and its groups.

Potential Growth is this position

Depending on experience, this position has a growth potential pay range of $17.89-$26.56 per hour or $37,211.20-$55,244.80 annually (2026 pay scale). There is also the potential for promotional opportunities through a career ladder and professional development.

Essential Job Functions

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different
positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential
functions of the job. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Other Duties

• Attends training, conferences, and seminars for professional development purposes and to maintain
  current knowledge of public relations best practices, social media management, design techniques, evolving styles, etc.
• Attends related task force and other public input sessions.
• Attends and participates effectively at departmental staff meetings.
• Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy, and procedures.
• Submits work for review and edits, takes constructive criticism well during the creative process, and obtains approvals from relevant subject matter experts prior to release and distribution of mass communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Correct English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary, principles, ethics, and best practices of public relations; various multi-media marketing techniques and methods; social media and website content management; graphic design principles, software, and techniques; computer software applications including, Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud in both Mac and PC environments.

Skill in: Excellent communication skills. Effectively plan, develop, organize and coordinate communication activities for key service lines, deal effectively and courteously with associates, news media, agencies, and the general public and develop effective coalitions for achievement of goals and objectives; work independently with minimal direction; utilize sound independent judgment; learn applicable computer software programs; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing including making formal presentations; follow oral and written instructions; present an overall professional image; prepare clear and comprehensive reports; effectively welcome and embrace differences among employees and citizens; performs effectively as a member of the team in carrying out the City’s stated mission and philosophy; perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others. Skill with photography, graphic design and publication layouts preferred.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications, public relations, graphic design, journalism, broadcasting, marketing or related discipline is preferred.

Experience: Three years full-time work experience including administrative support, marketing, or social media content development and oversight.

Licenses and Certifications: Possess and maintain a valid state issued driver’s license.

Physical Demands Requirements and Working Conditions
This is primarily an office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in-person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

Employees may work off-site or outdoors on projects and activities in varying weather conditions but also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset members of the public or their representatives while enforcing departmental policies and procedures.