Communications & Engagement Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Communications & Engagement Coordinator plans, implements, and leads communications and community engagement activities supporting Strategic Transformation & Initiatives.

Under the direction of the Strategic Communications & Engagement Director, this position serves as a lead consultant to the Strategic Transformation & Initiatives impact team and supports coordinated communications, public information, and community engagement efforts. The Communications & Engagement Coordinator works closely with City departments to develop, maintain, and implement effective short- and long-range communication strategies, policies, and practices.

This role helps build proactive, clear, and consistent two-way communication between City government and residents, businesses, organizations, visitors, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities include developing processes and tools that support transparent communication, accessible information sharing, and meaningful community engagement. The position supports direct community engagement by coordinating and facilitating open houses, neighborhood meetings and community conversations to gather feedback and share information about City initiatives and projects.

Work includes supporting communications and engagement for a range of public realm and infrastructure projects using a business-forward approach and methodology.

The Communications & Engagement Coordinator also supports the Strategic Communications & Engagement Director and City leadership in advancing organizational goals related to communications and equitable community engagement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop and implement marketing, communications and public awareness strategies.

• Develop and implement departmental and division communication plans in alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
• Develop and execute equitable public engagement activities related to services, projects and initiatives that increase community understanding of impacts, benefits and encourage public participation.
• Create and implement effective communication/awareness campaigns that have wide-ranging or long-lasting impacts on the community.
• Establish and cultivate channels of communication between the Departments, residents, businesses and community stakeholders that provide a better understanding of the community’s wants, needs, and interests related to the City.
• Develop communication material (news releases, publications, special articles, scripts, newsletters, social media content, online Story Maps, etc.)
• Develop, execute and analyze surveys that collect pertinent project information about community behaviors, needs and opinions that can further inform Department activities, including the City’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
• Utilize data and analytical tools to strategically market to and engage with community members, particularly those from often underrepresented groups and evaluate effectiveness of marketing and communication plans.
• Employ innovative, intentional, and strategic communications and engagement practices and tools to create an equitable community engagement strategy which increases community participation and collaboration in various decision-making processes.

• Create and maintain a positive public image for Departments and divisions through preparing communications, making presentations and serving on various groups within the community.

• Act as one of the primary contacts for the media and conduct interviews on behalf of the Department. Coordinate interviews with subject matter experts as necessary.
• Within the community and organization, ensure increased understanding and support for Departmental and division programs, services, and policies.
• Represent the Departments and divisions at community events and presentations.
• Plan, develop and disseminate information designed to keep the community informed of the Department’s value, programs, services, and accomplishments.
• Work with teammates to coordinate consistent branding for the City and its partners.
• Ensure materials produced by the Department meet standards for appropriateness, readability, quality, and plain language.

• Prepare Departmental and divisional marketing budgets, securing marketing services and manage contract services.

• In collaboration with Departments and divisions, develop a budget for annual marketing, communications and engagement efforts.
• Develop solicitations and/or Request for Proposals (RFP) for marketing and communication services.
• Oversee the creation and/or procurement of various media including, but not limited to: print, broadcast and social media advertising.

• Provide guidance to Departments, divisions and projects for communications and equitable engagement activities.

• Serve as the communications and engagement liaison and project manager for assigned departments and divisions.
• Ensure relationships with teammates and key organizational stakeholders are developed and maintained and in a way that allows the Departmental Service Agreements be successfully executed.
• Serve as a connector between Departments and divisions with other communications and engagement teammates.
• Advise teammates on organizational best practices and make recommendations.

• Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) during an activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and/or the Joint Information Center (JIC).
• Participate in educational and training opportunities.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or closely related field and three (3) years of full-time, progressive experience performing public relations, community engagement, marketing, or similar duties.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.

If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, ! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.

Licenses
A valid driver's license

Desirable Qualifications
Fluency with a second language, particularly with Spanish or Somali.
Ability to coordinate the preparation of educational materials for non-English speakers.
Ability to use the following software products or their equivalent: ESRI ArcMap, InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION