This position is responsible for managing all aspects of the City's communication efforts, including developing plans, messages, and content, and communicating effectively and creatively both internally and externally in compliance with the City’s CORE Values, communications strategic plan, and organizational goals.
Learn More About The Communications Coordinator Position
These examples of area responsibilities are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work performed and are not meant to be inclusive. The position description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
- Lead Strategic Communications Plan.
- Work with key stakeholders to proactively develop and tell the City’s story.
- Develop creative and timely messages, using plain language, in alignment with the State of Minnesota’s Plain Language Initiative.
- Maintain familiarity with current and emerging communication methods, and using experience and analytics, provide timely recommendations to implement effective communication strategies and practices.
- Develop effective relationships with community stakeholders to promote the elements of the City of Hastings, including media partners, and business and non-profit leaders.
- Develop strategies and content for using the city’s print and digital communication channels. Recommend the appropriate medium for the message.
- Oversee and manage two-way communications with the city’s social media channels, including proactively monitoring comments, fielding questions, and responding to concerns.
- Ensure compliance with the City’s brand guidelines and provides guidance to colleagues on brand standards.
- Oversee the City’s web presence by developing content, managing web governance, training department heads and staff on web page development and maintenance.
- Develop, update, and recommend communications-related policies, including website, social media, and media relations policies for the city.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with the press and proactively pitch story ideas. Manage media relationships and serve as city spokesperson as needed.
- Monitor and respond to crisis communications using just-in-time tools. Work collaboratively with the City’s emergency management leaders and team, serving as Public Information Officer, as needed.
- Work closely with the Mayor on public speaking opportunities that represent the city and develop and advise on messages, talking points, proclamation language, and media responses, as needed.
- Regularly represent the city in the community as a guest for KDWA radio’s on-air programming.
- Plan and lead advertising and public relations opportunities, such as press conferences for ribbon cuttings, unveilings, State of the Community addresses, Summer programming advertising, and other highly visible events that position the City of Hastings for success among its key stakeholders.
- Develop and manage Citywide quarterly print newsletter and weekly e-newsletter content, design, and distribution.
- Support City departments in creating and distributing messaging and marketing for various programs and services, including but not limited to Parks and Recreation seasonal programming, Community and Economic Development initiatives, legislative materials for bonding bill funding, and more.
- Develop and manage annual editorial and content calendars for news, newsletter, social media and radio programming. Manage multiple deliverables and deadlines.
- Plan, implement, and measure the success of the communications programs designed to support the objectives of the City’s organizational goals and objectives
- Serve on internal and external committees as necessary, including the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board.
- Actively participate as part of a dynamic team.
- Update and communicate about the City’s Strategic Plan and Priorities.
- Review and recommend annual budget line items in alignment with strategic communications priorities and goals.
- Manage all communications-related vendor relationships and track monthly expenditures.
- Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as delegated.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field
- Three years of related experience
- Experience in strategic communications planning and public relations.
- Experience with digital and print communications media, including social media.
- Experience with brand management, digital marketing, website management, analytics, and reporting.
- Proficient in computer software applications, including word processing and graphic design.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in English, communications, journalism, or a related field.
- Experience with InDesign.
- Experience with a content management system.
- Experience working in local government.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong experience in organization-wide strategic communications planning, employee communications, public relations, and hands-on implementation.
- Experience with all digital and print communications media.
- This position requires a flexible, deadline-driven individual with excellent attention to detail and good follow-up.
- Ability to juggle multiple assignments and change direction or course of action on a moment’s notice.
- Strong experience in working with elected officials, the City’s leadership team, and community leaders to develop effective relationships, develop compelling and accurate messaging, and effectively represent the organization in the media and the broader community.
- Experience working with the media to proactively pitch stories and respond to requests for interviews, including responding to critical issues.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to plan, create, and apply high-value content to create awareness, understanding, and engagement
- Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and supervision, and request clarification and assistance as appropriate.
