Summary

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY

Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. In 2014, our community was named “The #1 Best Place to Live in America.” Although proud of that honor, everyone on our team is committed to making McKinney an even better place to live, work and raise a family. That’s why we exist.

OUR CORE VALUES

City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high-performance organization.

Summary Of Position

Under general direction of the Creative Services Manager and the Director of Parks and Recreation, and working closely with the team members of Parks and Recreation and Communications and Marketing, the Communications and Media Specialist position plays an integral role in helping the Parks and Recreation Department execute its strategic communications and marketing plan to communicate with its various internal and external audiences both to broaden the Parks and Recreation brand and image inside and outside the community and to educate and communicate with residents and other local constituents. This position is for a well-rounded communication professional with a strong overall communication and writing background as well as experience in all forms of digital media (social, video, web) as well as print materials, media relations and marketing.

Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

For us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.

Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and city goals are interconnected.
Contribute to a positive work culture.
Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Play a key role in the Park and Recreation and Communications and Marketing teams, with the mission of implementing strategic communications and marketing plan, serving as a central resource for information from an overarching Parks and Recreation and community perspective.
Communicate with a variety of constituent audiences, broaden Parks and Recreation image, expand the collective brand and instill confidence in our community.
Foster positive interaction between the Parks and Recreation Department and the people it serves.
Plan communications outreach and project-based marketing plans.
Manage projects.
Build strong relationships – Adept at communicating with team members at all levels of the organization to gather information and build communications content.
Work collaboratively – Ability to work within cross-functional teams and with external partners to share information effectively.
Write columns and talking points for a variety of audiences.
Respond to citizen inquiries.
Measure work effectiveness – Record results and progress of communications activities to determine effectiveness.
Edit and quality check materials – strong proofreading skills and attention to detail.
Proficient in AP style.
Prepare applications for various national, state and local awards and other programs.
Coordinate special events as required.
Represent the Parks and Recreation department on various working task forces, committees and boards.
Prepare the Parks and Recreation e-newsletter
Edit and update content on the Parks and Recreation webpages.
Ability to convey complex information in a way that is relevant, in plain but compelling language.
Thorough knowledge of integrated communications strategies.
Strong project management skills and a comfort level working in a fast-paced, demanding environment, juggling multiple projects concurrently and thoroughly.
Manage and write communications collateral including media releases, newsletters and speeches and talking points
Work on special marketing projects and events and oversee day to day Parks and Recreation social media outreach and strategy.
Perform related work as required.
Comply with all written city policies and procedures.
Adhere to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and procedures.
Ability to work after regular work hours/weekends as events, meetings and program needs dictate.

Other Job Functions

Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Behaviors

Ability to embrace and embody the city’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates and people to whom service is provided.
Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity and timeliness.
Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
The ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers and customers with respect.
Detailed, deadline oriented with a focus on quality and exceptional writing skills a must.
Flexibility, enthusiasm, creativity, professionalism, diplomacy and extreme attention to detail are essential.
Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change and stress.
Experienced in developing communications plans.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Experienced in managing complex projects on strategy and within budget.
Have a passion for excellence and get truly excited about helping the city in its strategic communications and marketing endeavors.
The right candidate will have high standards and appreciate working for an organization that values quality, innovation and value for the taxpayer’s dollar.
Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other day to day business programs.

Required Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or closely related field; supplemented by three (3 or more) years previous experience in local government or a corporate communication environment that includes public relations, communications, journalism, writing or marketing; or an equivalent combination of training, experience or education.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with basic graphic design principles, web CMS, video production, Sprout Social and MailChimp a plus, in addition to a well-rounded communications background.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Must pass a drug screen and background check.
Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License

Physical Demands/Supplemental

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently (over 2/3 of the time) required to listen, talk, sit, and work on the computer. The employee is (between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time) required to stand and walk. The employee is rarely (under 1/3 of the time) required to reach, touch, handle or feel objects, and lift and/or exert force up to ten (10) pounds. Close vision and color vision are special vision requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

There is limited exposure to environmental conditions. Candidate must be comfortable working in a fast- paced, dynamic environment.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

City of McKinney

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Communications & Media Specialist - Parks & Recreation