Communication Specialist III

$60,882 - $71,698/Yr

City Of Missoula - Missoula, MT

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Missoula, MT

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The City of Missoula is seeking a passionate and innovative Communication Specialist III to join the Missoula Redevelopment Agency. This role is pivotal in crafting and implementing communication strategies that foster collaboration and engagement both internally and externally. The successful candidate will lead the development of communication methods and tools that enhance the department's outreach to the public, news media, key stakeholders, and the broader community. This position requires a self-starter with excellent communication skills and a creative approach to problem-solving. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships with news professionals, ensuring that the department's projects, initiatives, and events receive appropriate media coverage. You will create and implement regular informational and educational content across various media outlets, including social media platforms, newsletters, and the department's website. Additionally, you will provide media coaching and social media training to department staff, ensuring that all communications are effective and aligned with the City’s goals. The Communication Specialist III will also oversee the department's digital presence, improving the presentation of public information and ensuring that the department's visions, goals, and objectives are clearly communicated. You will coordinate public information and marketing materials for various projects and events, including press releases, public service announcements, and digital content. Your role will involve generating content for reports, presentations, and outreach materials, as well as managing the Engage Missoula platform to facilitate community engagement. As a mentor to other communication professionals within the department and the City, you will lead efforts to engage the public in various projects and initiatives, advocating for the City’s goals and promoting community involvement. This position requires a strong understanding of communication principles, community engagement, and the ability to analyze public opinion to inform strategies. You will also serve as a liaison to the City Council and other community entities, providing updates on departmental projects and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with news professionals to solicit coverage of projects and events.
• Create and implement regular informational pushes to media outlets and social media platforms.
• Provide media coaching and social media training for department staff.
• Oversee the digital presence of the department, improving public information presentation.
• Coordinate public information and marketing materials for various projects and events.
• Create and distribute press releases, public service announcements, and other media materials.
• Produce and maintain website and intranet content for various projects and initiatives.
• Generate content for program communications, reports, and outreach materials.
• Develop standardized communication and education materials for the department.
• Lead efforts to engage the public in department and city-wide projects and initiatives.
• Manage content for Engage Missoula and respond to project questions and comments.
• Collaborate with other City communication professionals on strategic planning efforts.
• Provide recommendations for policies and procedures for media relations.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing strategies for the department.
• Serve as a liaison to the City Council and other community entities, providing updates on projects.
• Lead community outreach events and presentations.

Requirements

• Seven years of professional experience in journalism, communications, public information, or a relevant field.
• Experience with print, digital, and broadcast media is preferred.
• Knowledge of communication principles, practices, and strategies.
• Ability to implement public opinion research techniques.
• Knowledge of community engagement, equity, and inclusion concepts.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365 and graphic design software.
• Skill in public speaking and presenting information to diverse groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit integrity.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with diverse demographics in communication roles.
• Familiarity with sustainable development concepts.
• Experience in managing multiple projects with shifting priorities.

Benefits

• Market-competitive salary with annual increases for longevity and cost of living adjustments.
• $0 premium for health and dental coverage for employees.
• Employer-sponsored life insurance policy.
• Options for supplemental life, disability, and critical illness insurance.
• Constitutionally guaranteed retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts.
• Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.