Communications Specialist

$62,546 - $62,546/Yr

City Of Altoona - Altoona, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Altoona, IA

10,001+ employees

Utilities

About the position

The Communications Specialist for the City of Altoona is responsible for leading and executing professional communications and economic development initiatives. This role involves managing public relations, preparing media communications, and coordinating marketing efforts across various platforms to enhance the city's visibility and engagement with the community.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the City's public relations functions.
• Prepares news releases and media alerts.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with media contacts.
• Coordinates communications for city officials and prepares for media interviews as needed.
• Develops relationships with communications contacts in all City departments to ensure accuracy of information released.
• Compiles and edits the city's newsletter and other required publications.
• Assists with maintaining the City's website, intranet, and social media accounts.
• Responds to and coordinates dissemination of information related to the City's Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Assists various departments with the grant application process.
• Coordinates with the city's marketing campaigns.
• Serves as staff liaison with the city's Arts and Culture Commission.
• Responds to inquiries from employees, citizens, and others, referring when necessary to the appropriate person or department.
• Recommends and implements an overall communication strategy for the City.

Requirements

• Valid Iowa Driver's license.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, marketing, or related curriculum.
• Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of related experience in communications, public relations, or marketing.
• Intermediate skills in Adobe Creative Suite applications and Canva Pro with an understanding of graphic design and video production.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite products.

Nice-to-haves

• Municipal or public sector experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current social media practices and trends.
• Knowledge in analyzing data related to demographics and economic trends.

Benefits

• Full-time position with a competitive hourly wage of $30.07.
• Opportunity to work in a supportive and community-focused environment.