Communications Coordinator

Job Title

The first review of applications will be on June 23rd

Under the direction of the Communications Manager, develop and expand the City of Federal Way's social media voice and current video program, assist in developing the City's tourism and marketing program, and develop digital channels to help share the City's story. Provide professional, accessible, and compelling content and visual storytelling through photography and videography relative to current issues, initiatives and events impacting the City and our communities.

The incumbent will have a passion for storytelling in a digital space, specifically with a talent and skillset for video.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and develop a comprehensive, trend-forward social media strategy for the City's channels, with a focus on compelling, engaging content.
• Support digital storytelling and content creation across web, social media and multimedia platforms.
• Produce and edit high-quality videos for the City's social media and YouTube channels, focused on storytelling and business engagement.
• Assist in the development and management of the City's tourism and marketing program, including the creation of content and marketing plans.
• Assist with the research, writing, editing, design, layout and distribution of various print and electronic publications such as a potential magazine-style newsletter, the Citywide News, online news posts, brochures, articles and marketing materials.
• Create, schedule and post engaging social media content; monitor basic analytics and trends.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager and department staff to identify content needs and gather materials (e.g., photos, videos, information).
• Along with the Communications Manager and Information Technology Department, serve as a primary point of contact for maintenance and update of the City website's written and multimedia content and SEO.
• Ensure all digital content is ADA accessible, current and relevant.
• Recommend design, layout, and content improvements to facilitate easy site navigation, as well as provide captivating information and visuals.
• Assist in growing the City's social media audience, including reaching new demographics not currently engaging with the City.
• Build and maintain relationships with local community members, organizations and business owners.
• Assist the Communications Manager on a variety of tasks, including interfacing with media and covering events.
• Support the Public Information Officer (PIO) including during emergencies as part of the joint information center for the City's emergency response.
• Support the Mayor's Office executive team with administrative tasks as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field preferred two (2) years progressive responsibility in public or community relations work, with an emphasis on managing external communications and digital media programs.

Must have a valid driver's license and ability to travel and work outside traditional office hours.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles, procedures and techniques of communication services, media and operation of media equipment.
• Principles, practices and applications of public relations, public information, media strategies, application of web, print, broadcast, and social media techniques and strategies.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of journalistic writing.
• Posting on social media and running ad campaigns on Meta Business Suite.
• Design and implementation of short and long-term strategic marketing and/or public relations plans.
• Posting and editing websites via a Content Management System.
• Strategies and logistics in carrying out successful public relations and marketing campaigns.
• Mainstream and minority media.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suites, Canva, etc.

Ability to:

• Write, edit, design, produce and disseminate communications materials using a variety of formats, including print, electronic, audio, video, website and public access television.
• Proficiently use computer spreadsheets, word processing, publishing, database, and internet and other office software.
• Gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Establish effective working relationships with staff, media, elected officials, and representatives of other government agencies.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clarity and accuracy.
• Apply tact and discretion in divulging highly sensitive information.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of work-related issues, including but not limited to customer, employee and City information and records.
• Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with staff, media, other government or agency representatives and the public.
• Understand, analyze and discuss complex issues with individuals at all levels of community and government.
• Collaborate and build coalitions with community and professional groups and organizations.
• Develop and implement programs.
• Handle multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.

Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, typically sitting at a desk for periods of time. Position may require travel to a variety of meeting locations. Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation. Must have the use of sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public. Requires physical capability to effectively use and operate standard office equipment. Some standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, crawling, kneeling, reaching, handling, pushing and pulling may be required.

This position works a regular schedule; however, incumbents will be required to work some evening or weekend hours to attend public meetings or other events.