Communications Specialist

City of Kenmore Communications Specialist

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Communications Specialist oversees and implements public information and external communication efforts for the City of Kenmore. This position performs projects such as creation of digital and print materials, website administration, news releases, and marketing. Because of the small number of City employees, each staff member is expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties as may be required from time to time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans and organizes external communication efforts assigned to this position to ensure consistency in presenting City information to the public in a timely and effective manner. Assists City departments in planning and executing communication and public relations efforts to achieve the same objective. Manages the City’s interaction with news media, issuance of media releases, and responds to media inquiries, with the assistance of consultants as needed. Manages citywide marketing and communication projects, including but not limited to, City newsletter, e-news, social media, and digital and print media, to strengthen the City’s image and boost community engagement. Maintains physical and electronic records, such as photographs and other informational materials for use in City efforts in promotion, education, and recruitment. Prepares draft press releases and coordinates with involved department(s) to achieve final edited and approved product. Oversees the development and maintenance of the official City website and the host of the site by the contracted consultant. Manages additional consultants as necessary to provide communication assistance. Develops, negotiates, and oversees various documents and agreements for City operations including contracts, interlocal agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other agreements on behalf of the City. Participates in the development of policy guidelines, program work plans, budget proposals, goals, and objectives. Coordinates budget development and budget management for programs in the City Manager’s Department, for review and approval. Represents the City on inter-jurisdictional work groups and task forces and presents related policy/program options and analysis to the supervisor and/or other City officials. Serves as a professional resource to various organizations and committees. Participates in the City’s Emergency Operations Center and functions as the City’s Public Information Officer, among other duties and assignments, during disasters and emergencies. Participates in hiring and supervising interns and/or other staff as assigned. Occasional attendance at night meetings and weekend work is required. Assists with City events as needed. Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of Public administration and local government services and processes. Best practices of public relations, media relations, communications, promotional and marketing methods and techniques. Budget processes, financial reports, and statistics used in government. Preparing professional correspondence, reports, and presentations. Methods of legislative policy analysis and contract preparation and administration. Project planning and management principles. Major social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Skilled in Personal computer-based software programs, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet, graphic design, website and social media presentation graphics, website content, and other special applications used by the City. Excellent written communication and ability to quickly produce emails, press releases, marketing materials, and other documents. Well-developed interpersonal skills to work productively and cooperatively with diverse teams, conduct fact-finding, exercise patience when dealing with internal and external customers, and convey technical concepts. Use of general official/legal reference materials. Ability to Independently perform all the duties of the position. Conduct research independently including the ability to plan and implement steps to reach an objective and employ critical thinking, analysis, and judgment. Understand, interpret and apply statutes, codes, ordinances, resolutions, and legal documents. Must be able to learn, interpret, explain and apply knowledge of City organization, operations, programs, functions, special terminology, contracts, and agreements. Manage time and meet deadlines to complete projects and assignments. Communicate professionally with staff, customers, and the public using patience and courtesy, and in a manner that reflects positively on the City. Work as contributing member of a team. Work productively and cooperatively with other teams and the broader community and convey a positive image of the City and its services. Sufficient hand-eye-arm coordination to use a keyboard and 10-key plus arm/hand movements to retrieve work materials and operate a variety of general office equipment. Auditory ability and speech to carry on conversations over the phone and in-person and to make presentations to large audiences.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, marketing, business, or a related field, and Three to five years’ related experience. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Requires a valid Washington State driver’s license (or be able to attain at time of appointment) and an acceptable driving record.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Environment – Work performed will primarily take place indoors in an office environment. Hours of Work – City Hall working hours are typically 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. This position is required to be available for evening hours to attend or present in-person at City Council meetings as needed, or attend in-person, evening or weekend meetings when necessary. Washington Residency – Applicants must reside in Washington State at the time of employment to fulfill job requirements and comply with state employment regulations. OTHER ITEMS AND ADVANTAGES OF WORKING FOR THE CITY OF KENMORE The City of Kenmore participates in a 401(a) plan in lieu of Social Security. Those who contribute to this plan do not participate in Social Security, and do not earn Social Security service credits. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on 1/5/2025 and ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). For more information visit: This position is eligible for paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, healthcare benefits, 401(a), and the Washington State Public Employees retirement plan benefits. Kenmore is located on the north shore of Lake Washington and has over seven miles of waterfront along the lake and the Sammamish River. Kenmore is a first-ring suburb of Seattle and is equi-distant to downtown Seattle, downtown Bellevue, Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, and Boeing and Paine Field in Everett. City Hall is in the heart of Kenmore’s downtown and is within walking distance of many local businesses, restaurants and parks! Department: City Manager's Office FLSA: Exempt Compensation: $8,188-$10,399/month (Depending on Experience) #J-18808-Ljbffr Gilder Search Group