Communications & Multimedia Officer

Potential $0 mthly cost for Individual Premium - Health/Dental Benefits. *RSA - Retirement Benefits. The City of Madison is seeking a creative, highly motivated Communications & Multimedia Officer to support the City’s strategic communications efforts through visual storytelling, digital content creation, and multimedia production. This position is responsible for producing engaging video content, photography, drone footage, graphics, and social media assets that highlight City initiatives, events, services, and community impact. The ideal candidate is a strong visual storyteller with experience in video editing, content production, and digital media strategy who can translate municipal operations into compelling and accessible public-facing content. This role will be in the Mayor’s Office, reporting to the Director of Operations and Communications. This role works collaboratively across departments to support public engagement, brand consistency, and transparent communication through creative and innovative multimedia solutions. Responsibilities Assists in the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives that support the City’s goals, priorities, and public engagement efforts. Produces high-quality multimedia content including video, photography, drone footage, graphics, and digital storytelling assets for use across City communication platforms. Creates, manages, and publishes content for the City’s website, social media channels, newsletters, digital campaigns, presentations, and other public information platforms. Captures and edits video content for promotional campaigns, special events, community initiatives, and departmental projects. Assists with planning and execution of public awareness campaigns, community outreach initiatives, town halls, and special events. Collaborates with departments across the organization to identify compelling stories and communicate City services, programs, and accomplishments in an engaging and accessible manner. Supports media relations efforts through the development of press releases, media advisories, public service announcements, and visual media assets. Ensures consistent branding, messaging, and visual identity across all City communications and multimedia materials. Serves as a communications support resource during emergency situations, assisting with the timely dissemination of critical public information. Maintains and operates multimedia equipment including cameras, audio equipment, editing software, and drone technology in accordance with applicable regulations and best practices. Identifies opportunities for innovation and creative storytelling to enhance transparency, community engagement, and public trust. Maintains current knowledge of emerging communication trends, multimedia technologies, and industry best practices. Attends meetings, community functions, and special events on behalf of the Mayor’s Office and the City as assigned. Job Conditions Work in an office and field environment as needed to carry out various job assignments. Regular attendance is required, and must be able to work additional hours, nonstandard hours and weekends and at times with little or no notice. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or related field. 8 years of related experience in communication, marketing, public relations or a related field. Any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above knowledge, skills and abilities. Must hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License/Certificate. Must maintain a valid driver's license and a strong driving record to drive independently. Ability to exercise objective professional judgment. Ability to craft clear, concise, and engaging messages for diverse audiences. Ability to maintain calmness and composure under controversial or intense situations. Ability to work as a team and build relationships. Ability to write press releases, speeches, website content, and social media posts that engage and inform the public. Ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences and handle sensitive or confidential information with Ability to adjust messaging and communication strategies in response to changing circumstances, public feedback, or emerging issues. Ability to plan and execute public outreach campaigns, press conferences, and community events. Ability to build and maintain relationships with media representatives, stakeholders, community members, and internal staff. Ability to work independently with limited supervision, to includes time management, setting priorities of work and determining which task can be handled independently and which requires intervention by others as needed to meet deadlines and complete communications and other work in a timely manner. Ability to keep abreast of evolving communication technologies, social media platforms, and digital outreach strategies Knowledge and deep understanding of media operations, journalistic standards, and effective public relations strategies. Knowledge of best practices for managing public messaging during emergencies or crises. Knowledge of AP Style. Knowledge of municipal government structures, public affairs, and legal considerations related to public information. Knowledge and understanding of FOIA and all laws governing the release of public information. Knowledge of newsletter publication using Mailchimp or similar software. Knowledge of website management, including ADA compliance Skilled in using content management systems (CMS), social media management tools, graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite), and video editing tools. Skilled in developing and implementing long-term communication plans that align with organizational goals. Skilled in decision-making, problem-solving and project management skills. Skilled in research, preparation and presentation of accurate and reliable reports and information. Skilled at public speaking and acting as a spokesperson. Physical Capabilities This position’s physical requirements involve light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Much work is performed while typically sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. Ability to work on a computer for long periods of time. #J-18808-Ljbffr