Communications Specialist

Pay Range

This range is provided by City of Inver Grove Heights. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base Pay Range

$31.75 / hr - $40.05 / hr

About the Position

The City of Inver Grove Heights is seeking an experienced and capable professional for its Communications Specialist position. Creativity, strong project management capabilities, the ability to use critical thinking skills, to practice sound judgement and to work independently are essential to success in this role.

Essential Job Functions

Assists the Communications Manager in ensuring the consistent application of the City’s Communication Plan throughout the organization, including accessibility, branding, style guides, messaging and tone.

Creates, reviews, and / or recommends consistent communications and public relations strategies that align with City goals.

Posts to social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor) for the City or departments as assigned, including creation of site content (e.g., text, graphics and video) with proper tone / intent and responds to questions / comments from the public and staff.

Manages the City’s website in coordination with the Communications Manager.

Creates content : text, graphics and video.

Makes content interactive and easy to navigate.

Monitors and updates site information.

Utilizes content management software to organize and structure sections of the website.

Implements website accessibility guidelines.

Drafts marketing materials including postcards, trifolds, flyers, brochures, posters, letterhead, forms, and reports.

Distributes and promotes department programs and services through mailings, email, and internal marketing or other sources. Collaborates with department staff and managers to gather materials and compile information necessary to complete projects. Responds to communications project requests.

Assists the Communications Manager in the coordination and creation of the Insights newsletter and other printed materials. Coordinates with printing vendors as assigned.

Monitors and responds to requests and inquiries submitted to the Communication Division’s email inbox.

Creates and is responsible for maintaining and updating City meetings, events and editorial calendars.

Completes communications projects as assigned and provides back‑up assistance to the Communications Manager to ensure timely communications to the public, including posting of press releases and other timely information on social media.

Acts as City photographer / videographer as assigned.

Helps with the planning of City and partner‑sponsored special events and assists with set‑up. Attends events, interacts with the public and takes pictures and video at events as assigned.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as apparent or assigned.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or a closely related field and 3 years of experience in organizational communications or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the work.

Advanced knowledge and proficiency in social media platforms is required.

Valid driver’s license and the ability to attend events, as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

Additional years of related work experience.

Ability to use good judgement and work independently.

Experience working with Civic Plus content management software (CMS) and Hootsuite.

Prior experience in a communications role with a city, county, or state agency.

Knowledge of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Experience creating graphics using software such as Canva.

Ability to speak or write in a second language in addition to English that has a presence in the community (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, Somali).

Experience in event planning and coordination.

Knowledge of the newest WCAG accessibility guidelines and how to make documents and webpages accessible.

Experience managing vendor relationships, including print vendors and / or suppliers of branded merchandise.

A passion for public service.

A genuine desire to connect with, assist and serve residents and other stakeholders.

Organized.

Adaptable and able to pivot quickly as new assignments emerge.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing / Editing

Government Relations Services

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