Job Abstract

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Two years of increasingly responsible public relations or marketing experience supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Two years of advanced level professional duties and increasingly responsible public relations or marketing experience supplemented by a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working at the highest level of City government administration and working with elected officials.

Establish schedules, strategies and communications methods for providing effective communications and marketing programs that promote department goals.

Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously; ensure projects and assignments are completed on time and within budget; coordinate with internal staff and external organizations the timely and accurate distribution of materials.

Monitor results of communications and marketing efforts and make appropriate recommendations regarding dissemination of information.

Develop marketing materials including brochures, flyers, ads, door hangers, articles, internet and other collateral materials to help ensure public and target audiences understand, participate in, and accept department programs and policies; direct the design, layout and editorial content of all materials to ensure accuracy, consistency and appropriate representation of the department; oversee printing and production.

Monitor and recommend changes to the department website to ensure it accurately represents and communicates information for department programs and identity; based on project goals, assist in development of communication strategies, incorporating integrated marketing communication principles and tactics; consult and advise staff on integrated marketing communication strategies and principles as related to projects.

Develop and produce publications; determine content of and prepare articles and graphics for newsletters, customer bill inserts, and other publications; design new and existing publications.

Coordinate and direct photography for department publications; determine subject matter; coordinate and direct video production sessions.

Develop and produce presentations; determine goals and formats of presentations; research and develop editorial and graphic content; compile necessary equipment and materials.

Coordinate special events and tours of department facilities; formulate plans for activities; coordinate the participation of employees; direct the work of vendors.

Negotiate and administer vendor contracts related to design and writing; review quality of work by vendors; recommend changes and administer internal approval processes; process invoices and purchase orders; act as point of contact for the department with vendors and/or consultants.

Submit recommendations regarding the program budget; monitor expenditures and prioritize department-wide advertising and collateral materials.

Represent the city of Anaheim to media, including on-camera interviews; serve as on-camera city representative in city-produced videos.

Be able to work, in rotation with team members, on weekends, afterhours and holidays as needed for media requests, monitoring social media and urgent matters.

Perform related duties as required.

Communications Specialist II: Two years of increasingly responsible public relations or marketing experience supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Senior Communications Specialist: Two years of advanced level professional duties and increasingly responsible public relations or marketing experience supplemented by a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working at the highest level of City government administration and working with elected officials.

Knowledge of: Effective communications and marketing techniques; principles of team leadership; administrative protocol; techniques of meeting facilitation; appropriate and modern mediums to disseminate information; integrated marketing communication principles; basic principles and practices of effective communications as they apply to publications, including editing, design, layout, photography, and publication requirements; basic printing processes, techniques and options to interact effectively with vendors; graphic design concepts and techniques; basic principles and practices of media relations including knowledge of journalism "style guides" and appropriate release format; effective public speaking techniques; vendors and contracts available to provide needed services; basic principles and methods of finance administration in accounting, budgeting and auditing; basic budget preparation and program analysis; website functions and principles; general news media practices; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations; city and departmental programs and policies; techniques for effectively representing the city in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations and with the public; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and city staff.

Ability to: Coordinate a variety of marketing and communications programs; analyze, recommend, prepare and disseminate effective marketing and communications materials; work on multiple projects simultaneously; negotiate and place media buys; facilitate information gathering meetings; evaluate and interpret communication needs and concerns; translate technical issues, department policies and programs into understandable and simple concepts; schedule and produce clear, concise, effective and accurate communication tools; gather and analyze data and make recommendations; write clearly, concisely and accurately to produce clear, concise, accurate copy that conveys the necessary message to the intended audience; identify and anticipate communications needs of the organization and determine effective methods for carrying out communications programs; design and produce publications internally, using appropriate desktop publishing software, tools and techniques; maintain and develop effective and positive media contacts; recognize publicity potential, both positive and adverse, of issues and events; understand and use integrated marketing and communication principles; strategize and determine appropriate tactics, key messages and target audiences to meet program/project goals; negotiate and administer contracts for services; actively assist in the development of new communications programs; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; research, analyze, and summarize data and prepare accurate and logical written reports; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work