Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist supports the City of Blue Springs' strategic communications, public information and community engagement efforts. This position develops, coordinates and distributes content that informs residents, businesses, visitors and employees about City services, programs, projects, initiatives and events. Responsibilities include content creation, media relations, social media management, website administration, photography, graphic design and public engagement activities. The Communications Specialist works collaboratively with departments across the organization to ensure consistent messaging, branding and communication practices that support the City's mission, goals and priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications and Content Development

• Develops and produces communication materials for print, digital and multimedia platforms, including newsletters, brochures, reports, presentations, fact sheets, infographics, advertisements and other public information materials.
• Writes, edits and proofreads content for a variety of audiences while ensuring accuracy, clarity and consistency with City branding and communication standards.
• Assists with the planning and implementation of communication strategies and campaigns that promote City services, programs, projects, initiatives and community engagement opportunities.
• Develops content that helps residents better understand City operations, policies, services and capital improvement projects.
• Collaborates with City departments to identify communication needs and develop effective messaging strategies.
• Assists in maintaining and enforcing City branding standards and visual identity guidelines.

Digital Communications and Social Media

• Creates, manages and updates content for the City's website, social media platforms and other digital communication channels.
• Develops and schedules social media content that educates, informs and engages the community.
• Monitors digital platforms and assists in responding to inquiries and public comments in a professional and timely manner.
• Evaluates digital communication performance and recommends strategies to improve engagement and reach.
• Identifies emerging communication trends, technologies and best practices to enhance City communications.

Media Relations and Public Information

• Assists with the preparation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, public notices and other public information materials.
• Supports media inquiries and helps coordinate interviews, press conferences and public announcements.
• Assists in communicating information related to City projects, programs, services and emergency or time-sensitive situations.
• Helps maintain positive relationships with local media organizations, community partners and stakeholders.
• Supports transparency initiatives by helping communicate government activities and decisions to the public.

Community Engagement and Special Events

• Assists with public outreach and community engagement efforts designed to increase awareness and participation in City programs, services and initiatives.
• Provides communication and promotional support for City-sponsored events, public meetings, open houses and community activities.
• Captures photography and video content at City events, meetings and activities for use in communication materials and digital platforms.
• Supports partnerships, sponsorships and collaborative communication efforts with community organizations, businesses and civic groups.
• Serves as a professional representative of the City when interacting with residents, community partners and other stakeholders.

Multimedia Production and Creative Services

• Produces and edits photography, video, graphics and other visual content to support City communication initiatives.
• Assists departments with graphic design, publication development, presentation materials and other communication-related projects.
• Maintains digital media libraries and organizational assets.
• Ensures visual content meets accessibility, branding and communication standards.

Project Coordination and Administrative Support

• Coordinates multiple communication projects simultaneously and ensures deadlines are met.
• Assists with the development of annual reports, performance metrics, communication analytics and other reporting tools.
• Maintains records, databases, communication calendars and project documentation.
• Conducts research and gathers information to support communication initiatives and public information requests.
• Uses sound judgment to resolve issues and recommend solutions within established policies and procedures.
• Performs special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Experience

One to three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or a related field. Experience in local government, public sector communications or community engagement is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public relations, communications, journalism and marketing.
• Digital communications, social media management and website content administration.
• Media relations, public information and community engagement strategies.
• Graphic design, photography, video production and visual communication principles.
• Municipal government operations and public-sector communications practices.
• Accessibility standards and communication best practices.

Ability to:

• Communicate complex information clearly, accurately and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Write, edit and proofread professional communication materials.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion and professionalism in public communications.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, media representatives, community partners and members of the public.
• Adapt communication strategies to changing organizational priorities and emerging technologies.
• Work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a team.
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
• Respond to occasional after-hours communication needs, emergency situations and community events.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must have the physical ability to sit for prolonged periods; understand normal conversation; move from one location to another; operate assigned equipment and tools; and retrieve physical and electronic resources and information necessary to complete assigned tasks.
• The position may require attendance at community programs and special events and occasional work outside normal business hours.

Additional Information

The preceding job description is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional duties that are consistent with the responsibilities and level of the classification.