Strategic Marketing Communications Specialist

Salary : $66,535.00 – $84,968.00 Annually

Location : City Hall 300 Monroe NW Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type: Permanent

Job Number: 555-0823

Department: Communications

Opening Date: 08/29/2023

Closing Date: 9/29/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

Nature of Work
The purpose of this job is to provide consultation and guidance to executive leadership, departmental communications staff, and program managers regarding strategic communications planning and implementation or assigned projects and initiatives. The Strategic Marketing Communications Specialist coordinates with the appropriate staff to ensure consistency and quality of City-wide communications efforts and align communications activities with department and City strategic goals. This position will work under the supervisor of the Communications Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job- related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Develop and implement mid- and long-term communications strategies, deliverables, and performance metrics.
• Provide strategic communications guidance to internal customers. Provides consulting services to departmental communication staff, managers, executives, and key stakeholders.
• Consults with departments, project/program representatives, and vendors to develop effective and engaging communications projects and programs.
• Develop and lead the implementation of communications plans/strategies.
• Advises on development of project budgets and guidelines.
• Provide leadership and guidance on imaging, branding, and marketing of events and activities.
• Fosters relationships within the organization and external agencies.
• Coordinate design, writing and editing of print and electronic marketing materials. Serve as a liaison for the department to departments and various external agencies, including, private businesses, community partners, residents, vendors, and interest groups as directed by the Communications Director.
• Develop, distribute and follow-up on press materials that support assigned activities.
• Assist in the planning, marketing and execution of special events that support assigned activities.
• Develop social/electronic media strategies that support communications initiatives.
• Coordinates distribution schedules and timelines across all platforms and channels to ensure identified communications goals are met.
• Conduct public education projects and presentations.
• Assure consistency and quality of communications materials and alignment with City guidelines and expectations.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to communications staff through various methods; identifies needs and feedback.
• Provides expertise in the bidding process/contract negotiation for communications services as required.
• Assists in the development of appropriate procedures and policies governing communications activities.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with primary coursework in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or a related field.

–AND–

• Four (4) years of related professional work experience. (Master’s degree and two (2) years of related experience is acceptable)

–OR–

• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• Bilingual, a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a public relations or marketing agency

Other Information

We offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

01

Do you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with primary coursework in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

If you have a degree in a related field, please list the related field. If not applicable, write NA.

03

Do you have four (4) years of related professional work experience providing communication planning and implementation guidance with an organization?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered yes to the previous question please describe your duties and projects you led.

05

Do you have experience working in a public relations or marketing agency?

• Yes
• No

Required Question