CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Deputy Strategic Communications Director assists the Strategic Communications Director with all facets of the City's communications to inform and engage those who live, work, and play in Overland Park on all communication platforms while implementing strategic plans of the communications division.

Together with the Strategic Communications Director, the Deputy Strategic Communications Director plans, develops, implements and administers all internal and external communications, promotional campaigns, media relations, community outreach and more. The Deputy Strategic Communications Director manages and supervises day-to-day operations of Communications Division staff, including the Digital Communications Specialist and Marketing Communications Specialist. The Deputy Strategic Communications Director plans and implements the division's internship program and supervises the Communications Intern. The Deputy Strategic Communications Director collaborates with other members of the Communications Division and City staff to establish and execute content strategies.

The Deputy Strategic Communications Director attends public meetings and events, assists with public information during citywide incidents, including emergencies and non-emergencies.

Serves as a key advisor to the Strategic Communications Director on all division matters. Supports the Director in undertaking special assignments on matters of specific interest/concern.

Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for Communications Division programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures. Assists the Strategic Communications Director in the development and administration of the division's operating budget and Capital Improvement Program initiatives.

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of City communications.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in government communications and digital marketing.

Researches, creates, writes, and edits accurate, timely, and compelling content, including articles, photos, videos, podcasts, infographics, and other multimedia elements, for city social media, website, email campaigns, news releases, direct mail pieces, brochures, and other special projects. Perform on-camera and voice-over work for video and audio productions.

Ensures the City's website is regularly updated, well-designed, functional, easy to use and mobile-optimized. Collaborate with other members of the Communications Division and City staff to establish and execute website and search engine optimization content strategies. Serve as a resource for and collaborate with other City staff using the website in their roles.

Manages and implements award applications for the Communications Division.

Creates and administers the Communications Division internship program for local government communications career exploration and development.

Develop and implement training for City staff on communications topics and content management systems.

Monitor City's communications channels for compliance with applicable accessibility policies and regulations.

Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints.

Attend City meetings and events, assist with public information during citywide events, respond to city emergencies, weather events, incidents and perform duties, as required.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in the following field(s) of study: Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, English or Multimedia.

Must have a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.

EXPERIENCE:

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in public communications required.

3 years' supervisory experience required.

Digital communications content creation, prefer 1-2 years' experience required.

Previous experience with website content management systems preferred.

Multimedia production and editing, prefer 1-2 years' experience.

SKILLS

Analytical skills, including research skills, ability to interpret data, ability to conceptualize, ability to analyze information, and ability to write formal recommendations based on findings.

Attention to detail.

Basic mathematical skills.

Computer software - desktop publishing skills.

Computer software - presentation skills.

Computer software - spreadsheet skills

Computer software - web page maintenance skills. Familiarity with WordPress or similar a bonus.

Computer software - word-processing skills.

Computer software: Adobe Creative Suite; including Photoshop or similar photo editing software, PremierePro, Avid, or similar video editing software.

Facilitation skills, including curriculum/agenda development, marketing skills, ability to help groups focus, ability to use group decision-making to gain commitment, and/or ability to encourage participation.

Project management skills, including organization, coordination of duties, and/or accomplishment of goals.

Public speaking/presentation skills.

Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet both long-range, intermediate, and hourly deadlines.

Written and oral communication skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to meet deadlines.

Diplomacy and judgment.

Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Ability to carry out assignments through oral and written instructions.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to work in a hectic environment with many interruptions.

Ability to analyze and recommend possible solutions.

Ability to learn and understand computer software applications.

Alpha and numeric recognition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Ability to operate City vehicles.

Ability to operate digital equipment including camera, video camera, tripod and cell phone.

Hand and eye coordination adequate to input computer and typewriter.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Digital Communications Specialist

Marketing Communications Specialist

Communications Intern

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.