CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Digital Communications Specialist informs and engages those who live, work, and play in Overland Park on all digital communication platforms while implementing strategic plans of the communications division. The Digital Communications Specialist creatively develops copy, photos, videos, audio, and other multimedia content, with a voice that carries the Overland Park brand across all social media and website platforms. The Digital Communications Specialist assists with division needs on traditional communications platforms. The Digital Communications Specialist works with media, elected and appointed officials, and city staff to communicate messages on behalf of the City of Overland Park. The Digital Communications Specialist attends public meetings and events and assists with public information during citywide incidents, including non-emergencies and emergencies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research, create, write, and edit accurate, timely, and compelling content, including articles, photos, video, 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.

Collaborate with other members of the Communications Division and City staff to establish and execute content strategies.,,

Assist with responses to resident and public requests for information via social media and the City website.,,

Monitor tools, trends, and applications to enhance the City's digital presence. ,,,

Develop digital communication performance metrics. Track, compile and analyze digital content in order to provide regular reports of usage and trends.

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

Work collaboratively within the City's Communications Division to achieve communications goals. Assist with the development and implementation of communications plans and strategies.

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

Work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks.

Be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

Social Media

Learn about and stay up to date on the latest tools, trends, and applications to enhance the City's digital presence on social media.

Monitor popular social media networks and channels for emerging trends and memes.

Develop and implement training for City staff on the City's social media content management systems.

Monitor City's social media for compliance with applicable accessibility policies and regulations.

Serve as a resource for and collaborate with other City staff using social media in their roles.

Website

Collaborate with other members of the Communications Division and City staff to establish and execute website and search engine optimization content strategies.

Ensure the City's website is regularly updated, well-designed, functional, easy to use and mobile-optimized.

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

Serve as a resource for and collaborate with other City staff using the website in their roles.

GENERAL 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:

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

- Previous experience with website content management systems preferred.

- Video 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 (Direct & Indirect):

- None.

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.