Communications Specialist - Mayor's Office

Posting Type: Open Competitive

Work Type: Full-Time

Nature of Work:
This is professional work generating content and executing day-to-day assignments using social media. This position assists with content creation across multiple platforms. An incumbent in this position exercises independence in the performance of duties and responsibilities and receives general guidance from the Director of Communications.

Education and Experience: The knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following combination of education and/or experience.

Bachelor's degree in English, public relations, communications, journalism or a related field
AND
Three (3) years of related professional experience in mass communications, journalism, marketing, creative storytelling, digital media or a related field.
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications: Must be able to transport oneself or arrange transportation to work sites throughout the city. Must be available to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays. Spanish language ability is preferred.

Pay Range: $62,500 - $78,000/Anually

*Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits: Forty-hour work week. Paid leave per year: twelve days vacation; five days management; fifteen days sick; and fifteen holidays. Employee's group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental, for individual or family. Defined benefit pension plan, plus Social Security, and more. See hr.cityofomaha.org for detailed information.

Who Can Apply: Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting.

How to Apply: Completed City of Omaha employment applications must be submitted using the online application from the City website. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to check and ensure that any and all required application materials and supplemental forms are received by the City of Omaha Human Resources Department by the stated deadline. You may confirm receipt of any materials and forms by contacting the Human Resources Department. If the materials are not received in the Human Resources Department by the stated deadline, they will not be considered. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Knowledge of, and ability to effectively navigate, social media platforms.
* Knowledge of and ability to effectively utilize email marketing tools and website content
management systems.
* Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, regulations, and community engagement best practices.
* Knowledge of attractions, facilities, and services available to residents and visitors in the Omaha metro area.
* Knowledge of, and ability to operate, computers and other technology using standard or customized computer or systems software applications appropriate to the assigned tasks.
* Skill in photography, videography, and video editing.
* Skill in writing, including grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and copy editing.
* Skill in using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Canva or similar design software.
* Skill in using email marketing platforms (HubSpot, Constant Contact, MailChimp) or similar.
* Ability to maintain email contact lists and date integrity.
* Ability to learn to manage crisis communications, including responding quickly under pressure, handling sensitive information and maintaining composure and professionalism during emergencies.
* Ability to learn and adapt to advances in computer and electronics device technology and software.
* Ability to create effective content and other promotional pieces designed to convey the Mayor's message.
* Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, members of the tourism industry, media representatives, and members of the public.
* Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and responsibilities while meeting stringent deadlines.
* Ability to adhere to safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
* Ability to sit continuously, to stand and walk frequently, and reach, bend, stoop, push, and pull occasionally.
* Ability to use up to thirty (30) pounds of force occasionally to move objects.

Essential Functions: Any one position may not perform all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be performed in positions allocated to this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

* Creates effective content designed to inform, engage, and build trust with the public, for a variety of platforms including, but not limited to, the Mayor's Office website, marketing materials, and social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X, and Snapchat.
* Manages all social media programs for the Mayor's Office. Provides real-time updates and monitors online conversations, engaging when appropriate. Supports a comprehensive social
media strategy that promotes the Omaha metro area.
* Monitors social media, trends, and applications, and boosts social media usage.
* Analyzes social media and website analytics and their impact on advancing the Mayor's Office messaging.
* Collaborates with the Public Engagement and Hotline Operations Supervisor to provide content for and assist with the maintenance of the Mayor's Office website.
* Assists with developing talking points, scripts, press releases and digital content for press conferences, community events, and other public appearances.
* Designs marketing and communications collateral including flyers, handouts and other materials in accordance with established branding guidelines ensuring cohesive messaging and visual identity across print, digital and event materials.
* Captures and edits photos and videos for use in content.
* Creates and edits multimedia content and serves as graphic design support.
* Coordinates with department staff to share stories that highlight public service, employee
achievements, and community partnerships.
* Participates in professional associations that will increase understanding of social media tools, techniques, and applications.
* Maintains regular job attendance in accordance with a schedule established for the position by
the supervisor.
* Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of this classification.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work without sponsorship. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct pre-employment inquiries or evaluations of candidates for employment as it deems appropriate for the particular position. Pre-employment inquiries may include, without limitation: verification of employment history and educational attainment; review of driving, credit, and criminal convictions; hearing, drug, functional capacity, psychological, vision, and medical tests; and/or any other relevant background information deemed appropriate to determine the suitability of the applicant for the position. Failure to provide the information requested in the application and hiring process in a truthful, timely, accurate, and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of a conditional offer of employment, or termination.

Reasonable Accommodation: The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability-related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing employment@cityofomaha.org.

For a complete description of this job classification, visit hr.cityofomaha.org

Contact Points:

City of Omaha Human Resources Department
1819 Farnam St, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183

Phone: (402) 444-5300
Fax: (402) 444-5314

Website: hr.cityofomaha.org
Email: employment@cityofomaha.org