Communications Coordinator

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all strategic communications, marketing, and branding efforts for the City of River Falls. This position assists the Public Information Officer function of the City Administrator. The Communications Coordinator role is to convey, internally and externally, communications regarding City programs, services, policy decisions, community events and other related information important to residents, businesses, and visitors.
 
This position contributes to enhancing the image and reputation of the City of River Falls by carrying out strategic external communications and brand promotion. The Communications Coordinator will also help foster a positive organizational climate by building relationships that improve internal communications and those with community and regional partner organizations.

This position is a full-time, non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime. 

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Communications
 

• Under the direction of the City Administrator and Chief of Staff, help develop, strengthen, and maintain a culture of engagement both internally and externally. Implement a communication strategy that connects the public and the city organization.
• Coordinate communications services and functions carried out by departments and provide guidance on effective methods and strategies to communicate with the public.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with local and regional media contacts and assist elected officials and city staff in communications and interviews.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with UWRF, River Falls Chamber, School District, CVTC, and corporate partners.
• Help ensure that city communications reach diverse audiences with inclusivity as a consideration.
• Serve as project lead for Year in Review publication and quarterly River Falls Reader.

Marketing and Branding
 

• Coordinate City communications for internal and external audiences, ensuring consistency of brand identity, key messages, and strategic plan goals.
• Help tell the City's story through written communications, photos, videos, graphics, social media, and other mechanisms.
• Provide guidance for the direction and content of the city website and related pages, and coordinate content of social media platforms for consistency and integrity of messages.
• Work to continuously expand the reach of the City’s communication efforts, and continually improve and refine the accuracy, clarity, and presentation of information for its intended audience.
• Serve as an ambassador, active champion, and thought partner regarding community engagement, civic participation, and strategic partnerships, internally and externally.

Organizational Support
 

• Assist the Public Information Officer function of the City Administrator and support crisis management communications.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of outreach and engagement events, such as groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, town hall forums, special project events, etc.
• Work across departments and with leadership team to promote a positive organizational culture through consistent and effective communications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in professional writing, with sound communication, storytelling, editing, and research skills.
• Create targeted content that generates measurable return on investment.
• Demonstrated ability to use social media channels effective to deliver marketing content.
• Knowledge of photography practice and principles, film production and editing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills presenting to groups across different levels and disciplines.
• Experience with project management, including the ability to set and abide by project deadlines; ability to prioritize and see projects through to completion; and experience managing both urgent, short-term projects and complex, longer-term projects.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical/problem-solving skills, along with a high degree of flexibility.
• Able to communicate complex and technical information to a diverse audience, including City residents, local businesses, elected officials, and members of the media.
• Think strategically and maintain a “big picture” focus, while paying attention to detail and coordinating complex multi-stakeholder project execution,
• Master content management systems and desktop publishing software and serve as a resource for other City employees.
• Knowledge of Office suite, SharePoint, Mailchimp, Canva and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of A.P. style.

Qualifications & Working Conditions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Journalism, Communications, English, Marketing, or related field)
• Valid Driver's License
• Previous experience related to organizational communications.
• Education and/or experience with photography, film production and editing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years successful communications and engagement experience in an organization of similar size and complexity.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of public relations as it relates to public administration and public information.
• Demonstrated commitment to the City’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, through experience and/or education

WORKING CONDITIONS:

We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive work environment, such as office setup, equipment, and facilities. Flexible work hours including some evening hours as needed. Remote work opportunities based on position and department needs.
Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment that requires: 

• Use of computer equipment with sitting and/or standing on a continuous basis
• Sufficient mobility to move about an office setting with ease.
• Occasionally lift, bend, stoop and retrieve files and boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive finger/hand movement.

Work performed outside of the office environment may include: 
 

• Standing, sitting, movement at events held outdoors on grass, concrete, or trails.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.