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Form of workSalary : $88,322.00 Annually
Location : TX, TX
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Administration
Division: PIO
Opening Date: 11/17/2023
Scope of Work
The Strategic Communications Officer oversees the Strategic Communications Division and is a key member of the City's management team. Responsibilities include coordination of a number of external and internal communications strategies and programs. Work involves researching, planning, developing, and supervising the implementation of marketing, communications, and public information plans. Reports to the Assistant to the City Manager and directly supports the City Manager and the Deputy and Assistant City Managers.
This position and the Strategic Communications division is in direct support of the City of Midland Strategic plan, including Strategic Goal 4: Transparent and Consistent Communication.
Essential Job Duties
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. In addition, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate office environment.
Required Qualifications
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position supervises the Strategic Communications Division, including (but not limited to) multimedia specialists, graphic designers/artists, videographers, and photographers.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical - Collects and researches data; designs workflows and procedures.
Job Knowledge - Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
Use of Technology - Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date.
Problem Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; response to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
Communications - Exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Mass Communication, Marketing, Business Administration or closely related field; supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years previous related experience. Previous supervisory experience a plus.
Preferences:
Knowledge of local government workings, expert use of InDesign and other graphic software to be able to produce high-quality, original documents for the city. Knowledge and master use of social media channels, including new technologies and platforms to engage all constituents.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Graphic Design software (Including InDesign and Photoshop), Internet software, and the full Microsoft Suite software.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid Texas driver's license, clean background check, clear drug screening.
The City of Midland offers an excellent benefits package to employees. Benefits range from Group Health and Flexible Spending Accounts to paid time off, paid mental health leave, annual paid community service time, and paid holidays.
Overview of Benefits:
Group Health Benefits: Medical/Prescription
The City of Midland offers two (2) medical benefit plan options. The plans are tailored to meet the differing needs of our employees and include medical, dental, and prescription coverage. As an additional benefit, the City of Midland offers a Wellness Center through Midland Memorial Hospital that provides basic medical services to employees and dependents enrolled in the group health plan at no cost. Telemedicine is also offered through Recuro Care at no additional cost for those enrolled in the health plans.
Plan A: $1,500 in-network deductible
Plan covers 80% after the deductible up to a maximum out-of-pocket of $5500 per calendar year.
Plan B: No Deductible
Plan covers 70% up to a maximum out-of-pocket of $5500 per year.
Optional Dental
Employees and their dependents are eligible to enroll in the optional dental coverage.
Optional Vision
Employees and their dependents are eligible to enroll in optional vision coverage.
Retirement
Full-time employees are required to participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). TMRS is funded for each employee through a 7% contribution from the employee and a 2:1 match by the City.
Deferred Compensation 457(b)
Additional retirement accounts are available in the form of deferred compensation through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis. Employees can choose from multiple companies to participate in deferred compensation. Enrollment is optional, and there is no open enrollment period.
Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
The FSA is an employee-funded account that allows employees to set aside additional money for health care and dependent care expenses. This money is payroll deducted on a pre-tax basis. Enrollment is optional.
Group Term Life Insurance
All full-time employees are eligible to receive $75,000 in basic life coverage at no cost.
Additional Life Insurance
Employees can purchase additional life insurance for themselves and/or their dependents. Rates and coverage amounts vary.
Long Term Disability
The City offers voluntary enrollment in Long Term Disability coverage. Rates and coverage amounts vary.
Employee Assistance Program
The City of Midland contracts with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all of our employees. This service is completely confidential and free to all employees and their household members. Services include counseling, crisis intervention, financial guidance, legal assistance, and more.
Paid Time Off and Holidays
Employees begin earning Paid Time Off (PTO) leave as early as the first paycheck. In addition, the City offers thirteen paid holidays during each calendar year, including employee birthdays.
Longevity Pay
Employees are eligible to receive longevity pay after the first year and every year of employment thereafter.
Health and Wellness Programs
The City offers a wellness program to promote health and wellness. Participation is voluntary and could have monetary rewards.
Credit Union
Employees are eligible to join the Midland Municipal Employee Credit Union. The Credit Union offers great dividends and loan opportunities.
Tuition Reimbursement
The City provides tuition reimbursement for employees interested in furthering their education. Reimbursement amounts are subject to prior approval, course completion, and grades obtained.
PTO Leave Bank
A voluntary program in which members can apply for up to an additional 90 days of paid time off leave in the event of a catastrophic injury or illness (applies only to the employee themself).
Scholarship Fund
The Midland Municipal Employee Scholarship Fund is an employee-funded program that awards scholarships annually to dependents of City of Midland employees who plan to pursue a college education.
Other Incentives
City of Midland employees are eligible to receive numerous discounts from local providers such as gyms, cellular phone companies, and more.
Location : TX, TX
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Administration
Division: PIO
Opening Date: 11/17/2023
Scope of Work
The Strategic Communications Officer oversees the Strategic Communications Division and is a key member of the City's management team. Responsibilities include coordination of a number of external and internal communications strategies and programs. Work involves researching, planning, developing, and supervising the implementation of marketing, communications, and public information plans. Reports to the Assistant to the City Manager and directly supports the City Manager and the Deputy and Assistant City Managers.
This position and the Strategic Communications division is in direct support of the City of Midland Strategic plan, including Strategic Goal 4: Transparent and Consistent Communication.
Essential Job Duties
- Plans, directs, coordinates, and develops information to keep the public informed about the City and its activities.
- Organizes and facilitates media events, press conferences and related special events.
- Manages and develops brand management for the city.
- Assists news media with meetings, city decisions, policies and other items of interest to the print and electronic media.
- Attends meetings of the City Council, City Manager's Office and other city meetings.
- Plans and directs the development of information to keep the public and City employees informed about overall city accomplishments.
- Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with all media sources, including newspapers, television and radio stations, magazines, bloggers, and other news outlets, to ensure City information is disseminated with accuracy.
- Develops responses to media inquiries with accuracy, timeliness, and in line with the City's brand. Utilizes media proactivity to distribute City information effectively.
- Develops and disseminates Citywide communications strategies.
- Produces and distributes various information and marketing materials such as internal and external newsletters, weekly updates, communications provided to city officials, residents, and businesses as necessary.
- Represents the city at community projects and public, social and business events.
- Coordinates and activates on-going crisis communication as needed.
- Directs the activities of the city's audio/video productions.
- Serves as a counselor and advisor to key City officials in developing strategies that present the city and its operations and activities in the most accurate and positive light possible.
- Utilizes social media and web-based communications strategies.
- Takes initiative for proactive and creative marketing and social media strategies.
- Aligns their department with the strategic plan of the city and assists the Transformation Office and other departments with communicating the strategic plan to internal and external stakeholders.
- Evaluates the City's current use of communications and marketing consultants and making recommendations as to the extent of their utilization in the future.
- Oversees and executes challenging and politically sensitive assignments and projects.
- Prepares of speeches, marketing materials, fact sheets, brochures, media releases and other communications tools that inform the public about City programs and events.
- Coordinates the development of manuals, fact sheets and other materials related to emergency management and preparedness.
- Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjusts them as needed.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. In addition, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate office environment.
Required Qualifications
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position supervises the Strategic Communications Division, including (but not limited to) multimedia specialists, graphic designers/artists, videographers, and photographers.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical - Collects and researches data; designs workflows and procedures.
Job Knowledge - Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
Use of Technology - Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date.
Problem Solving - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; response to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
Communications - Exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Mass Communication, Marketing, Business Administration or closely related field; supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years previous related experience. Previous supervisory experience a plus.
Preferences:
Knowledge of local government workings, expert use of InDesign and other graphic software to be able to produce high-quality, original documents for the city. Knowledge and master use of social media channels, including new technologies and platforms to engage all constituents.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Graphic Design software (Including InDesign and Photoshop), Internet software, and the full Microsoft Suite software.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid Texas driver's license, clean background check, clear drug screening.
The City of Midland offers an excellent benefits package to employees. Benefits range from Group Health and Flexible Spending Accounts to paid time off, paid mental health leave, annual paid community service time, and paid holidays.
Overview of Benefits:
Group Health Benefits: Medical/Prescription
The City of Midland offers two (2) medical benefit plan options. The plans are tailored to meet the differing needs of our employees and include medical, dental, and prescription coverage. As an additional benefit, the City of Midland offers a Wellness Center through Midland Memorial Hospital that provides basic medical services to employees and dependents enrolled in the group health plan at no cost. Telemedicine is also offered through Recuro Care at no additional cost for those enrolled in the health plans.
Plan A: $1,500 in-network deductible
Plan covers 80% after the deductible up to a maximum out-of-pocket of $5500 per calendar year.
Plan B: No Deductible
Plan covers 70% up to a maximum out-of-pocket of $5500 per year.
Optional Dental
Employees and their dependents are eligible to enroll in the optional dental coverage.
Optional Vision
Employees and their dependents are eligible to enroll in optional vision coverage.
Retirement
Full-time employees are required to participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). TMRS is funded for each employee through a 7% contribution from the employee and a 2:1 match by the City.
Deferred Compensation 457(b)
Additional retirement accounts are available in the form of deferred compensation through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis. Employees can choose from multiple companies to participate in deferred compensation. Enrollment is optional, and there is no open enrollment period.
Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
The FSA is an employee-funded account that allows employees to set aside additional money for health care and dependent care expenses. This money is payroll deducted on a pre-tax basis. Enrollment is optional.
Group Term Life Insurance
All full-time employees are eligible to receive $75,000 in basic life coverage at no cost.
Additional Life Insurance
Employees can purchase additional life insurance for themselves and/or their dependents. Rates and coverage amounts vary.
Long Term Disability
The City offers voluntary enrollment in Long Term Disability coverage. Rates and coverage amounts vary.
Employee Assistance Program
The City of Midland contracts with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all of our employees. This service is completely confidential and free to all employees and their household members. Services include counseling, crisis intervention, financial guidance, legal assistance, and more.
Paid Time Off and Holidays
Employees begin earning Paid Time Off (PTO) leave as early as the first paycheck. In addition, the City offers thirteen paid holidays during each calendar year, including employee birthdays.
Longevity Pay
Employees are eligible to receive longevity pay after the first year and every year of employment thereafter.
Health and Wellness Programs
The City offers a wellness program to promote health and wellness. Participation is voluntary and could have monetary rewards.
Credit Union
Employees are eligible to join the Midland Municipal Employee Credit Union. The Credit Union offers great dividends and loan opportunities.
Tuition Reimbursement
The City provides tuition reimbursement for employees interested in furthering their education. Reimbursement amounts are subject to prior approval, course completion, and grades obtained.
PTO Leave Bank
A voluntary program in which members can apply for up to an additional 90 days of paid time off leave in the event of a catastrophic injury or illness (applies only to the employee themself).
Scholarship Fund
The Midland Municipal Employee Scholarship Fund is an employee-funded program that awards scholarships annually to dependents of City of Midland employees who plan to pursue a college education.
Other Incentives
City of Midland employees are eligible to receive numerous discounts from local providers such as gyms, cellular phone companies, and more.
