Communications Manager

*VILLAGEOF WAUNAKEE* *POSITION DESCRIPTION* *Position Title:* Communications Manager *Reports To:* Village Administrator *Employment Category: *Full – Time *Supervision Received:* Works under the general guidance and direction of Village Administrator *Supervision Exercised: *None *General Summary* The Communications Manager, under the general supervision of the Village Administrator, develops and coordinates the execution of a communication strategy for the Village of Waunakee, its departments, and employees.
This role ensures high quality and timely distribution of information and marketing (print, social and otherwise) to the above-referenced stakeholders.
The Communications Manager continually evaluates Village communications and actively pursues mechanisms and technologies to enhance such efforts.
This staff member works closely with Village departments to create effective and well-coordinated messaging.
The Communications Manager messaging and communication initiatives are designed to promote resident, business owner, visitor, and Village employee awareness of Village services, projects, policies, and events.
They use initiative and independent judgment in managing and coordinating all strategic communications, marketing, and branding efforts for the Village of Waunakee.
This position contributes to enhancing the image and reputation of the Village by carrying out external communications and brand promotion.
The Communications Manager will also help foster a positive organizational climate by building relationships that improve communications with those in the community and regional partner organizations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following are the fundamental job duties and responsibilities.
These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive; other duties may be required and assigned.
* Plan strategic communication and engagement initiatives.
* Work closely with the Village Administrator’s Office and other Department Heads to ensure policy-level message consistency.
* Develop and implement a plan to advance the Village’s marketing and brand initiatives to external and internal audiences.
* Support Village staff with communication needs, including developing talking points, speeches, and presentations.
* Meet with Department Heads and other staff members on a regular basis to develop content on new initiatives, events, and other information to distribute to village audiences.
* Create and update Village policies on social media and website practices.
* Monitor and respond to social media inquiries, complaints, and comments.
* In collaboration with individual departments, organize and align all Village social media sites; train departments on best practices as necessary.
* Recommend new social media or other communication tools; ensure updated archiving.
* Provide tracking and statistical analysis of the Village’s social media efforts.
* Oversee the development and distribution of press releases to media contacts.
* Serve as liaison between the Village and media contacts and meet with them on a regular basis.
* Arrange press conferences and other special media events as directed.
* Coordinate media relations trainings for identified Village staff and elected officials.
* Provide updates to stakeholders regarding media coverage.
* Create digital media kits, as needed.
* Coordinate print publications and create original content for village publications, documents, newsletters, websites, social media, and other formats, as necessary.
* Develop and produce electronic newsletters for distribution to external and internal audiences regarding important and timely information on village events, projects, and services.
* Produce graphic design content for Village communications.
* Maintain and update the Village’s website, ensuring accurate and timely content.
* Write and edit content for informational notices through the Village’s communication programs.
* Maintain editorial and graphic standards for Village communications.
* Manage Village’s photo and video library, and take photos and video, as needed.
* Assist the Village in producing multi-lingual content for diverse audiences.
* Develop and implement surveys and other polling and engagement activities.
* Conduct research on policy related initiatives and develop memorandums and reports on findings, as directed by the Village Administrator.
* Assist the Village Administrator in content development and production of reports and “State of the Village” presentations.
* Assist the Village Administrator in implementation of the Village’s various plans and projects, including producing information and graphics on progress.
* Present department projects and initiatives at various after-hours meetings, as needed.
* Work with local organizations, the Waunakee Chamber of Commerce, the Waunakee Area School District, civic groups, media contacts, and others on cooperative communications projects, publications, and events.
* Attend and/or staff meetings/committees/taskforces as a representative of the village, as needed.
* Attend after-hour meetings and events, and remain on-call for emergencies, as needed or requested.
* Assist with customer service questions, as needed or requested.
* Assist with Village and partner event planning, logistics, and presentation, as needed or requested.
* Coordinate with outside vendors and service providers, as needed.
* Provide communications assistance in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
* Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned or apparent.
Physical Demands The physical demands 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 frequently required to sit, talk, or listen for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee is frequently required to work long hours, beginning in the morning, and continuing into the evening.
The employee is occasionally required to walk.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
The employee should have vision corrected to be able to decipher 8-point type.
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 quiet.
The incumbent is often outdoors subject to inclement weather conditions and high noise levels.
Qualifications Education and Experience * Professional work experience of least 3 years in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations required, 4-5 years preferred, 6 or greater highly preferred.
Preference for experience in local government.
* Professional work experience with computer graphics, web design, and related tools and resources.
* Certificate and/or post-secondary coursework not producing a degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations required.
* Associates Degree and extensive experience in professional communications, marketing, journalism, public relations roles preferred.
* Bachelor’s degree or greater in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations highly preferred.
* Training or certification in Wisconsin Open Meeting Laws preferred.
* Training or certification in Wisconsin Open Records law and the US Freedom of Information Act highly preferred * Certification in Microsoft Office preferred.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Thorough knowledge of principles of office management and computer hardware, software, and network operation.
* Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, or other comparable programs.
* Considerable knowledge and experience with various social media platforms.
* Working Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to promote events and programs.
* Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
* Work independently or with only general guidance.
* Ability to manage contracts to meet production timelines, budgets, and standards.
* Ability to multi-task projects and ideas, and prioritize assignments, as necessary.
* Ability to self-direct activities and work independently to meet goals and objectives.
* Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
This position description has been prepared to assist in defining the position, its essential duties and responsibilities, the minimum knowledge and ability requirements, physical demands, and qualifications.
It is not intended as a complete list of duties, responsibilities, knowledge and ability requirements, physical demands, and qualifications.
This position description is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of the employee under supervision.
The Village retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add or delete, from any section of this document, as it deems necessary.
_The Village of Waunakee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, the Village will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
_ Job Type: Full-time Pay: $38.
40 - $47.
95 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Health savings account * Life insurance * On-site gym * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Tuition reimbursement Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waunakee, WI 53597