Communications and Outreach Coordinator

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Communications and Outreach Coordinator 🔹 Company: City of Ottawa 🔹 Location: Ottawa, Kansas, United States 🔹 Job Type: Full-Time 🔹 Category: Government Administration 🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Strategic Communication & Coordination: Develop, execute, and refine integrated communication plans supporting city priorities, services, and community engagement goals. Collaborate with the City Manager and Multimedia Specialist to align messaging and public-facing content across digital, print, and in-person channels. Manage crisis communications, including emergency communications planning and after-hours emergency response coordination. 2. Community Engagement & Outreach: Plan and implement public forums, events, and outreach campaigns that foster community participation and trust. Serve as a liaison between city departments and the community to gather feedback and share updates on city projects and initiatives. Promote transparency and accessibility through inclusive engagement practices. 3. Content Development & Distribution: Collaborate with the Multimedia Specialist to draft, edit, and disseminate clear and engaging content, including press releases, social media updates, newsletters, talking points, and event briefs. Maintain and update the city's communications calendar, coordinating timing and messaging of campaigns and announcements. 4. Administrative & Project Support: Prepare presentations, talking points, reports, for the City Manager and department heads. Track public inquiries and engagement metrics, offering regular reports to guide policy and strategy adjustments. Ensure adherence to city communication guidelines, branding standards, and legal requirements. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects under pressure. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a proven track record in strategic communication planning and execution. 📋 Key Responsibilities 🔹 Strategic Communication & Coordination: - Assist in the development, execution, and refinement of integrated communication plans supporting city priorities, services, and community engagement goals. - Coordinate with the City Manager and Multimedia Specialist to align messaging and public-facing content across digital, print, and in-person channels. - Support crisis communications, including emergency communications planning and after-hours emergency response coordination. 🔹 Community Engagement & Outreach: - Plan and implement public forums, events, and outreach campaigns that foster community participation and trust. - Serve as a liaison between city departments and the community to gather feedback and share updates on city projects and initiatives. - Promote transparency and accessibility through inclusive engagement practices. 🔹 Content Development & Distribution: - Collaborate with the Multimedia Specialist to draft, edit, and disseminate clear and engaging content, including press releases, social media updates, newsletters, talking points, and event briefs. - Maintain and update the city's communications calendar, coordinating timing and messaging of campaigns and announcements. 🔹 Administrative & Project Support: - Prepare presentations, talking points, reports, for the City Manager and department heads. - Track public inquiries and engagement metrics, offering regular reports to guide policy and strategy adjustments. - Ensure adherence to city communication guidelines, branding standards, and legal requirements. ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may change or evolve based on the needs of the City of Ottawa. 🎯 Required Qualifications 🔹 Education: - Required: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Administration, or related field. 🔹 Experience: - Required: At least three years of experience in a communications or outreach role, ideally within a public sector or municipal government environment. 🔹 Preferred Skills: - Experience with emergency communication systems (e.g., Everbridge) is a plus. 🎯 Preferred Qualifications 🔹 Education: - Preferred: A Master's degree in a related field. 🔹 Experience: - Preferred: At least five years of experience in a communications or outreach role, with a focus on strategic communication planning and execution. 🔹 Skills: - Proven experience in crisis communication management. - Strong proficiency in project management tools and techniques. - Demonstrated experience in community engagement and event planning. 🎯 Required Skills 🔹 Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: - Strong command of communication principles, public information standards, and branding practices. - Skilled in social media management, digital content creation, and community outreach methods. - Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure and adapt messaging for varied audiences. - Demonstrated strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. - Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative, community-focused mindset. - Understanding of municipal operations and the role of local government communication. 💰 Compensation & Benefits 🔹 Salary Range: $60,382.60 - $84,531.20 per year (based on experience level and industry standards for the role, location, and company size) 🔹 Benefits: - Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans. - Retirement savings plan with employer match. - Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays. - Employee assistance program. - Professional development opportunities. 📊 Company Context 🔹 Industry: Government Administration 🔹 Company Size: 51-200 employees 🔹 Founded: 1864 🔹 Company Description: The City of Ottawa, Kansas, was founded in 1864 and incorporated in 1866. It is committed to providing high-quality public services and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. 🔹 Company Specialties: Municipal services, community development, public safety, and infrastructure management. 🔹 Company Website: http://www.ottawaks.gov 📊 Role Analysis 🔹 Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) 🔹 Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the City Manager and works closely with department heads and other administrative staff. 🔹 Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with regular office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional after-hours and weekend work may be required, especially during crises or major events. 🔹 Growth Opportunities: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the City of Ottawa's communications and public engagement departments. 🌍 Location & Work Environment 🔹 Office Type: Traditional office setting with modern amenities and collaborative workspaces. 🔹 Office Location(s): 101 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067, US 🔹 Geographic Context: Ottawa, Kansas, is a small city located in the northeastern part of the state, offering a tight-knit community and a lower cost of living compared to larger urban areas. 🔹 Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, with regular office hours. However, the nature of the role may require flexibility to accommodate community events, public meetings, and emergency response situations. 💼 Interview & Application Insights 🔹 Typical Process: 1. Online application submission. 2. Phone or video screening. 3. In-person or virtual interview with the City Manager and/or department heads. 4. Final interview with the City Manager and/or Human Resources. 5. Background check and reference check. 6. Job offer and onboarding. 🔹 Key Assessment Areas: 1. Communication skills and strategic thinking. 2. Knowledge of municipal operations and local government communication. 3. Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt messaging for varied audiences. 4. Problem-solving skills and creativity. 5. Interpersonal skills and cultural fit. 🔹 Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 2. Prepare examples of your communication plans, community engagement initiatives, and content development projects. 3. Research the City of Ottawa's communication framework and priorities to demonstrate your understanding of the organization's goals. 4. Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your experience with crisis communication and community engagement. 🔹 ATS Keywords: Strategic communication, community engagement, crisis communication, content development, project management, municipal operations, local government communication, public information, branding practices, social media management, digital content creation. 🛠 Cultural Fit Considerations 🔹 Company Values: - Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions. - Accountability: Take responsibility for personal and team performance and hold others accountable for their actions. - Collaboration: Work together to achieve common goals and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. - Innovation: Encourage creativity and continuous improvement in all aspects of the organization. - Customer Focus: Prioritize the needs and expectations of the community and provide exceptional public service. 🔹 Work Style: - The City of Ottawa values employees who are proactive, adaptable, and committed to delivering high-quality public services. - A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment are essential for success in this role. 🔹 Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do your personal values align with the City of Ottawa's core values? 2. Describe a time when you demonstrated exceptional customer focus in a previous role. 3. How have you handled a challenging communication situation in the past, and what was the outcome? 4. How do you approach collaboration and teamwork, especially when working on multiple projects with tight deadlines? 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 🔹 How this role differs from related positions: - This role focuses on strategic communication planning and execution within a municipal government environment. - Unlike marketing or public relations roles in the private sector, this position requires a strong understanding of municipal operations and local government communication. - The role may involve more frequent interaction with the public and community stakeholders compared to similar roles in larger organizations. 🔹 Industry-specific context: - Municipal communication roles often require a balance between internal and external messaging, ensuring clear and consistent communication across various platforms and audiences. - Effective crisis communication management is a critical aspect of this role, as municipal governments must be prepared to respond to emergencies and other unexpected events. 📝 Sample Projects 🔹 Project examples specific to this role: 1. Developing and executing a comprehensive communication plan for a major city infrastructure project, including public engagement, media outreach, and stakeholder management. 2. Coordinating a community-wide emergency response plan, including public education, resource allocation, and partnership with local organizations. 3. Creating and implementing a social media strategy to enhance the city's online presence and engagement with residents. 💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview 🔹 Questions specific to role responsibilities: 1. How does this role fit into the city's overall communication strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days? 2. Can you describe a recent communication challenge faced by the city, and how was it addressed? 3. What are the most important aspects of community engagement for the City of Ottawa, and how does this role support those initiatives? 🔹 Questions specific to team structure: 1. How does this role collaborate with other departments and administrative staff within the City Manager's Office? 2. What are the key priorities for the City Manager, and how does this role support those objectives? 🔹 Questions specific to growth opportunities: 1. What are the potential career paths for this role, and how has the City of Ottawa supported the professional development of employees in similar positions? 2. What are the most important skills and experiences for someone looking to advance within the city's communication and public engagement departments? 📌 Next Steps for Applicants 🔹 To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the following link: https://cityofottawa.applytojob.com/apply/UADjXybAWo/Communications-And-Outreach-Coordinator 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 3. Prepare examples of your communication plans, community engagement initiatives, and content development projects. 4. Research the City of Ottawa's communication framework and priorities to demonstrate your understanding of the organization's goals. 5. Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your experience with crisis communication and community engagement. 6. Follow up with the City of Ottawa's Human Resources department if you have not received confirmation of your application within 48 hours. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.