Strategic Communications Coordinator

*This position is restricted to current City of Minneapolis employees.*

The Strategic Communications Coordinator provides the City of Minneapolis stakeholders the right information, right when they need it. This position develops and executes integrated communication strategies and tactics for both internal and external audiences to advance organizational goals and priorities. This includes administering specific multi-channel communications about policies, services and other government business to ensure the general public, Minneapolis residents, City employees, stakeholders and other targeted audiences receive accurate, timely information about City projects and initiatives.

• Collaborate with enterprise leadership, including elected officials, department heads and other staff, to develop and implement strategic communications plans that meet their objectives and communicate effectively with their audiences.
• Research, write, edit and produce content for the City website, social media accounts, mass emails, newsletters, video productions, news releases, cable TV channel, articles, fact sheets, brochures and other print and digital materials.
• Oversee internal and external communications channels, including GovDelivery (mass emails), the City's website and intranet, social media accounts, utility bill inserts, Newsbites (articles for City Council and other enterprise partners to share with their constituents), and others.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with key contacts, including department heads.
• Supervise communications projects from concept to production, including plan development, content generation, graphic design, and print and digital components.
• Provide design direction and project management guidance to video and creative staff/vendors.
• Set up quantitative and qualitative research tools (such as surveys, questionnaires and website analytics) to gather data to inform communications strategies. Monitor and measure the results to demonstrate the reach of communications and adjust tactics as needed.
• Assist with creating marketing and communications strategies to strengthen the City's brand, including the City's employment and employee resource group brands.
• Help plan and execute communications for large enterprise-wide and citywide events as well as crisis situations, including those involving potentially controversial or negative matters.
• Consult with enterprise leadership, including elected officials and department heads, on communications strategies for sensitive topics.
• Work with other jurisdictions and partner organizations at the local, county and state level such as the Minnesota Department of Health, Meet Minneapolis and Hennepin County to coordinate and amplify communications efforts.
• Prioritize plain language, accessibility, the City writing style and culturally relevant communication to effectively connect with audiences across different levels of the enterprise and in various communities around the city.
• Create communications tools and resources to support departments and employee resource groups.
• Develop and conduct trainings for City employees in communications-related subjects.
• Manage communication policies and resources such as the utility bill inserts policy and City writing style guide.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Office Environment

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in mass communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or a related field.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

Five years of related work experience.

EQUIVALENCY:

An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience in a similar environment may be considered.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

None

• Planning and executing strategic communications plans.
• Consulting and working collaboratively on high-profile communications materials for a large organization or agency.
• Creating communications for different audiences and a variety of media, such as newspapers, radio and television, websites, mass emails and social media.
• Extensive writing and editing for publications using the Associated Press writing style.
• Researching complex topics and collaborating with or coaching subject matter experts.
• Using applicable software to prepare and deliver essential communications (e.g., website management systems, graphics programs, Microsoft Office products, etc.).
• Knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Nextdoor and best practices to get maximum engagement and return on investment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across multiple platforms.
• Excellent project management skills, including managing an editorial or production calendar.
• Good research and analytical skills.
• Ability to quickly learn, digest and present information in an accessible manner so it resonates with intended audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and team leadership skills, ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative professional environment.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• A high degree of professionalism with attention to quality, detail and a focus on customer service.
• Capacity to think broadly while continuing to pay attention to the details.
• Knowledge of the most current WAG accessibility guidelines.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.