Communications and Engagement Manager
City of Evanston City of Evanston Evanston, IL Evanston, IL $90,824 - $136,236 a year $90,824 - $136,236 a year 11 days ago 11 days ago 11 days ago JobID:
784 Position Type:
City Manager s Office/Communications & Engagement Manager Date Posted:
7/28/2023 Location:
Civic Center Date Available:
TBD Closing Date:
08/28/2023 Salary Range:
$90,823.
86-$136,236.
30/annually Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications but, in most cases, is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
NATURE OF WORK:
The Communications and Engagement Manager is responsible for community engagement activities in the City Manager's Office.
The Manager's functions include but are not limited to, providing information to the public on a range of programs, services, issues, and policies through in-person, electronic, print, and other mechanisms of written and verbal communication.
The Communications and Engagement Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating external communication, enhancing internal communications, and working with outside agencies and the media to build and improve relations.
Plans, develops, organizes, manages, and administers significant programs and activities that support city goals and citizen engagement, including certain activities in the areas of community information, outreach, and social media.
The Communications Manager works cooperatively with all levels of City staff as well as partner entities to achieve goals in the area of program development, citizen engagement/outreach, and external partnerships.
This role encompasses the breadth of community communication and engagement activities, including planning, developing, and delivering effective community engagement strategies to support the diverse programs the City of Evanston delivers.
This person must be adept at juggling multiple projects and identifying priorities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Gathers data, assembles information for press releases and/or publications, and disseminates appropriately.
Plans and conducts public relations programs, activities, and special events designed to create, improve, and maintain interaction between the public and the City.
Coordinates research and data collection with staff on various City projects and determines what information needs to be disseminated to the public and the appropriate timelines.
Updates information on the City website, including managing the calendar, news, and other site pages.
Develops and coordinates the research, data collection, and writing of articles, reports, editorials, and other material for publication in the City e-newsletter.
Creates informational materials on City programs and organizes educational efforts to better inform residents as needed.
Prepares press releases and meets with reporters to answer questions about City Council decisions and City operations.
Provides information about and promotes Evanston to the general public through various public relations activities.
Coordinates promotional events, including ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Evaluates access to City and community services for various population groups.
Develops and maintains a positive and cooperative relationship with local media.
Develops and implements programs designed to increase community awareness of programs and services within the community, targeting community-based organizations, the faith-based community, and special needs immigrant populations with limited English language skills.
Encourages and facilitates collaboration, coordination, and communication between agencies that provide services for the special needs of specific cultural and ethnic groups.
Evaluates media effectiveness and modifies communication sources as needed.
Assists with outreach on social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.
) and updates said outlets as needed to ensure information distribution to the community.
Coordinates special projects and efforts aimed at assisting Councilmembers with ward communications.
Responds to inquiries sent via email by residents, organizations, and businesses.
Refers to appropriate staff members, responds with the resolution, or creates a service request to offer a resolution of issues.
Coordinates with community partners and city staff as needed on collaborative efforts.
Serves as a liaison to all city departments, school districts, and city-contracted social service agencies to ensure a network of established services to residents in need.
Maintains language database and third-party vendor list to ensure translation needs are being met for non-English speaking residents seeking city services.
Participates in public forums to promote the use of city services.
Evaluates the internal communication structure and provides advice regarding strategies to improve organizational communication.
Maintains confidential information as part of the City Manager's Office staff.
Performs other duties as requested or assigned.
Oversees branding and design efforts for City created materials.
Manages printing and mailing efforts for Ward-specific materials and other departmental requests.
Manages communication division budget.
Manages and supervises Community Engagement Coordinator, Broadcast Operations Coordinator, and contracted and seasonal employees.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, project management, or substantially similar area.
Master's degree preferred.
Must possess five (5) or more years of work experience in marketing and public relations.
Work experience in government or in the public sector is preferred.
Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Demonstrated experience in writing, public speaking, planning, graphic design, and layout.
Excellent communication skills, including writing, speaking, and listening; skill in developing communications and presentations applicable to the desired audience.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as required, including weekends and evenings.
Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
Working knowledge of the field of marketing and community relations.
Ability to understand public policy, services, practices, plans, and problems in order to develop an effective marketing and communications program.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals and staff working for the City of Evanston and outside of the organization.
Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations with limited standardization; the ability to interpret information and instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
Knowledge and experience with personal computers and software, including Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to read, understand and interpret policies, procedures, statutes, local ordinances, rules and regulations, journals, newspapers, memos, letters, reports, financial reports, and legal documents.
Demonstrated skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentation, calendar, and email.
Demonstrated skills in taking digital photographs, using electronic newsletter programs, using image editing and graphic design layout software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.
Demonstrated skills in the use of the internet and other electronic means of communication and distribution of municipal information.
Ability to properly supervise employees within City policies and procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
The employee works in a primarily sedentary position, with the occasional need to use force to exert up to 25 pounds to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc.
The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions and protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.
The employee moves between worksites in different locations and to other locations in order to conduct portions of the position.
There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.
SUPERVISION:
General supervision is provided by the City Manager or his/her designee.
The employee works closely with management on issues ranging from daily operational activities to major projects, such as coordinating the City's public information activities during emergencies, including providing timely updates on the city's cable channel, e-newsletter, website, and radio station.
Employee also must be able to respond during snow events/emergencies or any disaster, which would require the City to activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
The employee is expected to represent leadership within the organization to create a problem-solving environment in which to engage both the immediate and long-range goals of the organization.
Guidance is provided via the City Code, city policies and procedures, department directors and other city staff, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences, and meetings.
Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to leadership, management skills, communication skills, customer service, and ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization, as well as the City Council, community, business, and other similar groups and the general public, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular and consistent contact with citizens, service providers, the community, and other similar groups, as well as the City Council, committees, boards, and commissions.
Presentations to a variety of groups throughout the community and city staff are developed and delivered regularly by the employee.
The employee will also have daily contact with city employees.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to occasionally deal with adversarial situations.
SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST Structured Oral Interview Qualifications Assessment Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.
Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities.
Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Office at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).
Email To A Friend Print Version.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
784 Position Type:
City Manager s Office/Communications & Engagement Manager Date Posted:
7/28/2023 Location:
Civic Center Date Available:
TBD Closing Date:
08/28/2023 Salary Range:
$90,823.
86-$136,236.
30/annually Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications but, in most cases, is no higher than the midpoint for the range.
NATURE OF WORK:
The Communications and Engagement Manager is responsible for community engagement activities in the City Manager's Office.
The Manager's functions include but are not limited to, providing information to the public on a range of programs, services, issues, and policies through in-person, electronic, print, and other mechanisms of written and verbal communication.
The Communications and Engagement Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating external communication, enhancing internal communications, and working with outside agencies and the media to build and improve relations.
Plans, develops, organizes, manages, and administers significant programs and activities that support city goals and citizen engagement, including certain activities in the areas of community information, outreach, and social media.
The Communications Manager works cooperatively with all levels of City staff as well as partner entities to achieve goals in the area of program development, citizen engagement/outreach, and external partnerships.
This role encompasses the breadth of community communication and engagement activities, including planning, developing, and delivering effective community engagement strategies to support the diverse programs the City of Evanston delivers.
This person must be adept at juggling multiple projects and identifying priorities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Gathers data, assembles information for press releases and/or publications, and disseminates appropriately.
Plans and conducts public relations programs, activities, and special events designed to create, improve, and maintain interaction between the public and the City.
Coordinates research and data collection with staff on various City projects and determines what information needs to be disseminated to the public and the appropriate timelines.
Updates information on the City website, including managing the calendar, news, and other site pages.
Develops and coordinates the research, data collection, and writing of articles, reports, editorials, and other material for publication in the City e-newsletter.
Creates informational materials on City programs and organizes educational efforts to better inform residents as needed.
Prepares press releases and meets with reporters to answer questions about City Council decisions and City operations.
Provides information about and promotes Evanston to the general public through various public relations activities.
Coordinates promotional events, including ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Evaluates access to City and community services for various population groups.
Develops and maintains a positive and cooperative relationship with local media.
Develops and implements programs designed to increase community awareness of programs and services within the community, targeting community-based organizations, the faith-based community, and special needs immigrant populations with limited English language skills.
Encourages and facilitates collaboration, coordination, and communication between agencies that provide services for the special needs of specific cultural and ethnic groups.
Evaluates media effectiveness and modifies communication sources as needed.
Assists with outreach on social media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.
) and updates said outlets as needed to ensure information distribution to the community.
Coordinates special projects and efforts aimed at assisting Councilmembers with ward communications.
Responds to inquiries sent via email by residents, organizations, and businesses.
Refers to appropriate staff members, responds with the resolution, or creates a service request to offer a resolution of issues.
Coordinates with community partners and city staff as needed on collaborative efforts.
Serves as a liaison to all city departments, school districts, and city-contracted social service agencies to ensure a network of established services to residents in need.
Maintains language database and third-party vendor list to ensure translation needs are being met for non-English speaking residents seeking city services.
Participates in public forums to promote the use of city services.
Evaluates the internal communication structure and provides advice regarding strategies to improve organizational communication.
Maintains confidential information as part of the City Manager's Office staff.
Performs other duties as requested or assigned.
Oversees branding and design efforts for City created materials.
Manages printing and mailing efforts for Ward-specific materials and other departmental requests.
Manages communication division budget.
Manages and supervises Community Engagement Coordinator, Broadcast Operations Coordinator, and contracted and seasonal employees.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Must possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, project management, or substantially similar area.
Master's degree preferred.
Must possess five (5) or more years of work experience in marketing and public relations.
Work experience in government or in the public sector is preferred.
Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Demonstrated experience in writing, public speaking, planning, graphic design, and layout.
Excellent communication skills, including writing, speaking, and listening; skill in developing communications and presentations applicable to the desired audience.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as required, including weekends and evenings.
Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
Working knowledge of the field of marketing and community relations.
Ability to understand public policy, services, practices, plans, and problems in order to develop an effective marketing and communications program.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals and staff working for the City of Evanston and outside of the organization.
Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations with limited standardization; the ability to interpret information and instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
Knowledge and experience with personal computers and software, including Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to read, understand and interpret policies, procedures, statutes, local ordinances, rules and regulations, journals, newspapers, memos, letters, reports, financial reports, and legal documents.
Demonstrated skills in word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentation, calendar, and email.
Demonstrated skills in taking digital photographs, using electronic newsletter programs, using image editing and graphic design layout software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign.
Demonstrated skills in the use of the internet and other electronic means of communication and distribution of municipal information.
Ability to properly supervise employees within City policies and procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
The employee works in a primarily sedentary position, with the occasional need to use force to exert up to 25 pounds to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc.
The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions and protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.
The employee moves between worksites in different locations and to other locations in order to conduct portions of the position.
There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification.
SUPERVISION:
General supervision is provided by the City Manager or his/her designee.
The employee works closely with management on issues ranging from daily operational activities to major projects, such as coordinating the City's public information activities during emergencies, including providing timely updates on the city's cable channel, e-newsletter, website, and radio station.
Employee also must be able to respond during snow events/emergencies or any disaster, which would require the City to activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
The employee is expected to represent leadership within the organization to create a problem-solving environment in which to engage both the immediate and long-range goals of the organization.
Guidance is provided via the City Code, city policies and procedures, department directors and other city staff, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences, and meetings.
Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to leadership, management skills, communication skills, customer service, and ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization, as well as the City Council, community, business, and other similar groups and the general public, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular and consistent contact with citizens, service providers, the community, and other similar groups, as well as the City Council, committees, boards, and commissions.
Presentations to a variety of groups throughout the community and city staff are developed and delivered regularly by the employee.
The employee will also have daily contact with city employees.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to occasionally deal with adversarial situations.
SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST Structured Oral Interview Qualifications Assessment Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position.
Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities.
Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Human Resources Office at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).
Email To A Friend Print Version.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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