Communications Coordinator

*A $3,000 Sign-on Bonus May Be Available*

Enjoy Industry Leading Benefits:

Generous paid vacation and extended sick leave, holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
Free and discounted transportation options to get around Aspen and the Valley.
Professional development and learning opportunities, including a tuition reimbursement program.
Health and wellbeing options that include Medical, Dental, Vision, robust and accessible employee assistance program, and nationally recognized wellbeing platform.
Monetary bonuses for healthy lifestyle choices and to use towards other personal needs.
Plan for your future with competitive employer contributions to a 401a retirement plans and Social Security, in addition to an individual 457b retirement plan and Roth IRA option.  Have peace of mind with life and disability insurance.

The City of Aspen is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Summary: This position performs journey-level professional communications, public relations, marketing, and community engagement for the Communications Office and various City departments, or divisions as assigned. This position works with additional staff including the City Manager’s Office and other departments to support various initiatives or specific project goals. The Communications Coordinator works in a professional setting and performs in a manner consistent with the organization’s values and mission statement.  

Essential Job Functions:   

Communication and Marketing  

·         Works collaboratively with other Communications staff and assigned departments/projects to identify and implement communication plans to promote a positive internal and external communications experience.   

·         Compiles, develops, designs, and produces public relations materials including but not limited to newsletters, social media, brochures, press releases, newsletters, other media.  

·         Proactively identifies agency and citywide internal and external communication needs.   

·         Makes recommendations on communication planning and tactics based on communication needs assessments.   

·         Attends briefings and meetings with various departments and/or project teams to provide immediate feedback on potential external communication needs.  

·         Supports active engagement and outreach opportunities designed to increase public awareness and participation related to city projects, services, policies, and programs.   

·         Acts as a communications business partner and is cross trained in all organization wide communication activities.  

·         Confers and advises business partners on graphic design when completed internally or externally, may create design concepts and make recommendations, may utilize graphic design software to design materials.

·         Demonstrates an ability to receive strategic direction and adapts for use across multiple social media platforms.  

·         May work on special projects such as internal communications and or community engagement duties as assigned.

Graphic Design and Videography

·         Confers and advises business partners on graphic design when completed internally or externally, may create design concepts and make recommendations, may utilize graphic design software to design materials.

·         Creates designs using computer software appropriate for the requested deliverables (Hootsuite, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, MS Office applications, etc.).  

·         Provides photography and limited videography services to capture imagery of City of Aspen projects, infrastructure, equipment, personnel, and facilities, as well as events and day-to-day organizational culture.  

·         Support growth of City’s media library.  

Public Relations  

·         Works in partnership with Communications Office and various departments/projects, plans stakeholder outreach initiatives, promoting positive and interactive community relations.   

·         Works with Communications staff and departments to gather information to create public relations tools such as news releases, public service announcements, and other detailed information to promote services, programs, and events.   

·         Updates and prepares content for City of Aspen website, social media, and Aspen Community Voice web platform.   

·         Nurtures meaningful relationships with different community groups by encouraging City of Aspen values-based community interactions.   

·         Coordinates media events and builds media relationships.  

·         Monitors media articles, reports, and broadcasts; follows up with corrections, rebuttals, and clarification, as necessary.   

·         Serves as an ambassador for the organization with responsibilities for delivering the City’s vision within the local community.  

Community Engagement  

·         Works in partnership with the Communications Office and various departments/projects to support in implementation of community engagement plans, tactics, strategies, and techniques for inclusive stakeholder outreach initiatives.  

·         Promotes interactive, inclusive, and impactful community relations.  

·         Develops networks and relationships with other agencies to support transparent and collaborative engagement efforts .

·         Supports identifying measurable goals and outcomes that are in line with community outcomes; implements with appropriate sense of urgency.  

 

Reputation Management  

·         Manages the City’s reputation through strategic and thoughtful response recommendations.  

·         Monitors and reports on the sentiment of communications toward or regarding the City of Aspen.  

·         Consistently implements design and branding guidelines.   

City Organizational Values :  

·         Supports and models the City of Aspen organizational values: Service, Partnership, Stewardship, and Innovation. Organizational values are shared principles that guide behavior across the organization. This position is responsible for upholding and applying these values while performing daily work functions.   

Other Duties as Assigned  

•         Maintain awareness of citywide projects and efforts to identify synergies and opportunities for partnerships  

•         Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of communication, public relations, public administration, and information services.  

•         Assist in the City’s overall communication program efforts to meet the goals, objectives, and timelines identified by the Communications Strategic Plan.  

Core Competencies:    

Displays the following key competencies and behaviors in the overall job performance to include knowledge, skills, and abilities:  

·         Service: Provides service with excellence, humility, integrity, and respect in daily work, builds trust by listening, treats people with respect, acknowledges opportunities for improvement, and follows through with commitments.   

·         Partnership: Actively creates strong, supportive internal and external relationships to attain a common goal and achieve greater impact together.  

·         Stewardship: Balances social, environmental, and financial responsibilities, evaluating the impact of decision making on a thriving future for all.   

·         Innovation: Develops technical expertise to pursue new ideas and creative outcomes, grounded in Aspen’s unique culture, opportunities, and challenges.   

·         Communication : Knowledge of effective and appropriate communication. Ability to use knowledge effectively in various contexts which may require oral, written, visual and non-verbal communication.   

·         Interpersonal: Works to develop strength in interpersonal skills. Has the ability to work well with diverse groups of people, both inside and outside the organization.   

·         Technology: Demonstrates technology skills sufficient for the nature and level of position. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new technologies and transition job duties accordingly to support technological advances and innovation.  

·         Problem Solving: Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.   

·         Social Media: Ability to use social media to effectively communicate with and engage the community in City projects and events.   

·         Time Management: Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to maintain a high level of organization and orderliness.   

·         Community Engagement: Ability to research, analyze, and make recommendations regarding community engagement projects.   

Minimum Qualifications:   

Education:     Bachelor’s degree with course work in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public administration, or a related field OR equivalent technical training and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills.  

Experience:      Three (3) years of experience in graphic design, communications, public relations, and/or community engagement.  

 

Technical Knowledge: Must be proficient in or ability to become proficient within six months from date of employment: Microsoft Outlook Email, Content Management systems, Adobe Creative Suite and Canva, Social Media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn and a basic understanding of computers and online computer-based technology applications, which includes accessing web-based platforms.

Licenses & Certifications:    

·         Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days.

·         Possess or able to complete Incident Command System (ICS) Level 100 and 200

certification and IS-29, a Public Information Officer Awareness training within one year of start date.   

NOTE: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required abilities, knowledge, and skills as determined by the City of Aspen may be substituted for the requirements above.  

Preferred Candidate:    

·         Adobe Creative Suite or similar design applications.  

·         Familiarity with social media and website content development/management.  

·         Prior experience developing and managing communications plans across various topics or issues simultaneously during the same time period.  

·         Familiarity with the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) best practices, engagement spectrum, and values.  

·         Understanding of basic project management skills.  

·         Familiarity with nonprofit or government organizations is a plus.  

NOTE: This position requires a Criminal background check upon hire. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.