COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

The Office of the Town Manager seeks a Communications Coordinator (CC) to help ensure the delivery of accurate, helpful, and timely information about the Town of Arlington for the public with a focus on supporting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) programs and initiatives.  

The Town of Arlington is located six miles northwest of Boston and is home to approximately 45,000 residents living in a compact urban community of 5.5 square miles. Because of its proximity to Boston, Arlington residents are able to enjoy its diverse neighborhoods, active civic life, and good public transportation options.  

This is an ARPA funded position for three years.  

Arlington values diversity and we strongly encourage candidates of varied backgrounds, including people of color, persons with disabilities, and others to apply.

Definition

Professional work within the Town Manager’s Office to enhance communication between Town government and Arlington residents, businesses, visitors, and other audiences.  Works in the development and maintenance of the Town’s website including organizing and editing site content.  Works with various contributors in creating, maintaining, and supporting a dynamic internet presence for the Town of Arlington; all other related work, as required.

Supervision

Within the Town Manager's Office under the supervision of the Public Information Officer. Performs varied and responsible duties requiring considerable initiative and judgment.  

Work Environment

Most work is performed under typical office conditions with some outdoor activities, such as covering a Town event or evening meetings.  

The employee may have contact with Town departments and committees, plus local, state and federal agencies, and the public. Contacts are in person, online, in writing, phone, text, emails, and social media.  Interaction with contacts and colleagues require excellent communication skills and diplomacy.  

The employee operates standard office equipment and additional software to perform their duties. They will also have access to multiple communications systems at the system administrative level.  

Errors in judgment could result in delay or loss of service, monetary loss, legal repercussions, adverse public relations, and adverse public safety ramifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Works with Public Information Officer to help ensure the delivery of accurate, helpful, and timely information for the public through several Town communication channels, including web, social media, local media, and emergency alert systems.  

Updates Town website in accordance with ADA regulations. Assists in staff training on ADA best practices and monitoring tools.  

Assists with staff training and technical support of various communications systems, such as website (CMS), Request/Answer Center (CRM), and social media management tools.

Writes, edits, and proof-reads news content (e.g., press releases).

Creates, manages, and catalogs digital media assets.  

Compiles and analyzes media reports (Google Analytics, Social, HootSuite, Vimeo, etc.).  

Provides editorial and production support for major publications such as the Town’s Annual Report.  

Supports and develops effective communication plans and campaigns; coordinates social media messaging, management and scheduling.  

Covers Town events (photograph/video) for social media, web, and local media.

Provides general administrative support to the Public Information Officer (PIO), including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings and serving as PIO back up.

Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience  

Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism fields preferred; 1 to 3 years experience, or an equivalent of related education and work experience. Familiarity with municipal government and/or non-profit organizations, interest in public service.

Knowledge, Ability, and Skill

• A patient problem solver, you must be able to work independently as well as work within cross functional teams.
• Effective project and meeting management.
• Strong eye for detail and respect for consistency yet be flexible to changing circumstances.
• Adept in online environments with working knowledge of standard office software (MS Office, MS365, Google Suite, or similar).
• Remote communications systems (Zoom, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, etc.).
• Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Productivity software (Trello, Slack, or similar)
• Using social media management tools (Loomly)
• Graphic design experience and software knowledge (Adobe Cloud) are highly desirable, but we will train the ideal candidate.
• Performance of duties requires strong communication skills and the ability to read for understanding and analytical purposes.

Physical Requirements

Work performed in the office requires minimal physical effort. Ability to travel to different locations in town and occasionally surrounding communities. Ability to work late into the evening hours. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents in variety of formats and use a computer.

Examples of work

If you have a portfolio or you can compile up to five examples of relevant work into a single document, please include under “Attachments / Other Documentation” when applying. Be sure to include when these works were done, for whom, and what role you played in each example, such as producer, editor, videographer, writer, layout, etc.  

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.