Listing Summary

POSITION TITLE:  Communications Coordinator- Content Editor/Writer

REPORTS TO:         Communications Manager/PIO

DEPARTMENT:      City Manager’s Office – Equity & Engagement

SALARY RANGE:  $53,435-$60,000 Annually DOQ (Exempt)

This position is responsible for developing and editing content that effectively tells the City’s story, including editing the City’s newsletter and annual inserts. The nature of the work requires patience, a high degree of customer service, ideation, creativity, flexibility self-sufficiency, an ability to multitask and perform under tight deadlines. The Communication Coordinator will also troubleshoot, collaborate, and maintain consistent communication with the Communications Manager. 

Responsibilities:

• Writes, edits and coordinates production of the city publications including the Decatur Focus newsletter and special inserts: the Annual Report, New Resident Guide, Kids Activity Book, Emergency Management, Sustainability and others as needed.
• Assist with writing and producing content for multimedia outlets, including articles, advertisements, newsletters, and brochures.
• Assists in the implementation of a variety of marketing and public information tactics in support of City programs and initiatives
• Assists in the coordination of various community and employee engagement events and programs
• Negotiates pricing and timelines with printers and related publishing companies 
• Attend community events, City Commission and other public meetings, staff meetings, conferences, and other meetings as directed by Communications Manager and/or Equity & Engagement Director.
• Ability to combine visual elements, such as images, video, and animation with written information to create engaging content.
• Assists in crisis communication during emergency events.
• Verify content and information.
• Organize, modify and update existing content.
• Work closely with the Communications Coordinator-Digital Media and Communications Manager to create content, as needed. 
• Other related duties as assigned

Competencies & Skills:

• Writing, copy editing, and proofreading experience. Strong grammar, spelling and punctuation skills.
• Strong communication skills both orally and in writing, including writing for social media.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Good knowledge of computers and related software applications in word processing and data base management.
• Experience with variety of communication tools including digital newsletters, websites, press releases, and other social media.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure and complete multiple assignments under deadline conditions in a dynamic office environment. 

• Knowledge or the ability to obtain knowledge of Decatur’s history, city government, and other related information about departments within the city.
• Ability to learn and utilize the city’s style guide and usage standards. 
• Ability and desire to work closely with residents, business owners and volunteers in a positive and respectful way.
• Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, mass media, English, public relations, journalism, marketing or other related field.
• Familiarity with local government operations and media relations, and at least 2 years of experience preferred.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

  The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.