Working under the supervision and in collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager and Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Director, the purpose of this position is to perform professional and skilled technical work in support of the Community Engagement Team.

This position is responsible for creating marketing collateral for a variety of the City of Bettendorf’s digital platforms and communications campaigns; updating and spearheading efforts related to www.bettendorf.org; planning and promoting programs and events Citywide; conducting field-based video and photo production.

The Community Engagement Specialist performs at a professional staff level to research projects and initiatives from development to design to implementation, and analysis of results.  Work includes the creative development of new ideas to promote the City of Bettendorf’s brand, as well as the participation in special events and activities.

The Community Engagement Specialist will be a steward of the City’s brand, which will engage constituents to be positive consumers of City services and strong advocates for the City of Bettendorf. 

Under the supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, provides support to the City’s Department Heads and staff, in order to provide a centralized approach to all City communications, with consistent and intentional workflows. 

Area of Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

1. Creating both digital/printed marketing collateral for a variety of the City’s communications platforms and communications campaigns.
2. Updating and spearheading efforts related to www.bettendorf.org.
3. Oversees the day-to-day duties associated with the City’s website; including but not limited to such tasks as auditing the website’s content for typos, broken links, ADA compliance, and up to date information and imagery.
4. Provides regular analytical reporting on SEO and Google Analytics, and provides recommendations to the Community Engagement Manager on ways to improve the City’s communications and engagement.
5. When applicable, the Community Engagement Specialist will provide digital support to meetings and events where it benefits the City and the City Council.
6. Works to assist all City departments with the preparation of communications and materials, as well as preparation and planning of identified City events.
7. Under the direction of the Community Engagement Manager, assumes a support role for Citywide special events, including but not limited to such events as Citizen Academy, State of the City, Birthday Bash, 4^th of July, Festival of Trees Parade, ‘Tis the Season, City Blood Drive, United Way Campaign, City Hall-o-ween, XStream Cleanups, QC Arts Sculpture Program, Adopt a Highway, Be Downtown, etc.
8. Stays current with digital media trends and provides general support and advice on best practices and social platforms that can best enhance individual departmental goals.
9. Conducts field based video and photo production by utilizing a variety of equipment, such as professional camera, video camera, drone, phone camera/video, to collect content for various platforms.
10. Transports, sets up and operates all equipment, and participates in educational opportunities to learn techniques and skills.

Administration and Financial

1. Working with the Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Director and the Community Engagement Manager, the Community Engagement Specialist researches, recommends and implements annual funding strategies and options congruent and supportive of the programmatic and service delivery needs of the Communications team.
2. In tandem with the Community Engagement Team, the Community Engagement Specialist develops short-term and long-range communications plans for the City, reflective of the strategic plan and based on identified outcomes.
3. Attends public meetings as required. Coordinates video productions and recordings of public meetings, employee trainings, and other meetings as assigned.

Personnel Management and Interpersonal Relations

1. Works effectively with and across the City spectrum including staff, volunteers, board members and commissioners.
2. Responsible for supporting the strategic communications goals, based on established performance indicators, and handles all assignments with fiscal responsibility.

Other:

1. 1. Serves on City teams and supports departmental planning when necessary to help achieve positive and high-level outcomes.
   2. This position must be malleable and assist City departments to cultivate a staff that is dually malleable, in order to adapt to the ever-changing digital media landscape.  The intent is to create a positive and cohesive City organization, which best meets the expectations of the City’s constituents. 
   3. Other related job duties as assigned.

Education:

• Requires an Associates of Arts Degree in graphic design, mass communications, digital media, public relations, organizational management, or related field.

Experience and Qualifications: 

• Minimum of two years of combined experience in graphic design, branding, social media, website maintenance, photography and video production, organizational management, public policy, local government, mass communications, and/or interpersonal relations.
• Knowledge and experience with both Mac and PC based operating systems, and computer skills at an advanced level.
• Knowledge and experience with graphic design.
• Thorough understanding of digital media and technology.
• Thorough understanding of WordPress and its Content Management System, as they relate to the City’s website.
• Extensive experience with social media messaging and content production.
• Excellent copywriting and editing skills.
• Ability to deliver creative content (text, video, image), and direct and instruct staff members to do the same.
• A strong knowledge and experience with SEO, keyword research, and analytics.
• Experience working with the media and good public relations skills.
• Must think strategically, creatively, and purposefully while managing multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of media coverage and digital media messaging, in order to create and adapt to consumer trends.
• Experience in developing communication plans.
• Excellent time management, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think strategically and globally with organizational goals in mind and with minimal supervision, while effectively managing day-to-day communications with an attention to detail.
• Position requires the possession of a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Interpersonal Skills:  Must possess considerable knowledge of back-of-house functions of a dynamic organization centered on public service.  Requires excellent skill in: oral communication and presentations, including one-on-one, small, and large-group settings; and written communications skills. Strongly self-motivated and disciplined to work with minimal supervision.  Able to coordinate and motivate team members. Exemplary skill in establishing and maintaining positive and effective working relations with City officials and employees, community leaders, and constituents.  A service-oriented philosophy and firm belief in the City’s brand is essential.  Multitasking ability is paramount. 

Analytical Ability: Requires acute attention to detail and ability to successfully manage numerous varied tasks simultaneously.  Evidence of ability to organize time and work, and set attainable and measurable goals and objectives.  Ability to problem-solve quickly. Must possess initiative to identify opportunities and use independent thinking skills to propose creative outcomes and solutions.

Working Conditions:  Work is conducted primarily in an office and public space environment including municipal buildings, public parks, and other venues where public activity is occurring.  Occasional exposure to excessive noise. From time to time, evening and weekend work may be necessary to accommodate the activities associated with the duties of the position. Will be required to assist with emergency situations that could potentially arise, due to the nature of municipal work.

Physical Requirements: Occasional moderate physical efforts such as lifting up to 40 pounds, including but not limited to tables, chairs, props and materials; sitting, standing, stooping can be expected in this position. Going on location to gather video content or images will be required.

This is a full-time, non-union, civil service position. Applications will be accepted until May 10th, 2024 at 5:00 PM. The City of Bettendorf is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. The City of Bettendorf complies with American with Disabilities Act.