ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Add the Position of COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (1.0 Full Time Employee) to the Budget.
Body
BACKGROUND: The City has been without a point person coordinating communications and marketing since early 2012. Routine communications duties, such as issuing press releases and scheduling media events, have been handled by individuals and various staff at the department level. This dispersion has worked to a certain degree, but the City lacks a coordinated effort at disseminating critical information, managing its media presence and marketing City services. The growth of non-traditional methods of communication requires an even more coordinated approach. An experienced and trained communication professional can help advance the City's strategic goals by keeping citizens and businesses informed and helping the City project a positive image.
The newly created "Communications Specialist" position would be a member of the City Manager's Office and work with the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and department leadership to communicate City issues, policies, and programs to the general public. Efforts would include coordinating traditional media, social media, marketing materials and electronic communication. The position would be responsible for, among other things, the following critical areas:
- Ensures City communication program is designed to keep the public and employees informed through reports, brochures, newsletters, social media, press releases, and various media contacts.
- Advises senior City leadership on strategically communicating issues to the public. Assist with crafting messages to the public.
- Develops new or revised public information programs; promotes positive media relations and community good will through public information programs; speaks to television, radio and print media on behalf of the City.
- Coordinates and orchestrates the City's social media presence.
- Manages content of City website and coordinates with Departments to ensure timely and accurate information is included on their departmental sites.
- Coordinates communications issued by other Departments to ensure consistency and accuracy of message.
- Meets with community groups and individuals on a variety to topics; works with outside organizations to organize neighborhood events.
The full job description is attached.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Human Resources Department has classified this position as being within Management Class 121. In 2014, the entry level salary would be $51,000. The cost adding this position will be offset by salary savings throughout the City from vacancies and the salary difference between exiting employees and their replacements.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: The position is critical to the dissemination of important information to neighborhoods, citizens and businesses.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The position would be advertised immediately and filled as soon as possible.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The position would not be created.
ALTERNATIVES: None.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL'S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office