COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

GENERAL SUMMARY

Working under the supervision of the Community Engagement Manager, within the Economic Development Department, the purpose of this position is to perform professional and skilled technical work to support Community Engagement efforts for the City of Bettendorf.

This position is responsible for planning, capturing, and producing high-quality photography, videography, livestreams, and drone imagery that enhance the communication, documentation, and promotional needs of the City of Bettendorf. 

This position is responsible for transporting, setting up, and operating portable video, photography, and audio equipment, as well as troubleshooting and coordinating maintenance of equipment. 

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 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, this position 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

• Administers video and photo production activities by coordinating location, talent, voiceovers, script writing, and music requirements (if necessary).
• Conducts field-based and high-quality 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 digital platforms and communications campaigns.
• Transports, sets up, and operates all equipment, and participates in educational opportunities to learn techniques and skills.
• Troubleshoots and coordinates maintenance of equipment to ensure tools are tested, software is updated, and parts are ordered/installed (if necessary) before production activities.
• When applicable, the Community Engagement Specialist will provide livestreaming of meetings and events where it benefits the City and the City Council.
• When applicable, the Community Engagement Specialist will provide digital/technical support to meetings and events where it benefits the City and City Council.
• Responsible for providing City Departments with research and development initiatives, relative to the City’s history, culture, and other milestones.
• Works to assist all City Departments with the preparation of communications and materials, as well as the preparation and planning of identified City Events.
• 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, 4^th of July, Festival of Trees Parade, ‘Tis the Season, United Way Campaign, City Hall-o-ween, XStream Cleanups, QC Arts Sculpture Program, Be Downtown, etc. 
• Stays current with digital media trends and provides general support and advice on best practices and social media platforms that can best enhance individual departmental goals.

Administration and Financial

• 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 Community Engagement Team.
• 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.
• 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

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

Other

• Serves on City teams and supports departmental planning when necessary to help achieve positive and high-level outcomes.
• 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.
• Other related job duties as assigned.