Communications Officer

Job Description

The Communications Officer is responsible for supporting communication efforts led by the Communications Strategist for the Administration Department and for the City of Bismarck. This role involves creating, coordinating and distributing clear and effective messaging across a variety of platforms that aligns with the organization’s strategic plan, strategic communications plan and achieves communication initiatives. The work completed enhances the public image of the City of Bismarck Municipal Government and is intended to both inform and engage its 15 departments, as well as the community’s citizens, media, visitors and other stakeholders.

Examples of Duties

• Assist in the development and implementation of communication strategies and campaigns.
• Prepare and edit communications, documents and presentations on behalf of the City Commission, the Administration Department, or other departments of the City of Bismarck, to further the communications vision for the City and aid in dealings with state legislative and executive officers, federal administrative agencies and officials, officers of local governments, schools and community groups.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity, tact and diplomacy in public contact.
• Assist in the management of social media and website content for the City of Bismarck.
• Serve as a supporting liaison between the City of Bismarck and news media, answers inquiries and coordinates or participates in interviews. Proactively develops and manages relationships with local, regional and national media professionals. This includes pitching stories, managing media contacts, responding appropriately to media inquiries and assisting City departments through coordination with media, preparation of talking points/messaging, and other support under the direction of the City’s Communication Strategist.
• Support Emergency Services Departments during emergencies to produce clear, effective and timely communications under the direction of the City’s Communication Strategist. Serves as a backup Administrative Public Information Officer and media spokesperson as directed.
• Assist in ongoing evaluation and support of emergency and/or crisis communication plans as requested.
• Compiles City data to support the goals and objectives of City Commissioners and departments.
• Produce metrics and data summaries to promote projects, services and events, as well as direct public inquiries to appropriate departments and City information sources.
• Assist with internal City communication efforts, as well as providing content for external publications. Communications Officer, Administration
• Maintain working relationships with other professionals in the field; attend local and statewide meetings.
• Performs related work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures, while articulating the City’s mission, vision, and values.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing and communication skills.
• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Dakota, for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to further education through online courses through applicable entities (FEMA, TEEX, EMI, CDP, etc.)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with municipal government operations is preferred.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of public communication relations principles, techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of writing and editing techniques for a variety of platforms.
• Knowledge of journalism principles and practices.
• Knowledge of modern office principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of government, the context in which the City operates, and the roles of City Commissioners and staff in this environment.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suites, Canva, etc.).
• Knowledge of graphic design and multimedia content.
• Knowledge of website administration, content management, and social media management principles.
• Knowledge of crisis communication strategies.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of problem-solving, prioritization, organization and planning tactics.
• Knowledge of interpersonal relations best practices.
• Knowledge of oral and written communication and presentation best practices.