This mid-level professional position is responsible for independently planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive communication, marketing, media relations, and public engagement initiatives for the City of Kaufman and the Kaufman Economic Development Corporation (KEDC). The specialist advises City departments and KEDC staff on communication strategy, messaging, branding, digital engagement, marketing, advertising, and public outreach. The role involves managing projects from concept through completion, administering digital and print communication platforms, developing strategic content, coordinating media relations, and supporting economic development initiatives.
Responsibilities
Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate City-wide marketing, branding, and both internal/external communication strategies and campaigns
Determine appropriate communication methods, audiences, timing, and messaging based on organizational goals and community needs
Serve as a communications resource and advisor to City departments and KEDC staff
Evaluate communication opportunities and challenges, recommend strategies and solutions, and coordinate implementation across multiple departments and initiatives, including emergency and time-sensitive public information
Independently develop, create, edit, schedule, and manage website and social media content, branding, campaigns, and programming
Identify stories and content opportunities; research audience preferences and emerging platforms; and determine appropriate content formats and distribution methods
Administer the City
Administer KEDC's websites and serve as a primary content editor
Establish and coordinate content priorities with departments and evaluate content for accuracy, relevance, consistency, accessibility, and compliance with applicable City standards and requirements
Research, develop, implement, and evaluate public engagement and outreach strategies
Recommend approaches to strengthen relationships with target audiences, improve public understanding, and encourage citizen participation
Develop and oversee the production of advertisements, brochures, flyers, presentations, digital graphics, reports, and other promotional materials for City departments and KEDC, ensuring consistency with established branding and communication objectives
Track, analyze, and interpret digital communication performance metrics, audience engagement data, campaign results, and other relevant information
Prepare recommendations and adjust communication strategies to improve effectiveness and reach
Plan and coordinate photography and videography needs for City and KEDC communications
Determine appropriate visual content and maintain or organize communication assets as needed
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Coordinate and prepare KEDC business prospect requests for information (RFI) responses and available commercial sites
Support KEDC business development and retention initiatives, including targeted prospect outreach, marketing initiatives, trade shows, downtown business needs, and related economic development activities
Serve as a point of contact for routine media relations
Evaluate media inquiries and communication needs, draft and distribute press releases and responses, and coordinate sensitive, high-profile, policy-related, or legally significant matters with executive staff
Participate in professional organizations, trainings, conferences, webinars, and industry groups
Evaluate emerging communications, marketing, public engagement, and technology practices and recommend appropriate applications for the City
Perform incidental administrative tasks associated with assigned professional responsibilities, including maintaining records, budgeting, preparing reports, coordinating meetings, and managing project documentation
Follow City policies, procedures, records requirements, safety guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations
Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the general purpose and level of responsibility of the position
Exercise discretion and independent judgment in evaluating communication needs and determining appropriate strategies, messages, audiences, platforms, priorities, and methods of execution within established City policies and objectives
Manage multiple projects and competing priorities with limited day-to-day supervision and determine the appropriate course of action for routine and moderately complex communication matters
Provide recommendations to department leadership and KEDC staff regarding public communication, marketing, branding, engagement, and media-related issues
Identify matters requiring executive, legal, or policy review and appropriately escalate sensitive, high-profile, policy-related, or legally significant issues
Requirements
Bachelor
Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, digital media, public engagement, or a related field preferred
Experience developing communication or marketing plans, media relations materials, digital content, photography/videography, website content, and social media campaigns, and branding
Experience with Microsoft Office products, virtual meeting applications, website content management systems, social media platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite or comparable design tools
Graphic design experience preferred
Municipal government, public-sector, or economic development marketing/communications experience preferred
Knowledge of professional principles and practices of strategic communications, public relations, marketing, branding, digital communications, media relations, and public engagement
Ability to independently analyze communication needs, identify alternatives, exercise sound judgment, and recommend and implement effective communication strategies
Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, grammar, spelling, and presentation skills with the ability to adapt tone and content for different audiences and platforms
Ability to manage complex projects, establish priorities, coordinate multiple stakeholders, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing or time-sensitive circumstances
Ability to interpret data and communication metrics, identify trends, and use findings to make recommendations and improve communication effectiveness
Ability to establish effective working relationships with elected/appointed officials, executive staff, employees, KEDC representatives, media, community partners, businesses, vendors, and the public while maintaining professionalism and appropriate confidentiality
Working knowledge of website accessibility, digital content standards, public records considerations, and governmental communication practices appropriate to assigned responsibilities
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven public-service environment
Proficiency in the English language, including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding; basic rules of writing, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Any level of English/Spanish bilingual proficiency and ability to translate a plus
Important Details
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment, with periodic work at City facilities, community events, meetings, and outdoor locations
Position may require occasional evening, weekend, emergency, or time-sensitive work associated with City meetings, events, media needs, or public information responsibilities
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift and carry up to 15 pounds at times
