Summary

Description

Job Description Summary:

OVERVIEW OF ROLE (Parks and Recreation)
Under general supervision, this Communications Program Manager supports the Parks and Recreation Department. The Parks & Recreation Department promotes the health and well-being of the entire Boulder community by collaboratively providing high-quality parks, facilities, and programs.

This position is a member of the Communications and Engagement Department but is embedded in Parks & Recreation.

Job Description:

PARKS AND RECREATION

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs communication oversight as follows: 

• Serves as a member of the city’s Communications & Engagement Department.
• Serves as a communication strategy lead for assigned department, in this case, Parks and Recreation.

Strategic Role

• With support from a Communications Manager, develops annual strategic communication plans for Parks & Recreation to ensure communications goals are achieved and aligned with city goals.
• Implements communication plans for Parks & Recreation and its many programs, regularly evaluating whether the strategies and tactics are achieving the agreed upon goals.
• Understands Parks and Recreation’s mission/services and actively shares them with the community. 
• Is aware of sensitive or political issues and provides communications-related counsel to Parks and Recreation department and project leadership.
• Identifies opportunities for communication connections on cross-departmental and citywide projects.
• Monitors city channels to understand and respond to community sentiment.
• Keeps informed about and implements innovative and useful methods of communication with a focus on trends in social media and external public relations.

Tactical Role

• Creates and maintains department(s)/project messaging across all city communication platforms (web, social media, presentations, print, TV, audio).
• Writes news releases, social media posts, newsletters, brochures, flyers, public service announcements, scripts, talking points and other communications materials.
• May draft responses to correspondence from community members to departmental or city leadership or City Council.
• Helps gather information using surveys and online tools as needed. Assists staff team in synthesizing and summarizing feedback.
• Establishes good working relationships with the media in support of accurate and positive coverage.
• Answers information requests from the media and public and/or works with subject matter experts to ensure timely responses.
• Provides logistical support for media briefings as needed.
• Provides editorial support to ensure written materials reflect the standards of the city.
• Guides and facilitates internal team meetings to achieve alignment and clear understanding of upcoming deliverables and priorities.
• Coordinates paid advertisement placement and purchasing as needed.

Other

• Is on-call 24/7 for response to city and department emergencies, based on a rotating schedule with an annual commitment of at least four (4) weeks and no more than eight (8) weeks a year.
• May need to work some nights or weekends to participate in Parks and Recreation-led or sponsored events.
• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials and equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies, participating in professional trainings and development and adhering to workplace policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to commit to continuous learning and process improvement.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent skill in verbal and written communication and presentation skills with experience in print, web and social media.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and excellent organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines, respond to requests for information in a timely manner and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Ability to demonstrate integrity and trust in dealing with confidential information.
• Ability to manage projects.
• Ability to relate to all levels of city staff to build effective relationships.  
• Ability to resolve issues using own initiative, under minimal supervision, time pressure, and in difficult situations.
• Ability to respond to requests for information in a timely and customer service-oriented manner and to use discretion with confidential information. 
• Ability to work professionally with senior management and staff on external communications.
• Knowledge of and familiarity and comfort with web content management systems as a communications tool.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to deal with ambiguity and effectively cope with change in work plans and priorities.
• Ability to demonstrate experience working in a public-sector setting.
• Ability to provide objective feedback and counsel on communication strategy.
• Ability to strategically anticipate potential outcomes and consequences related to communication and political issues.
• Knowledge of and familiarity and comfort using basic graphic design tools, usually within assigned templates. Ability to take compelling photographs for use in digital and print communications materials.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

• Associate's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, social services or related field; or equivalent of four (4) years’ experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
• Four (4) years of experience in public information, journalism, communications, nonprofit.

SUPERVISON  
Supervision Received: Communications Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 

• Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials. Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to work in an office setting. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions.
• Work Environment: Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. Ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends, as required to engage with community members at times that work best for them.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, calculators and copy/fax machines.

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.