Overview

Communications & Media Specialist – Parks & Recreation Jobs in McKinney, TX at City of McKinney

Title: Communications & Media Specialist – Parks & Recreation

Company: City of McKinney

Location: McKinney, TX

Summary

Typical Hiring Range

$61,383.04 – $76,240.48 Annually

$29.51 – $36.65 Hourly

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY

Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful

difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of

one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA

list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live,

and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.

OUR CORE VALUES

City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and

support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity,

Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and

support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by

our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high

performance organization.

Summary Of Position

Under general direction of Chief Communications & Marketing Officer and/or a Communications &

Marketing Department Manager, and working closely with the Communications and Marketing team

members and departmental subject matter experts, the Communications and Media Specialist position

plays an integral role in helping the city execute its strategic communications and marketing plan

to communicate with its various internal and external audiences both to broaden McKinney’s brand

and image outside the community, and to educate and communicate with residents and other local

constituents. This position is for a well-rounded communication professional with a strong overall

communication and writing background, with experience in all forms of digital media (social, video,

web) as well as print materials, media relations, marketing, internal communication, and crisis

communication.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to

live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.

  • Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and city goals are

interconnected.

  • Contribute to a positive work culture.
  • Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
  • Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
  • Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall

organization.

  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a

fair share of team responsibilities.

  • Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training

opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.

Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Plays a key role in the Communications and Marketing team, with the mission of implementing the

Strategic Communications and Marketing plan, serving as a central resource for information from

an overarching city and community perspective.

  • Communicates with a variety of constituent audiences, broaden McKinney’s image, expand the

collective brand, and instill confidence in our community.

  • Fosters positive interaction between city government and the people it serves.
  • Plans communications outreach and project-based marketing plans.
  • Builds strong relationships – Adept at communicating with team members at all levels of the

organization to gather information and build communications content.

  • Works collaboratively within cross-functional teams and with external partners to share information

effectively.

  • Responds to citizen inquiries.
  • Record results and progress of communications activities to determine effectiveness.
  • Proofreads materials for accuracy and quality.
  • Prepares applications for various national, state, and local awards and other programs.
  • Coordinates annual city awards and other special events as required.
  • Represents the city on various working task forces, committees, and boards.
  • Works on newsletters, websites, and all digital communication channels.
  • Manages and writes content for communications collateral including newsletters, flyers, brochures

and digital graphics.

  • Works on special marketing projects and events.
  • Performs related work as required.
  • Complies with all written city policies and procedures.
  • Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and

procedures.

  • Maintains availability to work after regular work hours/weekends as events, meetings and program

needs dictate.

Other Job Functions

  • Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Behaviors

  • Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence

(R.I.S.E.).

  • Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom

service is provided.

  • Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
  • Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
  • Proficient in AP style.
  • Strong proofreading skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to convey complex information in a way that is relevant, and in plain but compelling language.
  • Thorough knowledge of integrated communications strategies.
  • Strong project management skills and a comfort level working in a fast-paced, demanding

environment, juggling multiple projects concurrently and thoroughly.

  • Detailed, deadline oriented with a focus on quality and exceptional writing skills a must.
  • Flexibility, enthusiasm, creativity, professionalism, diplomacy, and extreme attention to detail are

essential.

  • Ability to work within cross-functional teams and with external partners to share information

effectively.

  • Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
  • Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change and stress.
  • Experienced in developing communications plans.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Experienced in managing complex projects on strategy and within budget.
  • Have a passion for excellence and get truly excited about helping the city in its strategic

communications and marketing endeavors.

  • The right candidate will have high standards and appreciate working for an organization that values

quality, innovation, and value for the taxpayer’s dollar.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and other day to day business programs.

Required Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum

Qualifications May Be An Acceptable Substitute.

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or closely related field;

supplemented by three (3) years previous experience in local government or a corporate

communication environment that includes public relations, communications, journalism, writing, or

marketing; or an equivalent combination of training, experience, or education.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with basic graphic design principles, web CMS, video production, Sprout Social and

Mailchimp is a plus, in addition to a well-rounded communications background.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Must pass a drug screen and background check.
  • Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Demands/Supplemental

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently (over 2/3 of the time) required to listen,

talk, sit, and work on the computer. The employee is (between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time) required to stand

and walk. The employee is rarely (under 1/3 of the time) required to reach, touch, handle or feel objects,

and lift and/or exert force up to ten (10) pounds. Close vision and color vision are special vision

requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

There is limited exposure to environmental conditions. Candidate must be comfortable working in a fastpaced,

dynamic environment.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of

preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,

and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other

job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment

agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification

to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace

and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital

status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

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