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City of Kirkland, WA

Communications Program Coordinator - Public Safety

City of Kirkland, WA, Kirkland, Washington, United States, 98034


Salary:

$101,568.36 - $119,488.77 Annually

Location:

Kirkland, WA

Job Type:

Full-Time

Job Number:

202100496

Location:

City Manager's Office

Opening Date:

08/14/2024

Closing Date:

Continuous

FLSA:

Exempt

Bargaining Unit:

AFSCME

Job SummaryThe Communications Program Coordinator plans and implements community relations activities for the City of Kirkland's City Manager's Office under the direction of the Communications Program Manager; develops and presents accurate, timely, and accessible information about the City; and promotes public awareness of City programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide information and education about public safety programs such as: CPR training, firearm safety, crime prevention, Community Police Academy, pet licensing, Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, fire prevention, smoke and CO2 detector best practices, emergency preparedness, and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team).

Develop and implement key information strategies to build upon and continue to improve the community's relationship with the Kirkland Fire Department and the Kirkland Police Department.

Support communications with general public and media resources during emergency events; may serve as City spokesperson to provide public information related to urgent public safety situations.

Coordinate outreach programs and assist with community meetings, focus groups, social media, and press releases.

Plan and implement Public Information Office (PIO) activities for the City under the direction of the Communications Program Manager, including community relations, media relations, public relations, and marketing; exercise independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluate and analyze issues and recommend solutions; provide support for the development of PIO strategies, internal policies, and priorities.

Support the development of information and public statements to assure that the City's key messages reach the internal and external customers; assist in writing, editing, and disseminating press releases, newsletters, bulletins, information packages, and public service announcements.

Assist in the development of media strategies for City programs and departments; support media placements, media relations, and management of the City website; assist in responding to inquiries from news media and City departments.

Under the direction of the Communications Program Manager, design, develop, and edit public communications and promotional materials utilizing a variety of media; attend meetings to collect information and encourage effective communications; maintain program records and files; prepare special and recurring reports.

Compose communications on a wide variety of subjects requiring knowledge of City procedures and policies; create media articles, technical documents, special reports, and other communications.

Conduct and coordinate assigned projects, research studies, surveys, and special events; analyze and interpret data and communicate results.

Support the relationship between the City of Kirkland and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and City staff; promote City goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

Maintain and enforce confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information; monitor staff compliance to security procedures and privacy laws, policies, and guidelines; perform related duties as required or assigned.

Peripheral Duties

Serves as backup Public Information Officer during emergencies and disasters working within the City's Emergency Operations Plan.

Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of:

City policies and procedures.

Best practices of public relations, media relations, communications, promotional and marketing methods and techniques.

Associated Press (AP) Style and professional journalistic methods, including research and publication.

Major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor.

Newsletter, advertisement, brochure, and press release development techniques.

Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for public sector employees.

Project planning and management principles.

Skilled in:

Using computer software and applications related to desktop publishing, presentations, photography, graphic design and social media.

Writing and editing, at the expert-level.

Ability to:

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Work with the media, write press releases and serve as media point-of-contact/spokesperson.

Speak with large groups of people.

Work with a diverse community and sensitivity to issues of equity and social justice.

Outreach to communities traditionally underrepresented in civic life.

Manage time and meet strict deadlines to complete projects and assignments.

QualificationsMinimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience, preferably within the public sector.

Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and other requirements:

Must obtain ACCESS Certification within six months of hire.

OtherMachine, Tools and Equipment Used:

Work involves computer use and audio/visual equipment (such as digital photo and video cameras).

Physical Demands:

Work involves computer use, and occasional lifting of objects up to 50 pounds such as audio-visual equipment and tables.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting and at other public settings for community meetings or field situations (i.e., in buildings, outside, sitting, or standing, etc.). May be required to attend evening and weekend meetings.

Selection ProcessPosition requires a resume and cover letter (letter of interest) for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. This position is open until filled, however, the first review of applications will be on the 15th day of initial posting.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf 425-587-3111.

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