We are seeking an experienced Communication & Public Relations Program Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, be flexible and have a good sense of humor. Bilingual skills always a plus!
About Happy Valley:
Happy Valley is known for Its wonderful neighborhoods that have an abundance of parks, open spaces, and meandering trails. Our residents take great pride in the community and come together throughout the years at an annual Fun Run, summer concert series, 4th of July Festival, Harvest Fest, Tree lighting and many other community-driven events. As the community grows, we're building a city where family-friendly neighborhoods meet a world-class economy. Happy Valley's business community is rapidly emerging, creating vibrant centers throughout town.
Happy Valley is looking to the future. Once a small community in as recently as the early 2000s, the City has rapidly developed toward being a medium-sized City for the Clackamas County area and there is a lot changing in the community and in our organization. Happy Valley has the vision and heart to be a leader in the region.
As an employer, the City of Happy Valley strives to provide a collaborative working environment that allows access to all city employees, across all departments. We maintain a current technological platform for our staff to provide the most efficient services to our residents and business owners.
Come and join us as we serve this great community together!
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under limited supervision of the Assistant City Manager, provides strategic guidance on city-wide communications. Assumes responsibility for the timely composition and distribution of published information regarding events, news, ballot measures, and other city-related activities to Happy Valley citizens and the public via City newsletters, press releases, website and social media postings.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Communication & Public Relations Program Manager is distinguished from the Community Engagement Specialist by performing city-wide communications and coordinating the overarching voice of city messaging.
The Communication & Public Relations Program Manager will work to establish a community relationship and effectively communicate informational and urgent issues to the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Any one position in this class may not perform all the duties listed below, nor do the listed examples of duties include all similar and related duties that may be assigned to this class.
•Provide strategic guidance on city-wide communications.
•Promote City news and messages through timely and effective use of the City’s social media outlets. Monitor social media accounts; respond, create posts and escalate concerns stemming from messages both during and outside regular work hours.
•Communicate with local media as the Public Information Officer for the City, create media messaging and respond to local media requests.
•Community relations; perform the duties of City Spokesperson. Respond to community concerns and provide assistance or coordinate with City staff on responses.
•Promote the City through the annual magazine and City social media accounts. Maintain and meet production deadlines with the City’s publishing partners to oversee the inclusion of articles regarding City news in the monthly newsletter, as well as those of partnering agencies and the business community.
•Coordinate the Core Communications Group; set agendas, annual goals and new media ideas.
•Work with City staff to build messaging, update and problem solve webpages and social media accounts.
•Design and production of advertising flyers, posters and event promotion to publicize special events and activities for the City and its business sponsors, facilitating the City’s intent and message through established styles and format. Create, edit and setup scripts for City video productions.
•Provide final review for messaging to the public and outside agencies.
•Coordinate and manage all social media accounts; HV City, Parks and Recreation, Youth Council, Library, HV Police.
•Maintain and update the City and HV Police websites, social media and public messaging pertaining to all City news releases, community event information and other departmental requests.
•Coordinate with outside agencies on public information.
•Maintain a positive relationship with NCSD; coordinate principal meetings; attend PTA/PTO meetings and/or other school activities and events when necessary.
•Develop communication strategies and messaging for City initiated ballot measures.
•Assist Human Resources to develop graphics, assist with internal staff communications and manage the City’s intranet content.
•Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the workplace, business community and other governmental entities to further the goals of the department and the City.
•Attend City events as needed to provide photography, general assistance and chronicle event activities for subsequent written news articles, social media posts and recaps.
•Attend meetings of the City Council, advisory committees, Homeowner Association, Parent Teacher Association/Organizations, neighborhood groups, and other civic organizations as necessary.
•Assist and support the City to identify and provide services to all members of the community and remove barriers to those services.
•Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:•Methods, techniques, and trends for creating accessible effective media and public relations materials.
•Principles and practices of public information, community outreach, marketing, and administration related to intergovernmental relations and strategic planning.
•Social media platforms and website use and management.
•Local regulations, codes, statutes, procedures, and policies as applicable to City communications operations.
•Basic functions of public agencies, including the role and responsibilities of a public entity.
•Computer equipment and uses of word processing, publishing, spreadsheet, web-design, graphics, database and other software.
•Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person, in writing and over the telephone.
•Office administrative practices and procedures, including recordkeeping and filing practices and procedures.
•Principles and practices of sound business communication; proper English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Ability to:
•Write and produce accessible and effective public announcements and event- related promotional materials.
•Write and produce effective educational communications regarding City initiated ballot measures.
•Effectively partner with external community based and government agencies.
•Clearly and accurately interpret documents, policies, and procedures.
•Effectively communicate accurate information both orally and in writing.
•Interact tactfully and effectively with the public in stressful and potentially confrontational situations.
•Make decisions based on regulations and established policies and procedures.
•Work independently, quickly, and accurately with close attention to detail in an atmosphere of frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
•Maintain confidentiality.
•Operate a computer and word processing software, camera, mobile devices and other standard office equipment.
•Manage multiple and rapidly changing priorities.
•Organize, set priorities and utilize sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
•Compose correspondence, prepare documents and make arrangements from brief instructions.
•Prepare clear, accurate and concise communications for the public.
•Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
•Comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communication in a clear, concise, and understandable manner to intended audiences.
•Work collaboratively with people from all backgrounds.
Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or Public Relations and minimum of two years of performing increasingly responsible similar work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:•A valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required. Incumbent(s) must also possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.
•Requires Microsoft Office proficiency.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
•Works both in the field and office.
•May work in adverse or inclement weather conditions.
•Works under tight and/or conflicting deadlines and priorities.
•Requires the ability to perform efficiently and effectively under pressure.
•Occasionally deals with distraught or difficult individuals.
•This position requires mobility, daily walking, reaching, standing, talking, hearing and seeing. May be required to stand for long periods of time, up to full length of shift; walk over rough terrain, up and down inclines, stairs, on paved and unpaved surfaces, and over long distances.
•Occasionally lifts and moves heavy objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
•Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 90% of the work period while operating equipment such as computers, camera, mobile devices and other standard office equipment.
•This position requires a variable schedule at times to accommodate meetings and events on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Reasonable accommodations will be evaluated on an individual basis and depend, in part, on the specific requirement for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the City to accommodate the limitation.
Pre-Employment Requirements
How to Apply
To be considered for this employment opportunity you must complete the online application and submit:
Any offer of employment would be contingent upon a criminal background check, driving record check and positive references. Happy Valley is an equal opportunity and at will employer.
The City of Happy Valley provides Veteran's Preference to those candidates that identify themselves as a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces and provides a legible copy of their DD214 or DD215, and Veteran Affairs letter of disability if applicable, with their application materials.
Please send questions about this position or selection process to Ivy Markesino, Human Resources Director at 503-886-8426 or imarkesino@happyvalleyor.gov
Full-Time Employee Benefit Package
•Full family medical, vision, and dental coverage, with an employee cost share of only 5% of the monthly premium. Employees are provided options for medical and dental plans.
•Long-term disability up to 50% or $5,000/month.
•Life insurance in the amount of $50, 000 and the ability to purchase up to $300,000 under a group rate.
•HRA VEBA monthly contribution.
•PERS member, with the 6% employee contribution paid by the City.
•Oregon Paid Leave contribution paid by the City.
•Deferred Compensation 457 Plan available for employee contributions.
•Comp Banks, giving employees the ability to earn time off in lieu of overtime pay.
•Sick Leave accrued up to 8 hours per month.
•Vacation time, starting at 96 hours per year.
•Monthly Gym membership to one of two local gyms or monthly fitness stipend.
•Wellness activities and monthly incentive opportunities.
•Employee Assistance Program
•Cell phone stipend for positions that require the use of a cell phone.
•Annual/Bi-Annual Boot & Raingear allowance for positions that require the regular use of protective footgear or raingear.
•City vehicles available for business use, employees do not have to drive their own vehicles.
•Education benefits of $5,000 available to employees every 10 years.
•Ongoing training and career development course provided upon request.
•Several voluntary employee benefits available (FSA accounts, Short term disability, Identity Protection, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Legal Shield, etc.)
Happy Valley, OR
Full-time
$79,144-$102,315
