Marketing and Communications Manager Parks (Concurrent Posting)

JOB SUMMARY:
Oversee all aspects of marketing, public relations, and community engagement. Developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies to promote park facilities, national tournaments, recreational programs, and events. The Marketing and communications manager will take on the primary role of creating, developing, coordinating, and distributing all forms of communication, including but not limited to print, broadcast, and digital media (social and video, Under the guidance of the Parks and Recreation department-strong digital marketing with proven social media content except in recreation or athletics.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Marketing Strategy: Develop and implement strategic marketing plans to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Parks and Recreation Department;
• Attract, Retain, and Motivate Partners: Search for and establish relationships with organizational partners to benefit Ridley Sports Complex, Recreation Programs, and departmental objectives.
• Brand Management: Ensure consistency in branding across all communication channels, including digital platforms, print materials, signage, and promotional merchandise.;
• Public Relations: Cultivate positive relationships with media outlets, stakeholders, and community partners to generate media coverage and press releases highlighting departmental initiatives and achievements;
• Content Creation: Produce engaging and informative content for various mediums, including websites, social media channels, newsletters, and press releases;
• Social Media Management: Manage and maintain active social media accounts to engage with the community, share updates, promote events, and respond to inquiries;
• Community Engagement: Assist with planning and executing outreach activities, community events, and public presentations to foster connections and gather feedback from residents;
• Advertising Campaigns: Coordinate advertising efforts across digital, print, and outdoor channels to attract visitors and participants to park facilities and programs;
• Graphic Design: Oversee the creation of visually appealing graphics, posters, flyers, and other marketing collateral to support promotional efforts;
• Performance Analysis: Track and analyze marketing metrics, including website traffic, social media engagement, and program participation, to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and identify areas for improvement;
• Demonstrates proficiency in social media marketing and digital communications across multiple platforms.
• Excellent knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and other social media management tools like Sprout Social and Co-Schedule.
• Proficiency in Photoshop and InDesign.
• Proficiency in video production.
• Communicates community outreach strategies and events;
• Attends and captures imagery and video content at community events
• Assists with the development, implementation, and monitoring systems and procedures necessary for the smooth operation of the communications/public relations function;
• Stays informed of developments in the fields of marketing, communications, public relations, governance, and the specific projects, events, and happenings of the City and uses this information to help the City operate with initiative and innovation;
• Communicates the Department's position on issues, news, and events quickly and accurately with key stakeholders;

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: Performs other related duties as required.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS: None

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

Principles, procedures, and strategies of electronic and digital communications in a public sector environment;

Social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.;

Content creation for multiple digital platforms

Mobile applications and related technology;

The latest digital marketing trends; customer service, quality, and teamwork concepts;

English grammar usage, spelling, punctuation, and business vocabulary;

Personal computer software, including Microsoft Office;

The City of Columbia's government organization and the community of Columbia;

Exceptional customer service practices and

Policies, procedures, and services of City departments.

Skill in:

Different media formats, such as video production, photography, digital content, social media and podcasts;

Writing headlines and engaging copy for press releases;

Structuring text for easy reading online;

Research, analysis, and the preparation of recommendations to management;

Computer software, including website CRM and CMS, word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications;

Problem-solving and decision-making;

Effective verbal and written communication, both on a one-on-one and group basis;

Making independent judgments and decisions based on standard policies or procedures;

Preparing press releases, making presentations, organizing press conferences, and collaborating with the media; and

Project management and excellent organization.

Ability to:

Manage all media platforms for the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department

Monitor social media and provide creative content that engages customers, users, and visitors;

Define target audiences across all media platforms;

Know and measure what content works and doesn't on social media;

Optimize content and technology;

Create paid digital advertising on various social platforms for brand promotion.

Design collateral for the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department for print and digital advertising.

Present all information accurately and in a readable, professional, and timely manner;

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City of Columbia citizens, businesses, visitors, City employees, management and public officials;

Work independently with frequent interruptions and changing or competing deadlines.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, or Business Administration. Masters preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience in marketing, communications, or public relations is highly preferred. The candidate must also be willing to work flexible hours and times to accomplish goals, objectives, and required tasks. Experience in municipal government is also preferred.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

Operates a motor vehicle requiring a standard Driver's License to travel to various locations to give presentations, attend meetings and community events, and pick up/deliver materials. Operates standard office equipment such as a personal computer (PC), printer, copier, and telephone. Enters data into a PC. Meets scheduling and attendance requirements.

Mental: Plans, creates, organizes, and directs the activities of social media for the Parks and Recreation Department, conducts research, and/or analyzes program-related data to build and increase social media presence. Resolves procedural, operational, and other work-related problems related to areas of responsibility. Acquires knowledge and keeps abreast of trends and new technology through seminars, trade journals, professional organizations, self-study, and training. Produces strong analytical and project management skills, prioritizes multiple projects, meets required deadlines, and handles more than one project simultaneously. Comprehends and makes inferences from written material, including technical documentation related to system hardware and software. Develops and ensures City policies and procedures on digital media are complying.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in the field and office environments. Assignments are performed in the field, with exposure to variations in temperature and humidity; continuous contact with other staff and the public is expected. Long hours exposed to external cold, heat, and natural weather are expected regularly. Irregular hours are expected, including Nights and weekends.