Job Information
The City of Rochester, MN Communications Coordinator in Rochester, Minnesota
Communications Coordinator
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Communications Coordinator
Salary
$85,306.00 - $125,451.00 Annually
Location
Rochester MN 55906, MN
Job Type
Regular FT
Job Number
20240128
Department
Rochester Public Utilities
Opening Date
10/02/2024
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The City of Rochester invites applications for the position of:Communications Coordinator
Rochester Public Utilities
RPU, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota. RPU serves over 57,000 electric customers and 41,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area and has revenues nearing $161 million annually.
Vision- "We Will Set the Standard for Service"
www.rpu.org
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together
Nature of Work
The Communications Coordinator is a professional level position that serves as Rochester Public Utilities (RPU)’s communications specialist and departmental Public Information Officer (PIO). This role develops, coordinates, and implements strategies between utility employees, customers, stakeholders, the media, other City teammates, and public officials. The Communications Coordinator promotes and provides opportunities for the customers and the public to learn about RPU’s projects, programs, services, and operations, as well as providing creativity and ownership of RPU’s website, newsletter, and social media channels. This position works regularly with the Communications & Engagement division and will be expected to work effectively on a team and independently.
Pay: 2024 salary is $85,451 to $100,361 based on qualifications, with advancement to $125,451.
Schedule: The typical work schedule 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday with evening and weekend work based on the timing of community events. Remote work is available on a hybrid basis.
To have your application considered with the first round of application review, apply before October 17, 2024.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*Community Outreach and Public Relations
Create and maintain RPU’s external communication plans.
Generate content for an array of materials for the public.
Ensure the organization is upholding RPU’s brand through all communication venues.
Assist staff with customer relations.
Facilitate targeted communications with residents, businesses, community organizations, etc.
Assist RPU’s management and subject matter experts in organizing presentations and speaking engagements, including assistance in preparing PowerPoint and development of key messages.
Look for strategic opportunities to communicate RPU’s vision and value, while also strengthening RPU’s overall brand in the community.
Provide media and message training support for RPU’s management and subject matter experts.
Generate and review speeches, newsletters, quotes, opinion editorials, and other types of content.
*Crisis Communications
Create, maintain, and execute RPU’s Crisis Communications Plan, which includes training RPU’s leadership on an annual basis of the protocols.
Advise RPU’s management, Incident Commanders and/or lead teammates regarding communications during public safety crisis and emergencies.
Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) in the emergency operations center for RPU /or the City of Rochester.
Serve as public information officer and department spokesperson at scene of incidents or events when needed, including presenting information to media.
Assist in the creation of a defined protocol for inquiries during a crisis or emergency.
Work closely with the Emergency Management team and other City PIOs, as needed.
Participate in all relevant PIO trainings and exercises.
*Media Relations, including City-wide Public Information Officer Duties
Be the central point of contact for the press and all media inquiries relating to Utilities’ matters.
Drive timely responses in addition to documenting all contacts.
Identify media needs for a story and assist outlets with execution, including planning for news conferences and other events, and appearing on TV, radio, and digital outlets.
Monitor and document news clips including newspapers, TV, radio, and digital outlets.
Distribute press releases, opinion editorials, quotes, background materials, and other content.
Pitch stories and provide background to reporters regarding various RPU activities.
Take and maintain photos and videos for communications and outreach opportunities.
Develop positive relationships with the media (i.e., reporters), elected officials, community representatives and other communication professionals.
*Digital Support/Use of Social Media
Create, post and monitor, content for RPU’s various social media platforms, which may include writing, editing, and designing.
Review, maintain, design, and update RPU’s external web pages along with RPU’s internal website.
Coordinate the regular review of all web pages, designs, and features of the website and actively look for ways to improve RPU’s digital presence through web page upgrades and emerging social media networks.
Work with web hosting vendor.
*Issue Management
Monitor, prioritize, and proactively address public policy and reputation issues that could affect RPU’s overall brand and credibility.
Spearhead message development and anticipate potential public relations challenges.
Coordinate communication strategies with RPU’s Director of Customer Relations and management.
*Staff Communications and Marketing
Manage the dissemination of teammate email and updates, when needed.
Maintain and update internal TV ads and educational items.
Develop and implement an internal communications plan.
Collaborate with Utility Programs and Services teammates on marketing materials, ad design, and graphics.
Lead the residential quarterly surveys, as well as ad hoc commercial surveys, and report on findings and trends.
Participate and assist in organizing marketing events which may include, but not limited to, Arbor Day, Safe City Nights, RAB Home Show, special meetings, and Electrify Rochester.
Present on various programs and services when called upon.
Develop and maintain relationships with advertising vendors and have awareness of the advertising channels and mediums to provide internal advice as needed.
*Perform other duties as required.
*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Business, Marketing, or closely related field from a recognized university AND three (3) years of related experience in a public relations/communications position.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Valid driver's license
Desirable Qualifications
Masters degree and three to five years of related experience with additional courses in, public speaking, advertising, marketing, graphic design, media, and public relations.
Public sector experience.
If this work interests you but you are unsure if you meet all the job requirements listed above, please apply anyway! Your experience is likely more applicable to the role than you think, and the City is interested in candidates who can bring not only technical expertise but a variety of lived experience to the team.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (https://www.rochestermn.gov/home/showdocument?id=36371&t=637988555643816877)
01
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
Yes
No
02
What is your preferred name?
03
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
Completion of a 2 year program or degree
Completion of a 4 year program or degree
Completion of a Master's degree or higher
None of the above
04
Other than your High School diploma/GED, which of the following best describes the field of study for your degree?
Marketing
Communications
Public Relations
Journalism
Digital Media
A field of study closely related to the above
My degree is in an area NOT RELATED to any of the above
N/A - I do not have a degree
05
Which of the following best describes your years of work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, community engagement, or related field?
No experience
Less than 1 year
More than 1 year, but less than 3
More than 3 years, but less than 5
More than 5 years, but less than 7
More than 7 years, but less than 10
More than 10 years
06
Tell us how your professional, educational and lived experiences would help you be successful in this role.
07
Which of the following best describes the setting where you gained your work experience in public relations, community engagement, or marketing?
Music or arts organization
Business/Corporation
Government
Education
Non-profit
Medical
N/A – None of the above
08
Which of the following best describes your overall skill level with social media marketing as part of your job?
No experience
Beginner - I have 1-3 years of experience
Intermediate - I have 4-6 years of experience
Advanced - I have 6+ years of experience
09
Which of the following best describes your experience with media relations, publications, and advertising outlets?
No experience
Less than 1 year
More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
More than 5 years
10
Please indicate the current versions of software that you are PROFICIENT in using: (select all that apply)
Microsoft Office Publisher
Microsoft Office Excel
Microsoft Office PowerPoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Planner, SmartSheets, or similar planning tool
Canva
Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar email marketing and analytics tool
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
None of the above
11
Do you have experience working with diverse populations and/or individuals with backgrounds different than your own?
Yes, I have extensive experience in this area.
Yes, I have limited experience in this area.
No, I do not have experience in this area.
12
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
13
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
City of Rochester
Address
201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904
Phone
(507) 328-2555
Website
https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment
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