Position Overview
The City of Harrison is seeking an energetic, creative, and community-focused Marketing & Communications Specialist to lead the City's public information, marketing, and community engagement efforts. Serving as a key ambassador for the organization, this position is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications that inform, engage, and connect residents, businesses, visitors, and stakeholders with City programs, services, and initiatives.
This role combines digital marketing, public relations, content creation, brand management, photography and videography, and community outreach. The ideal candidate is an organized and adaptable professional with excellent communication skills, strong visual design abilities, and a passion for public service. This position plays a critical role in strengthening public trust, promoting City initiatives, and enhancing Harrison's brand across all communication channels.
Key Responsibilities
Digital Communications & Social Media
- Manage and grow the City's social media presence through content planning, creation, scheduling, audience engagement, and brand stewardship.
- Capture high-quality photography and videography at City events, meetings, programs, and community activities.
- Design engaging graphics, flyers, presentations, and digital marketing materials using Canva or similar design platforms.
- Monitor, analyze, and report social media and website metrics to evaluate performance and guide communication strategies.
- Maintain and update website content to ensure information is accurate, timely, accessible, and user-friendly.
- Stay informed on emerging communication trends, digital tools, and best practices.
Public Relations & Community Engagement
- Represent the City at community events, ribbon cuttings, public meetings, and outreach initiatives.
- Attend and document City Council meetings, Planning Commission meetings, and other public sessions as assigned.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, elected officials, and media partners.
- Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, public announcements, and official communications.
- Assist in responding to public information requests and community inquiries as needed.
Marketing & Brand Management
- Develop and implement marketing campaigns that promote City services, programs, events, and strategic initiatives.
- Support economic development, tourism, and community engagement efforts through targeted marketing and promotional activities.
- Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and visual identity across all City departments and communication channels.
- Collaborate with departments to identify opportunities for public awareness and engagement.
- Assist with planning, promoting, and executing City-sponsored events and initiatives.
Content Creation & Storytelling
- Create compelling written, visual, and video content that highlights City projects, achievements, services, and community stories.
- Produce newsletters, email campaigns, brochures, and informational materials for residents and stakeholders.
- Capture, edit, and publish photos and videos for use across websites, social media platforms, presentations, and promotional materials.
- Develop content that encourages civic engagement, transparency, and public understanding of City operations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Graphic Design, or a related field preferred.
- Two to five years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, digital media, or a related field.
- Strong graphic design skills and proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design software.
- Experience with photography, videography, and basic video editing.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong storytelling, editing, and content development abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
- Experience with website content management systems, social media platforms, analytics tools, and digital engagement strategies.
- Availability to attend evening and weekend meetings, events, and community functions as needed.
- Valid driver's license preferred.
Work Style & Personal Attributes
- Creative and innovative thinker with a strong eye for design, branding, and visual communication.
- Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to changing priorities and community needs.
- Highly organized, dependable, and detail-oriented with excellent project management skills.
- Comfortable serving as a visible, public-facing representative of the City.
- Strong relationship-builder who works effectively with residents, businesses, community organizations, and City staff.
- Self-motivated professional capable of working independently and collaboratively.
- Passionate about community engagement, public service, and strengthening connections between local government and residents.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in local government, municipal communications, public affairs, or community relations.
- Experience managing social media advertising campaigns and paid digital marketing efforts.
- Familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices for digital communications.
- Experience covering public meetings and government operations.
- Drone photography or videography experience is a plus.
Why Join the City of Harrison?
This is an opportunity to help shape and share the story of a growing, vibrant community. The Marketing & Communications Specialist will play a visible role in connecting residents with their local government, promoting community pride, and enhancing public engagement through creative and impactful communication strategies.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Marketing: 1 year (Required)
- Community engagement: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
