Communications Intern

Under the general direction of the Community Engagement Coordinator I, this position is responsible for assisting with the planning, development and implementation of communication plans and strategies to provide information in a way that aligns with the City's vision, mission, values, goals and objectives. Incumbents in this classification undergo regular review and supervision and primarily assist higher-level employees. Within the framework of the City’s long-term strategic goals, incumbent will assist the higher-level Communications Coordinator positions in developing and managing the City’s communications strategy. This position also will collaborate with the Multimedia division to assist in the creation of communication and marketing collateral for the following platforms: video production, television programming, writing, web, photography, and social or print media.

Work is characterized by a substantial amount of routine and entry-level administrative duties. The Communications Intern position is focused on supporting global, City-wide communication efforts for internal and external audiences and using their specialized knowledge and expertise to create a work product via various platforms (video, social media, etc.) that effectively communicate the intended message of the program or project. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with the City’s external and internal communications efforts; and assisting with the development of communication strategies for the City.

Work is performed under continuous direction. The supervisor provides the incumbent with assignments, qualities and quantity of the work expected, deadlines and priority of assignments. Incumbent will carry out recurring assignments independently but will refer deviations from procedures to supervisor for guidance.  Work may be reviewed for fulfillment of program objectives and conformance with departmental policy, practice and/or objective.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist the Communications Coordinator I with the City’s external and internal communication efforts and help provide public, government and media relations to promote Citywide issues, initiatives and/or events, utilizing the Communications Team and Multimedia staff as resources.

Assist with the development and management of the annual editorial and marketing calendars. This would include weekly social media features, media releases for regularly occurring events, etc. as well as writing the mayor's letter for the Parks & Rec guide, Kent Reporter Resident's guide, etc.

Assist with the development and production of a wide range of inward and outward-facing communication and marketing collateral, conforming with internal style guides and standards.

Collaborate with a variety of internal staff and external contacts from the media, business community, local and regional elected officials to help develop engaging content like scripts for videos, taglines and stories for social media, etc.

Assist in the identification of communications needs and issues.

Assist with the compilation and editing of the City’s monthly Scene newsletter.

Assist in the creation and promotion of branded campaigns to further City priorities and initiatives.

Handle resident complaints via email, phone, social media, etc. and either address them or forward to proper Department for response.

Work closely with Multimedia staff to ensure accuracy, quality, timely and effective communication materials.

Track media coverage to assess areas of public interest and recommend and implement changes to counter negative coverage.

Track metrics of media releases for future decision-making purposes.

Establish and maintain positive, supportive and collaborative working relationships with the public, the media, community leaders, local school districts, businesses other governmental agencies, civic organizations and other community groups.

Attend community meetings and events, as needed, such as City Council and City Council Committee meetings. Meetings and events may occur in the evenings and on weekends.

Actively support the vision, mission, values and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• City of Kent’s organization, operations, goals and objectives

• Social media marketing

• Local, regional, state and federal governmental organizations and functions

• Principles and practices of public relations, media relations, public speaking, community relations, government relations, economic development, public information, marketing and advertising

• Basic research methods to include public opinion research techniques and public involvement strategies

• Project planning, organization and coordination

• Modern office practices, procedures, technology and equipment

• Methods, principles and practices of effective conflict resolution

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including a varied vocabulary and the proper usage of English and grammar, spelling and punctuation rules

• The ability to work under pressure with short deadlines and to communicate in a tactful, patient and courteous manner

• Basic research, analysis and composition of stories, reports, research papers and other documents to clearly communicate information to the intended audience

• Prioritization and management of multiple, concurrent projects and tasks

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff. Effectively work both independently and within a team environment. Contribute openly, listen, disagree with respect, understand and acknowledge the ideas of others, work toward consensus, solicit cooperation and resolve conflict

• Work independently and make decisions when given defined guidelines

• Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse occupational and social-economic backgrounds

• Maintain confidentiality

• Ability to respond in a timely and effective manner to the common inquiries or complaints from personnel, outside agencies or the general public

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Graduation from high school supplemented by one (1) year of advanced study in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Political Science or a related field; and

Experience: One (1) year of experience that involves the preparation and distribution of public information materials for a public entity or large organization.

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 perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

LICENSES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Bilingual capabilities desired, but not required

• Completion of position relevant background check

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment will be used including, but not limited to, a personal computer, telephone, smartphone, fax and copy machine, camera, calculator and projector. The incumbent should be familiar with MS Office products including Word and Excel, familiarity with content management systems, and have a working knowledge of e-mail programs and the Internet. Familiarity with media equipment and related software and applications is desired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear; frequently required to walk and use hands to finger, feel or handle writing utensils and office supplies; occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms; and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is typically performed in an office environment but will also extend to off-site meetings and events. The incumbent will work with and encounter a variety of individuals with different political agendas, goals and objectives, levels of expertise and temperaments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Temporary employees with the City of Kent do not receive insurance or time off benefits outside of those which are legally mandated. In certain instances, temporary employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the State of Washington’s Department of Retirement Systems.