The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCommunications CoordinatorUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Communications Coordinator Department: City Manager’s Oﬃce Division: Communications Supervisor: City Manager FLSA: Exempt Civil Service: No Pay Grade: 30 Job Number: 3020 Job Summary Develops and coordinates the execution of a communication strategy for the City. Works with City Departments to create eﬀective and well-coordinated messages that promote awareness of City services, projects, policies and events. Continually evaluates City communications and actively pursues mechanisms and technologies that enhance such eﬀorts. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Coordinates City communications, outreach, and engagement eﬀorts including diversity, equity, and inclusion; develops public messaging in cooperation with other City Departments; determines appropriate communications means to disseminate such messages. • Manages all external communication including City Channel 4, digital content, social media, design and messaging, electronic communications including the City website; and internal communication including email, employee newsletter, intranet content. • Develops strategic marketing plans, ensures ADA compliance and provides DEI guidance for inclusive messaging. • Monitors and schedules work ﬂow; monitors completed work for accuracy and quality. • Maintains editorial and graphic standards for public information, assuring eﬀectiveness, clarity and high quality. • Creates communication pieces such as website content, press releases, brochures, advertisements and newsletters. • Supports City staﬀ with communication needs including developing talking points, speeches and presentations; coordinates media and customer service training for select City staﬀ. • Develops and implements citywide resident surveys and polls. • Ensures excellent customer service through front desk staﬃng and response to general resident inquiries. • Develops and maintains media relations and serves as a contact for general media inquiries. • Arranges press conferences and other special events as directed. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Assesses internal communication needs; facilitates an environment that encourages interdepartmental cooperation. • Coordinates with outside vendors and service providers, as needed. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs all other related duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and three to ﬁve years of related experience; or seven to nine years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Communication, Marketing, or related ﬁeld. • Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and six years of related experience; or ten years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a diverse organization and municipal government operations. Supervisory experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to calculate ﬁgures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages. • Ability to deﬁne problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret computer and software materials and manuals, common trade journals, ﬁnancial reports, and legal documents. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to respond eﬀectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. • Ability to write communications materials using original or innovative techniques or style. • Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. • Knowledge of principles of oﬃce management and computer hardware, software, and network operation. • Skill in graphic design and web content management. • Skill in oral and written communication, public speaking, negotiation, and personnel management. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Oﬃce – Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint), Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat is a plus. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Supervision Assists with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a program function or unit for the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an oﬃce setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and signiﬁcant work pace pressure. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Geoﬀ Fruin, City Manager (4/2024) Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________