HomeMy WebLinkAboutDigital Communications SpecialistUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Digital Communications Specialist
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: Communications
Supervisor: Communications Coordinator
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 24
Job Number: 2404
Job Summary
Works under the supervision of the Communications Coordinator in the development and
support of centralized digital communications for the City of Iowa City promoting its services,
projects, policies and events. Responsibilities include content management for the City’s
website, social media, and e-subscription services.
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.
• Manages website and intranet, including writing and integration of content on the site,
file management, data base management, as well as evaluation of links and accessibility.
• Manages the City’s social media sites and implements new digital communications
initiatives for City departments and divisions.
• Offers technical support for problems related to the website and social media sites,
uploads pages to the site and integrates applications into the Internet and Intranet sites.
• Assists City staff with communications needs to help promote City initiatives, including
implementation of public relations programs using website, social media and other
digital mechanisms.
• Assists in development of citywide public surveys and polls.
• Assists in all aspects of digital communications, including the City’s website.
• Writes website content, media releases, intranet articles and social media content to
educate and promote City programs and events.
• Maintains and updates current pages on the internet/intranet.
• Coordinates design implementation with Communications team staff.
• Refreshes website and social media site content to ensure accuracy and timeliness of
information and images.
• Responds to requests from staff for website and social media updates and implements
new approved features.
• Works closely with City staff to increase interactivity on the sites.
• Generates usage and analytic reports as requested by City staff.
• Stays current on the latest trends/developments in web development and social media
functions for government entities.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
• Researches third party solutions and works with vendors on communication efforts.
• 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
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or two years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree and/or
experience in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related.
• Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year experience;
or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and
experience. Spanish proficiency and digital communications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole
numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in
written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to convey City codes, regulations, and policies in a user-friendly fashion.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situations.
• Ability to develop and present innovative alternative solutions using digital
communications tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complete project assignments within
designated timelines.
• Ability to read and understand technical materials and reports.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
• Ability to work directly with a diverse clientele and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to write, edit, organize and work well as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Drupal-based website management, social media posts, and news writing.
• Skill in listening, written and verbal communications, problem solving, and time
management.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).
Supervision
No supervision of direct reports.
Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)
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)
I have read and understand the duties of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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