Oak Forest To Hire Communications Coordinator

OAK FOREST, IL — The City of Oak Forest is looking to hire a communications coordinator to assist in handling marketing and public information for the city. The position is full-time.

According to the job posting, the coordinator is responsible for the dissemination of public information to the community through marketing services and social media programs to residents, businesses and the public. The Coordinator also plans and markets special events of the City. The position receives general administrative direction from the Economic and Community Development Director, City Administrator and Mayor, the job description states.

The role is primarily responsible for providing the public with information regarding city programs and services. This is done by using electronics, print and social media. The Coordinator also works with departments and stakeholders of the community to coordinate and market special events, and the position is also responsible for developing informational brochures and other materials specifically targeted to particular groups of citizens in the city.

According to the job positing, essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages several aspects of the City’s communication program, including newsletter production, the city website, social media, marketing program and other public information.
• Coordinate special events, community input sessions, intergovernmental meetings, and other similar events.
• Coordinate the production of the municipal calendar and periodic special publications, which includes soliciting information, preparing edits, designing layouts of articles and feature pages, taking photographs, and revising drafts based upon input from the Economic and Community Development Director, City Administrator, Mayor and staff.
• Coordinate photograph opportunities relative to community activities for use in pamphlets, newspapers, website, and social media.
• Generate, plan and prepare news items, newspaper articles and stories, bulletins, radio and television releases on a variety of City projects and programs.
• Develop new and innovative ways to promote City services and activities.
• Manages the central point of contact for FOIA requests.
• Share information about the City of Oak Forest, City services, and programs.
• Assure timely communication through a variety of means and resources.
• Consistently provide information that is accurate, clear, and useful.
• Enhance the transparency of the decision-making process.
• Foster a positive, balanced relationship with the media.

Other functions the job posting lists are:

• Assist administrative staff with answering questions and responding to general inquiries from the public.
• Assist with or complete special projects as assigned.
• Occasionally attend meetings as required.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

The following requirements are prefered by the city:

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in the principles and practices of public relations.
• Marketing techniques.
• Knowledge of the use of social media.
• Creative skills in communicating (verbal, written, and interpersonal).
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional manner at all times.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Desktop publishing software, layout and printing.
• Techniques of graphics preparation, displays and visual aids.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City departments and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Interpret and apply administrative departmental policies and procedures.
• Manage a variety of programs and projects for the City.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies laws and regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
  • Making observations
  • Communicating with others
  • Reading and writing
  • Operating assigned equipment
• Maintain capacity which allows the capability of:
  • Making sound decisions
  • Demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• A valid state of Illinois Driver’s License is required.

Desired experience level by the city:

• Experience – Minimum of three to five years of responsible communications, marketing or journalism experience preferably within a local government environment.
• Training – Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field.

The salary for this position is depending on qualifications and experience, according to the job description. Those interested in applying should send a cover letter, resume and application to Tim Kristin, City Administrator at tim.kristin@oak-forest.org.