Communications & Marketing Specialist

Description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

As part of the City Manager’s Office, reporting directly to the Communications Manager, the Communications and Marketing Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications and marketing initiatives for the City of Upper Arlington, with a primary focus on the Parks & Recreation Department and the Bob Crane Community Center.

This position leads marketing, digital communications and storytelling efforts that promote Parks & Recreation programs, events, facilities and services. The role develops engaging multimedia content—including social media content, digital newsletters, publications, photography, video, reels and graphic design—to highlight the experiences offered throughout the City’s parks, programs and community spaces.

The Communications and Marketing Specialist serves as the primary communications partner to the Parks & Recreation Department, helping plan and execute marketing campaigns, promotional strategies and community engagement initiatives across multiple platforms including social media, digital newsletters, print publications and the City website.

In addition, this position leads the City’s internal communications program, supporting engagement and information sharing among more than 250 full-time employees across all City departments.

The position manages multiple projects simultaneously, works with minimal supervision, and ensures all communications and marketing materials align with the City’s brand standards and strategic priorities.The City of Upper Arlington is an equal opportunity employer, striving to foster an equitable and inclusive work environment.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: For purposes of 42 USC 12101:

Serves as the primary communications and marketing lead for the Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department and the Bob Crane Community Center.

Develops and implements marketing strategies that promote Parks & Recreation programs, special events, facilities, rentals, and community experiences.

Develops, writes, edits, designs and oversees the production of Parks & Recreation publications and promotional materials including the Activity Guide, brochures, flyers, signage, digital promotions and other marketing collateral in accordance with City brand standards.

Works closely with Parks & Recreation staff to plan and promote programs, events and initiatives through strategic communications campaigns.

Provides marketing and communications support for the Bob Crane Community Center, helping to highlight its programs, amenities, events, and role as a multi-generational gathering place for the community.

Creates compelling visual content to tell the story of Upper Arlington’s parks, programs, facilities and community experiences. This includes producing high-quality photography, video content, reels and short-form digital storytelling designed for social media and digital marketing platforms.

Regularly captures professional photography and video at Parks & Recreation programs, community events and activities. Operates cameras, lighting and audio equipment and edits content using professional software.

Produces visually engaging content using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva, ensuring all graphics and multimedia materials align with City brand standards.

Leads the development, planning and daily management of social media content for the Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department and the Bob Crane Community Center.

Creates engaging content that highlights programs, events, facilities and community experiences through photos, videos, reels and graphics.

Develops a strategic social media content calendar and works with Parks & Recreation staff to promote programs and events through coordinated digital campaigns.

Monitors engagement and analytics to evaluate performance and improve content effectiveness. Ensures all social media activity follows City policies and brand standards.

Serves as the Public Information Officer for the Parks & Recreation Department and other areas as assigned. Develops and disseminates timely updates on program cancellations, facility closures, weather impacts, or operational changes via appropriate communication channels including social media, website updates, email communications, and news media.

Responds to inquiries and requests for information from residents, organizations and media outlets. Performs emergency public information activities as needed (including evenings or weekends) as part of the City’s communications response team.

Works with the Communications team to monitor and enforce brand compliance in the use of City marks, logos and design materials for Parks & Recreation and the Bob Crane Community Center.

Designs visually engaging marketing materials including digital graphics, signage, flyers, promotional materials, social media graphics, and other branded assets. Ensures all communications materials align with City brand standards and visual identity guidelines.

Works with the Communications team to maintain a positive and proactive relationship with local and regional media outlets.

Promotes media coverage of Parks & Recreation programs, special events, initiatives and community stories. Drafts press releases, media advisories and feature stories and coordinates interviews and media opportunities as appropriate. Monitors and records media coverage related to Parks & Recreation.

Develops and implements marketing campaigns to promote Parks & Recreation programs, special events, facility rentals and services, including the Bob Crane Community Center.

Assists with advertising strategies across digital platforms, print media and other promotional channels. Tracks marketing performance and evaluates campaign effectiveness. Writes and implements customer feedback surveys to measure program satisfaction and marketing effectiveness.

Leads the City’s internal communications program for more than 250 full-time employees. Develops and distributes internal communications including weekly employee updates, staff newsletters, internal announcements and digital communications platforms. Assists with planning and promotion of all-staff meetings, employee recognition initiatives, and internal engagement programs. Participates in internal committees including the Staff Enrichment Committee and Employee Resource Groups.

Supports updates and content development for the City website and Parks & Recreation digital platforms. Maintains the City’s online community calendar and assists with website content updates to ensure information is current, accurate and engaging.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs other related duties as assigned. (10%)This position may require attendance at Parks & Recreation programs, special events, and community activities outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, or a related field; or any combination of training, education, or experience which provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Must complete required continuing legal education training.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance policy.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (* indicates developed after employment)

Knowledge Of:

*City Department and Division goals and objectives

*Government structure and processes

Marketing and branding principles

Public relations and media relations

Social media platforms and digital marketing tools

Project management principles

Graphic design and visual communication

Multimedia storytelling and digital content creation

Photography and video production techniques

Office practices and procedures

English grammar and spelling

Local geographic areaSkill In:

Social media content creation, management and analytics

Graphic design using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Canva

Professional photography and photo editing

Video production and editing for digital and social media platforms

Short-form video production including reels and social media storytelling

Computer operation and Microsoft Office applications

Public speaking and presentations

Project management and multitasking

Use of modern office and multimedia equipment

Motor vehicle operationAbility To:

Work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple projects simultaneously

Plan ahead and manage communications timelines effectively

Develop and maintain effective working relationships across departments

Communicate effectively with diverse audiences

Adapt communication style to different audiences and platforms

Meet deadlines in a fast-paced communications environment

Attend and cover City events and programs outside of regular business hours

Travel and gain access to work sites throughout the City

EQUIPMENT USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive.

Personal computer, multimedia equipment including professional cameras and video equipment, computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), printer, copy machine, and other standard business office equipment, motor vehicle.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical office environment with periodic outdoor work when attending programs, events, parks and recreation facilities. This position will regularly work onsite at the Bob Crane Community Center, typically a minimum of two days per week, to support Parks & Recreation programming, events and content creation needs. After six months of successful employment and with supervisor approval, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, including the option to work remotely up to two days per week.

The position requires flexibility to attend Parks & Recreation programs, special events and community activities, which may occur during evenings and weekends.

Note: In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered sedentary work.

CITY VALUES:

Incumbent must model the following established city values: Teamwork/Collaboration, Integrity, Service, Leadership, Communication, Growth, Professionalism & Ethics.