Communications & Graphic Design Specialist

Summary of Position

Do you thrive in a fast paced, creative environment? Use your talents to create graphic design projects from start to finish and write copy for both print and digital platforms. Push your creative limits to design original content for brochures, flyers, social media, e-marketing, newsletters, websites, presentations and many more public engagement campaigns. Apply today to work with our experienced and collaborative communications and marketing team as a part-time Communications & Design Specialist.

The City of Coon Rapids employs a great team of people dedicated and service centered! Our mission revolves around the understanding that only together, can we provide outstanding leadership and services. Serving our Citizens and local businesses is essential in our work. Our vision is to strengthen our community with a respectful, collaborative, and innovative employee culture that values employee growth, personal balance, and contagious enthusiasm. Our core values include dedication to essentials such as trust, teamwork, innovation and commitment to excellence! No doubt we have something great here!

This is a part-time position working a minimum of 24 hours per week, with flexibility up to 28 hours a week depending on work needs.

Position open until filled with first consideration given to applicants who apply before June 20, 2025.

Salary Range: $31.05 - $38.69

This is us! - Video link - click here to get to know us! The City of Coon Rapids is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. The City welcomes, and encourages any qualified applicant to apply regardless of race (including traits associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locks and twists), color, creed, religion, familial status, sex (including pregnancy or related conditions, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors or any other basis protected by law.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Designs and Writes Communication Materials

Uses graphic design tools to create, from start to finish, promotional materials such as logos, brochures, flyers, postcards, posters, newsletters and other electronic graphics for website and social media use.

Gathers information, writes, edits and proofreads content for a variety of mediums (website, employee website, print newsletter, social media, news releases, e-marketing, etc.)

Posts information to City’s communication platforms which include social media sites, websites and email marketing programs.

Takes photos at events, which may include evenings and/or weekends.

Assists in the development of marketing materials and promotional items, which may include working with outside vendors and printers.

Collaborates on City branding design, such as public displays, installations, signage and other promotional materials.

Thorough understanding of Associated Press style.

Website Maintenance

Works with Communications Manager to update the City’s websites.

Utilize CMS to create and manage website such as adding/removing content, pages, tables, graphics, photos, forms, surveys, maps and other information as needed.

Works through technical issues as needed with the City’s website vendor and in coordination with the IT Department as necessary.

Research digital tools, programs and trends related to changing technologies.

Gathers website data and analytics as needed.

Organizes & Maintains Division Resources

Organizes and maintains communications resources such as video files, photo libraries, promotional materials, design files and other items.

Other Duties

Handles special projects, mailings and miscellaneous and clerical duties as assigned.

Attend and help facilitate community events and programs as needed.

Additional Information

Transforms ideas and concepts into finished products using design concepts and expertise.

Completes special projects as assigned.

Attendance during regularly scheduled work hours and outside regular hours as necessary.

Maintains positive professional working relationships with all staff levels, other jurisdictions and outside agencies, and the general public.

Performs essential duties and responsibilities under the working conditions and physical demands described herein.

Effective and respectful communication and interactions with other employees, supervisors, individuals from other organizations, and citizen customers.

Must have the ability to accept constructive criticism or discipline in a positive manner, initiating self-development to improve job performance.

Performs other related functions as apparent or delegated.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Requires proven experience in a communications field, and the production and design of communications materials.

Ability to perform effectively in municipal environment working with City staff and others to accomplish objectives of City.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work independently with self-motivation and effective time management.

Flexibility in schedule to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

Ability to perform duties with tact and discretion.

Ability to work cooperatively with City personnel, external vendors, and the public.

Ability to perform duties with tact, diplomacy, and discretion.

Ability to be detail-oriented and follow through with tasks.

Ability to maintain a team and service-oriented approach to work.

Must have the ability to accept criticism or discipline.

Must strive to promote a cooperative atmosphere in the department and exhibit a positive attitude.

Maintain and foster a work environment that supports the City's mission and values with a respectful, collaborative and innovative employee culture that values employee growth, personal balance and contagious enthusiasm.

Service - We value outstanding service. Our City deserves the best.

Trust - Trust means everything. Be accountable. Be transparent.

Teamwork - Teamwork allows us to accomplish more. We tackle challenges and celebrate successes together.

Innovation - Innovation is vital for our future. We are not afraid of new ideas.Excellence - It's the expectation.

Qualifications and Other Information

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to the following:

Associates degree in journalism, communications, graphic design or related field plus at least one year of experience in communications, public relations or other related field. At least one year experience working with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator software. At least one year experience working with content management systems and current trends in social media.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, graphic design or related field plus at least three years’ experience in communications, public relations or other related field. At least three years’ experience working with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator software. At least one year experience working with content management systems, current trends in social media.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, lifting and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and pushing or pulling; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires working in high, precarious places and exposure to fumes or airborne particles; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business, office, light traffic).

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position will be located in Coon Rapids City Hall. It will use common office supplies and equipment. Exposure to computer monitors in the office is typical. This position works closely with others. The noise level in the work environment may vary.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Must comply with organizational and departmental policies.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Must contribute positively to a productive, inclusive, and respectful work environment.

Must make workplace safety the top priority.

Must know and practice the Cities’ mission, vision and values.