Communication Specialist- Social Media and Video Production

Salary : $52,227.00 – $81,605.00 Annually

Location : Hastings, MN

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 11620.23.002

Department: County Communications

Opening Date: 05/26/2023

Closing Date: 6/12/2023 4:30 PM Central

General Description
POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Communications
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $52,227.00 – $58,756.00 annually (106 salary grade)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $52,227.00 – $81,605.00 annually
LOCATION: Administration Center, Hastings
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 6/12/2023

Come join us at Dakota County and “Be more”! The work County government does is unique. You will not be just another employee; you’ll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day. We employ nearly 2,000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work.

We offer more than just careers that make a difference; we also offer competitive benefits, work-life balance, convenient work locations and great facilities. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?

The Communication Specialist – Social Media and Video Production works under the supervision of the Communications Director and as part of a team. You will assist in the implementation of larger public relations and social media campaigns designed to enhance the County’s image. The position is responsible for supporting the Communications team in managing strategic public relations and marketing communications programs with external and internal audiences. Internal audiences include, but are not limited to, parks, libraries, social services, public health and environmental resources.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations or a closely related discipline.

Preferred Experience beyond Minimum Qualifications:
• Experience in a communications environment – public relations, marketing, media, graphic design
• Experience developing a narrative to connect the Dakota County brand to its residents and other key stakeholders
• Experience with desktop publishing using Adobe Creative suites
• Experience with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Experience shooting and editing simple videos and photos
Duties & Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Social media (55% time allocation)

Ability to interview on camera, produce and edit Dakota County videos for external or internal use.
Assist with county’s social media channels.
Work with Director of Communications to develop comprehensive social media strategy for various departments.
Assist with development of monthly and bi-weekly content calendars.
Monitor and track social media comments and questions; ability to respond when appropriate.
Provide bi-weekly and monthly reports on social media activity and opportunities.

2. Marketing communications (40% time allocation)

Create a variety of content formats including articles, video, presentations, social, print, etc.
Ability to work independently providing updates and asking questions as appropriate.
Strong project and time management skills for juggling many changing priorities and working under deadlines.
Demonstrated writing and general public relations skills.

3. Acts as project manager/participant on assigned projects.
4. Works with internal clients to develop communication goals, identify appropriate audiences, develop messages, and recommend appropriate communication tools and venues to accomplish goals.
5. Writes and edits internal and external correspondence including news releases, listservs, marketing copy, newsletter stories, talking points, speeches, letters, communication plans and presentations for a broad range of audiences including elected officials, general public and internal staff. Helps to update County website.
6. Actively participate in meetings in order to achieve department goals in the areas of processing, production and distribution of publications, website updates and other work products.
7. Identifies ways to effectively and efficiently promote Dakota County’s mission.
Engages in creating a positive and professional image by writing or selecting content and releasing it through various communication media.
8. Works with appropriate vendors in online tools and contracted photography.
9. Assists with planning and supports emergency and disaster communications.
10. Contributes to executive communication (5% time allocation)

Assist communications director in corporate and executive communication tasks, including:
Executive/Commissioner presentation support
Writing talking points or key messages for video storytelling

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1-10
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment
• Knowledge of county procedures, services and policies
• Knowledge of marketing and public relations techniques and strategies
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Strong communication skills to effectively work with internal staff and external businesses, community agencies, and vendors.
• Ability to work as an effective team member in a professional setting
• Ability to work collaboratively to accomplish tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to write in a variety of formats, including AP Style
• Advanced ability to use Adobe Creative Suites (including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) software
• Advanced ability to use Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Ability to identify stories and proactively pitch to media and choose channel selection.
• Ability to manage time effectively, be detail oriented and adhere to deadlines
• Basic understanding of HTML
• Basic familiarity with design principles

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed at home, in an open office setting (cubicle), and at other buildings across Dakota County. The position’s office space is located in Hastings, MN in the Dakota County Administrative Center. Traveling to meetings, conferences, and trainings will be periodically required. The work is primarily stationary; it is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Items carried typically include objects such as briefcases, notebooks, AV-equipment, and work papers. From time to time there is the need to move boxes of brochures, newsletters, large rolls of paper, camera equipment, County Fair supplies, etc.

SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.

Dakota County welcomes and is inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and perspectives. The County aims to reflect the community and clients it serves; and fosters an equitable and respectful working environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

Visit our Benefits site for more information.

Applicants for this recruitment will be rated based on their answers to the supplemental questions listed below and application materials. It is IMPERATIVE that information provided on the application and resume are detailed and clearly outline your work experience & skills. They must also support and/or match answers to the supplemental questions.Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that the information provided is accurate and true to the best of your knowledge. Falsification may result in disqualification from consideration for this and subsequent recruitments with Dakota County for up to three years.

Please select which best describes your highest level of completed education.

Master’s Degree or higher
Bachelor’s Degree
Associate’s Degree
High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Is your Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or closely related discipline?

If you indicated that your degree is in a closely related discipline please indicate the name of the degree and how it is related. If not applicable, please type “na”.

Identify your years of full-time experience working in the Communication, Marketing, Journalism, or Public Relations fields. Convert any part-time experience to full years (i.e. 20 hours week for 2 years equals 1 year full time). Do not round up years of experience (i.e. 2 yrs. 9 mos. would equal 2 years).

No experience
Less than one year
One year
Two years
Three years
Four years
Five+ years

Have you completed an Internship directly related to the Communications field?

If you answered YES to the question above, please tell us where and when you completed the internship, the duration, and list the major responsibilities. If you answered NO to the question above, type “No Experience”.

Do you have Media Relations knowledge and experience? The knowledge and experience may come from schooling, an internship, or direct work experience.

If you answered YES to the question above, please tell us where you gained this experience, your job title, and length of this experience. If you answered NO to the question above, type “No Experience”.

Do you have Marketing & Branding knowledge and experience? The knowledge and experience may come from schooling, an internship, or direct work experience.

Do you have experience using Adobe Creative Suites (including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign)?

Do you have Desktop publishing experience?

Do you have experience shooting or editing simple videos?

Do you have experience shooting or editing photos?

Do you knowledge of AP Style guidelines?

If you answered YES to questions 12-16 above, please tell us where you gained this experience. If you have NO experience, type “No Experience”.

If offered the position, what would be your minimum acceptable salary?

Please initial the box below to CONFIRM that you understand that a background check including but not limited to criminal, employment, driving, and educational check may be conducted upon acceptance of a position.

Your response to this question will help Dakota County evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment sources for this specific position. Please select the one source that most closely describes how you first learned about this opportunity.

Friend, Family or Colleague
InDeed
Job Fair or Dakota County Event
Job Interest e-mails from Dakota County
JobsInMinneapolis/StPaul
League of Minnesota Cities
LinkedIn
Minneapolis Diversity.com
Minnesota Diversity.com
Minnesota Works Website
Minnesota Jobs Network.com
Minnesota Association of Counties
Monster
Professional Association Website
Referred by a Dakota County Employee
St Paul Diversity.com
College Website, Instructor, Career Services
Dakota County Website
Other

If you selected Other, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity with Dakota County.

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