Communications Strategist

An employee in this position will write, review and edit marketing material and coordinate content for the City of Tampa’s social media accounts. This role will work collaboratively with staff from across all departments to promote their goals and messages while maintaining and aligning with the City‘s message and image.  This person will play a pivotal role in executing and refining the City’s credibility by ensuring consistency in voice and brand.  The employee will also monitor/engage in City-related social medial conversations/inquiries and track social media performance analytics, while staying abreast of the latest industry trends.  Under general supervision, the employee is required to exercise reasonable initiative and independent judgment in performing work assignments.  Tact and courtesy are expected, as the position often requires higher-level executive and client interaction skills.  Work is reviewed through observation of final product and feedback from departments regarding results obtained.

Understand the goal, audience, and message of a campaign and create copy to suit.  
Research, write, edit and proof all levels of copy including headlines and body copy, for online, offline, external and internal needs, including press releases, talking points, and video scripts.   
Monitor social media groups, trends, tools and applications and recommend actions/next steps.  
Work closely with colleagues across all departments to develop and post content to social networking sites.  
Develop social media campaigns to address specific goals and initiatives.  
Monitor and engage in City-related online conversations. 
Respond to social media inquires in a timely and courteous fashion.  
Monitor social media performance usage reports and regularly report insights gained.
Use creative thinking and initiative to analyze performance metrics and make recommendations on content, design or features to improve effectiveness. 
Prepare social media videos, graphics, flyers and other promotional material. 
Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: English grammar, composition, and punctuation; publication formats and procedures; all applicable social media platforms and analytics (including, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, NextDoor, TikTok, Snapchat, Flickr); MS Office; Microsoft OneDrive.

Some knowledge of: basic design/layout skills using Adobe CC; or Canva; photographic techniques and materials; amateur video editing software.

Ability to: effectively communicate through written and verbal skills; handle the pressure of meeting tight deadlines; learn and adapt quickly to change; demonstrate time management and organizational skills; maintain quality check on all pieces; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, departmental representatives, and the general public.

Skill in: the operation of Windows-based computers; the use of Apple iPhone and iPad.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or related field and a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a copywriter or social media coordinator.

Valid Florida driver’s license required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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