The City of Lenexa is currently accepting applications for a Communications Specialist to join the Communications team. Should a candidate have extensive years of experience, they may be eligible for our Senior Communications Specialist. The ideal candidate will be:

• an excellent graphic designer with experience in publication design
• a strong editor and writer
• proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop

To be considered for this position, candidates must complete an online application with an updated resume, cover letter, and portfolio or strong writing and design examples.

Position Summary

The Senior Communications Specialist or Communications Specialist is responsible for creating and executing written and graphic content that will engage and inform citizens, employees and other stakeholders. This position works with other communications professionals in a fast-paced environment to ensure efforts are integrated into the overall communications strategy.

Specifically, this position will be in charge of the creation, design and publication of TownTalk, the City's 40-page print magazine published six times per year. In addition, this position will write and/or design other City print and digital advertising, electronic newsletters, website content, social media, signage, reports, and other promotional/collateral materials.

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

• Expert at driving citizen engagement by creating compelling content which is used in numerous places including printed and electronic newsletters, website, ads, video, signage, reports, promotional materials and social media.
• Writes original content and edits submitted content
• Designs compelling graphics
• Leads complex projects from conception to completion by identifying appropriate strategies, tactics and timelines; involving correct stakeholders; monitoring projects and adapting scope as needed; and measuring results and analyzing outcomes.
• Works in a collaborative team environment ensuring efforts are integrated into comprehensive communications strategies. Assists the Director with high-priority content strategy.
• Creates and implements strategies to enhance Lenexa’s public image and brand and guides others in the use of the brand.
• Conceives and develops stories that can be shared effectively through photography. Engages staff and volunteers to help with these efforts.
• Reviews content submissions from other employees and shares communications best practices to help ensure consistency of appearance, functionality, tone and style guidelines.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships throughout City departments and with vendors.

Compensation & Qualifications

Communications Specialist: Hiring range is from $60,508 to $70,145 dependent on qualifications and directly related experience (see below).

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or related field; 3-4 years progressively responsible experience in the field of communications including writing, editing and graphic design or any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Desired: 2-3 years experience in mid-size or large public or nonprofit organization.

Senior Communications Specialist: Hiring range is from $65,828 to $76,312 dependent on qualifications and directly related experience (see below).

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism communications, or related field and 5-6 years progressively responsible experience in the field of communications including writing, editing and graphic design or any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Desired: 3-4 years experience in a mid-size or large public or nonprofit organization

Environmental and Physical Factors

Work is performed in a standard office environment, however, mobility to visit various City locations may be required. This position requires the ability to sit for prolonged periods; the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs. rarely and visual acuity.

Benefits Package

The City of Lenexa offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Low-cost premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Free or low-cost on-site medical clinic
• 4% employer retirement contribution with optional 2% match
• Enrollment in KPERS pension plan
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Minimum 2 weeks of vacation during first year
• Paid sick leave and personal leave (bonus personal leave during first year)
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• City-paid short-term and long-term disability plans
• Tuition reimbursement up to $4,500 per year
• Free membership to the Lenexa Rec Center

City of Lenexa strives to be an inclusive place to work. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check. Candidates with prior criminal convictions are encouraged to submit applications for positions where they meet the minimum and/or desired qualifications and will not automatically be excluded from the recruitment process. Financial and integrity related criminal convictions will exclude candidates from consideration for this position.

At the City of Lenexa, our employees are dedicated to the City’s core values – integrity, service, teamwork, dedication, vision and caring. We all chip in and roll up our sleeves to deliver exceptional customer service. You’ll have the opportunity to work on exciting projects that impact and support the community we serve.