Communications Specialist 

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist is responsible for creating content for written, digital, visual and verbal communications for a variety of target audiences to promote the Port of Everett’s mission, work, value and brand to local, regional, national and global markets. This position plays an integral role in the Port’s Communications Department with a heavy emphasis on copy writing, brand positioning, and implementation of communications, marketing and community relations programs. This role can expect to perform various tasks in support of the communications, marketing, public relations and business development needs across all Port business lines (international shipping terminals, marina, real estate) with varying levels of involvement in stakeholder outreach and engagement, such as presentations, tours, and events. 

This is an on-site position; some work takes place in the evenings and on weekends as needed. 

Content Creation (Written, Digital, Visual & Verbal Communications)

· Serve as the Port’s content creator, developing written, digital, visual and verbal communications content and materials for the Communication Department and across the Port’s various lines of business (Seaport, Marina, Real Estate) and key lines of effort (environment, public access, tourism), as directed. 

· Produce high-quality, professional and relevant content for a variety of mediums in alignment with Port programs and brand voice to inform, educate and market to various target audiences (i.e. public, Port District residents, business community, government and partner agencies, lawmakers, media, customers, etc.), including, but not limited to:

o Print & Digital Publications/Newsletters

o Press Releases/Media Advisories

o Editorials/Advertorials

o Special Features/Stories

o Port Websites

o Internal/External E-mail

o Marketing Materials & Campaigns

o Social Media

o Videos

o Talking Points/Speeches 

o Fact Sheets/FAQs

o Presentations 

o Support Letters

o Grant/Award Applications

· Attend meetings and events, as well as conduct research and interviews as necessary to gather relevant and accurate information to develop content. 

· Collaborate with the Communications team and other Port departments/staff to keep internal and external facing communications up to date (i.e. website, promotional materials, newsletters, social media, etc.).

· Modify, adapt and revise content in response to edits, feedback or positioning approach.

· Repurpose content for use in different markets and for multichannel use to expand reach
(press release, newsletter briefs, website copy, social media posts, e-mail, print, etc.).

· Ensure consistent messaging across all mediums and communications assets.

· Maintain a content calendar to ensure continuous and timely delivery of content.

· Monitor and analyze content performance metrics and adjust/refine as needed to improve content strategies, positioning, and reach.

Design, Photo & Video (Publications & Communication/Marketing Assets):

· Work collaboratively with Communications team and consultants to produce and/or provide design recommendations for various print and digital communications and marketing asset design (i.e. publications, newsletters, one-pagers, brochures, etc.).

· Design communications and marketing materials and associated elements (i.e. infographics) in alignment with Port brand look and feel using Adobe Creative Suite Programs (i.e. InDesign, Illustrator).

· Edit/modify established publication, newsletter and marketing material design templates using Adobe Creative Suite Programs (i.e. InDesign).

· Take photos and video as needed to support brand marketing and communications.

· Produce simple videos for social media or other quick formats, and work with Director and consultant(s) to support larger video projects. 

· Ensure consistent brand style and design standards for the Port’s business lines/initiatives.

· Coordinate printing, mailing and issuance of print and digital publications/newsletters, etc.

General Communications, Marketing and Events:

· Support communications, marketing, community engagement and events as needed. 

· Manage and maintain Port of Everett social media accounts; stay current on social media technologies, trends and algorithms. 

· Manage and maintain Port of Everett websites (i.e. external and internal facing). 

· Monitor the ever-changing landscape of government/port communications, marketing, and social media; make adjustments as needed to align with current industry best practices.

· Collect, monitor and interpret various data sets and analytics to measure effectiveness of communications and marketing efforts. 

· Understand and incorporate SEO best practices in digital marketing/communications efforts

· Manage and distribute notices via the Port’s AlertSense notification system to support emergency notifications, customer alerts; draft alerts, follow approval process, maintain lists

· Provide support and/or backfill for various communications department tasks and duties as requested by the Director

Other:

· Assist in the maintenance of the Port’s communications archives in accordance with Washington State records retention requirements.

· Assume responsibility of special projects as assigned

· Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA’s) Required of all Exempt Employees:

The possession of the following KSA’s by all exempt Port employees assures that the Port is maintaining a knowledgeable, capable, professional staff that is committed to the Port’s mission. As such, all exempt Port employees are expected to:

· Demonstrate expertise specific to their profession, and maintain appropriate licensing/certification

· Display the diplomacy necessary to address sensitive issues or complaints—both public and private

· Demonstrate effective conflict resolution and personal negotiation skills

· Exhibit high ethical standards in the execution of position responsibilities

· Cultivate and contribute to a dynamic, team-oriented work environment by being responsive, timely, respectful and knowledgeable

· Communicate effectively in English, including the ability to read, write and interpret complex documents and other written material

· Have the ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

· Possess a valid driver’s license, and maintain insurability under the Port’s auto insurance plan

· Flexibility to occasionally work or respond to concerns during evening hours and on weekends when necessary to fulfill position responsibilities

Preferred Work Experience:

· Three (3) or more years’ experience in a communications, marketing, public relations or similar role that was responsible for creating content (written, digital, visual, verbal communications) with a solid portfolio of work. 

· Two (2) or more years of experience working collaboratively in an office setting and a public/customer facing environment

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or journalism (in combination with communications or marketing experience), or a closely related field. 

· Proven experience as a copy writer/content creator 

· Experience and understanding of public sector, government and/or maritime communications and marketing preferred

· Skilled in Associated Press Style copy writing/editing

· Intermediate video production skills

· Intermediate publication and graphic design skills

· Ability to adapt content style, tone, look and feel based on target audience

· Ability to generate quality, relevant and accurate content quickly

· Strong interview, research and data gathering skills to support content creation

· Commitment to high-level sensitivity and/or confidentiality, as appropriate

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team to meet deadlines

· Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Sharepoint) & Adobe Acrobat Pro

· Intermediate to advanced user of Adobe InDesign for publication/marketing material design and modification

· Intermediate in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop

· Proficient in key social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube)

· Strong understanding of SEO and best practices; experience with Google Analytics 

· Willingness to learn new software/technology/trends to achieve goals