Grant Writer/Communications Coordinator-Town Management

Provides professional, administrative, technical and creative support developing and managing a comprehensive communication strategy ensuring that the town communicates effectively and transparently with residents, stakeholders, media, and the general public.

Provides professional, administrative, technical and creative support developing and managing a comprehensive communication strategy ensuring that the town communicates effectively and transparently with residents, stakeholders, media, and the general public. The Grant Writer/ Communications Coordinator promotes public engagement and understanding of town policies, services, events, and initiatives through multiple communication channels and means. Assists with grant writing efforts and associated follow up. Reports to the Town Administrator and Assistant Town Administrator and works directly with all Department Heads. PRIMARY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Works collaboratively with the Town Administrator to create a cohesive communications platform for Town government that is inclusive, accessible, transparent and informative and that aligns with the Town’s mission. Organizes and promotes public meetings, community forums, and outreach initiatives as needed to encourage more civic engagement. Works closely with various town boards and committees to help engage citizen feedback and input with various projects and initiatives needing public input. Works closely and collaboratively with all Town Departments and the Select Board to enhance communication across the entire community, focusing on factual dissemination of information. Serves as a resource for town wide grant writing and other communication efforts, as needed and requested, including required grant follow up. Assists with development of quality public presentations for internal and external meetings, including Select Board and Town Meeting. Assists in managing and overseeing the town’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, and other digital communications. Develops branding and marketing materials to enhance the town’s image and community engagement. Monitors local and regional social media sites for relevant Town information, promoting factually accurate information on official Town websites and communication exchanges. Coordinates with departments to ensure consistent, timely, and accurate messaging across all channels and means of communication. Facilitates and creates engaging content for a variety of platforms including print, digital, video, and broadcast, including related photography. Monitors media coverage and public perception; providing reports and recommendations to leadership. May serve as a town’s spokesperson and media liaison, preparing press releases, statements, and talking points. Ensures compliance with public records laws (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10) and all accessibility standards for communication materials in accordance with all State and local laws. Routinely deals with confidential and sensitive information requiring discretion and confidentiality. Performs all other related work as may be required or assigned. EDUCATION/BASIC KNOWLEDGE Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public administration, journalism, or related field; or any relevant combination of education and experience. Must have the ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department heads, other town employees, elected officials, residents, and members of the general public. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and interact courteously and professionally with others. Must have excellent computer skills including creating content, videos, pictures, and utilizing various types of software that enables the creation of graphics and other engaging methods used in the various social media platforms. Must have working knowledge of local government operations and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment and manage a wide range of job responsibilities across all town departments. Must have the ability to draft and share detailed and accurate content on behalf of all town departments and have experience in website and social media content creation, updating and design. EXPERIENCE Two to four years of grant writer/communication or public relations job experience, preferably with a public employer. Once hired, one year to become proficient. JUDGMENT AND INITIATIVE Performs responsible and complex duties requiring considerable judgment, initiative and discretion. SUPERVISION REQUIRED Works under the supervision of the Town Administrator and Assistant Town Manager, generally responsible to establish own work plan and priorities. Performs functions ranging from routine to complex that require the frequent exercise of independent judgment and initiative, reporting any unusual circumstances or conditions as required. ACCOUNTABILITY Errors in judgment could result in creating an environment of distrust and suspicion and/or could cause potential personal & financial repercussions to residents, the general public, and elected and appointed officials and create poor community relations as well as other legal and open meeting law matters facing the Town. CONTACT WITH OTHERS Maintains regular contact with other Town departments and the general public, ensuring all interactions reflect a positive image of both the Town and the department. CONFIDENTIALITY Has regular access to a wide variety of confidential and/or sensitive information, the disclosure of which would cause a significant breach of trust and seriously damage the credibility of town government. Errors in judgment could result in delays, loss of service, have legal ramifications, and create poor public relations and distrust. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Primarily works in normal office environment, with occasional outside work, such as viewing and reporting of significant Town events (e.g. holiday celebrations and storm recovery progress). Occasional light physical effort is required when moving equipment, taking photographs, etc., requiring an ability to move/transport up to 20 pounds. PHYSICAL EFFORT Light to moderate physical effort required to perform duties. Minimal physical effort associated with office duties. OCCUPATIONAL RISKS Minimal exposure to occupational hazards. CHARACTER OF SUPERVISION Position is not supervisory. (This position description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) Applicants must submit a Town of Harwich Employment Application along with a cover letter and resume to the Human Resources, Angelique McGibbon. Submittals can be submitted electronically to humanresources@harwich-ma.gov or mailed/delivered to 204 Sisson Road, Harwich MA 02645