DescriptionFirst review after two weeks: 06/20/2025
CORE VALUE STATEMENT
The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources and deliver solutions.
SAFETY STATEMENT
We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City’s Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers. Leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.
CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY Under general supervision of the City Manager, the Public Information Officer/Marketing Supervisor plans, develops, implements, and supervises the City's comprehensive communications, marketing, and public information programs. This position is responsible for managing the City's public image, media relations, digital presence, and marketing initiatives, while supervising staff engaged in communications and marketing activities. The PIO/Marketing Supervisor serves as the primary spokesperson for the City, develops strategic communication plans, and ensures consistent messaging across all platforms to effectively inform and engage the community about City services, initiatives, and programs.
WORK SCHEDULE
The initial work schedule for this classification will be full-time, Monday through Friday. Early mornings, evenings and weekend work may be occasionally required. Overtime may be occasionally required. This classification is exempt under the FLSA.
Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)The following list reflects the essential job duties and responsibilities of this classification, but should not be considered all-inclusive. The incumbent will be expected to perform other related duties as assigned.
- Coordinates, plans, guides, and conducts public relations and marketing for the City of Kennewick, its departments and City Council; informs departments about the degree of knowledge or understanding demonstrated by the public about a program, service, or function, and develops information and activities to meet public needs; advises departments on proper and professional methods for the release of public information and acting Public Information Officer.
- Serves as an official spokesperson for the City and responds to inquiries from the general public and media about city processes, programs, and activities. Ensures response by appropriate department as necessary. Conducts interviews with the media and/or coordinates talking points for staff or Council to conduct interviews.
- Develops and implements comprehensive communication and marketing strategies to promote City services, initiatives, and achievements.
- Oversees the creation of marketing materials including brochures, newsletters, annual reports, advertisements, and promotional items.
- Manages the City's brand identity and ensures consistent messaging across all platforms and departments. This includes attending Department Head meetings to collaborate and coordinate communication strategies.
- Forecasts, develops, and monitors communication and marketing budgets; evaluates effectiveness of communication campaigns using analytics and metrics.
- Acts as an administrator for the City’s internal and external webpages ensuring accurate information and administrates the City of Kennewick Web Team to optimize web performance and functionality. Oversees the strategy, content creation, social media platforms, and digital communications.
- Manages special events, public forums, and community meetings to facilitate citizen engagement.
- Develops strategies to increase citizen participation and feedback on City programs and services.
- Ensures compliance with public information laws and regulations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Employment StandardsBachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a closely related field, plus four or more years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communications, marketing, or media relations, or any combination of relevant education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties listed above.
- Must pass a criminal background investigation.
- Must maintain a level of mental and physical fitness required to perform the essential functions of this classification.
Supplemental RequirementsTo perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Modern principles and practices of public information, media relations, marketing, and communications.
- Strategic planning and project management techniques.
- Digital marketing strategies, social media management, and content creation.
- Principles and methods of conceptual design, page layout, freehand, photographic, computer techniques, processes and equipment.
- Support and implement public information and community relations strategies.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to public information.
- Municipal government operations, policies, and procedures.
- Written and oral communication, including public speaking, media relations and interview techniques. Communicate complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, media representatives, and the public.
- Ability to analyze situations to pinpoint problems and assist with solving problems or identifying sources of obstacles.
- Must maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
Physical Requirements:
To perform the essential functions of the classification, incumbents must be able to meet the following physical requirements: must regularly talk, hear/listen, see/observe, sit, stand and walk; must regularly demonstrate fine motor skills; must occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force.
The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time City of Kennewick Non-Contract employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action or changes mandated by state and federal law.
Paid Holidays12 per year (9 scheduled; 3 “floating”)
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and three floating holidays selected by the employee. An employee will accrue one of the three floating holidays on each of the following days: February 1, February 12, and August 31. An employee will only accrue a floating holiday on these days if actually employed.
Paid Time Off (PTO) The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.
Accrual per Month: 0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours
Retirement Plan All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 09/01/2024. ( www.drs.wa.gov )
PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution RatePlan II 6.36% 9.11%
Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 9.11%
Deferred Comp The City contributes an equivalent of 5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. ( www.icmarc.org )
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents. Employee current premium share is $200.00 per month for medical insurance to cover themselves and dependents.
Life Insurance 1.5 x annual salary (not to exceed $250K) provided by the City of Kennewick. Employee may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).
Long Term Disability The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).
Wellness Program The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.
Employee Assistance An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.
Other Benefits Offered - Flexible Spending Plan (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
- Aflac Supplemental Insurance
- Tuition Assistance
- Bereavement Leave
- Overtime
- Direct Deposit (paydays are 5th and 20th of the month)
Closing Date/Time: 7/4/2025 11:59 PM Pacific