Communications and Community Engagement Specialist

The City of Neenah is seeking a highly-motivated and professionally-skilled communicator to work in the Mayor's office.

Communications and Community Engagement Specialist

Position Summary

The Communications and Community Engagement Specialist serves as the lead communications staff member for the Mayor’s Office and plays a key role in strengthening communication between the City of Neenah and the public. This position is responsible for creating, managing, and growing the City’s communications strategy across digital platforms, including the city website, social media, video, and digital publications.

This position works closely with the Mayor and City departments to tell the story of Neenah, strengthen public trust through clear and engaging communication, and build a modern communications system that connects residents to their local government. The position also provides limited front-office and administrative support within the Mayor’s Office as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. City Communications and Storytelling

• Develop, write, edit, and publish content for the city website, social media platforms, newsletters, video updates, and other digital communications
• Lead the City’s storytelling efforts by highlighting projects, services, events, staff, and initiatives that reflect the work and values of the City of Neenah
• Create clear, accurate, and engaging public-facing communication that is accessible to residents
• Translate complex city information into plain language for the public
• Produce and publish a digital city newsletter at least quarterly
• Identify opportunities to proactively share information and strengthen public understanding of city operations and priorities

2. Social Media and Digital Content Management

• Manage the City’s primary website and official social media accounts
• Create and edit digital content, including graphics, photos, short-form videos, and written posts for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok
• Coordinate with departments that maintain their own social media presence and elevate department content through citywide communication channels
• Develop platform-specific strategies to improve reach, engagement, and consistency across the City’s digital presence
• Monitor digital engagement and recommend improvements to communication efforts over time

3. Mayoral Communications and Support

• Work closely with the Mayor to develop and implement a communication system for the City
• Assist with drafting speeches, remarks, talking points, public messages, and official correspondence
• Help communicate the Mayor’s priorities in a professional, community-focused, and non-political manner
• Support outreach efforts that improve visibility, accessibility, and public engagement
• Assist in coordinating communication related to public appearances, city events, and community engagement opportunities

4. Communication Planning and Coordination

• Develop and help implement a citywide communication plan that can grow and expand over time
• Coordinate with department heads and staff to gather information, identify communication needs, and maintain message consistency
• Support communication during major city projects, events, public notices, and service updates
• Help strengthen internal communication habits that support better external communication

5. Front Office and Administrative Support

• Provide limited administrative support within the Mayor’s Office
• Assist with welcoming and directing residents or visitors who come to City Hall seeking the Mayor or Mayor’s Office
• Help maintain a professional, organized, and responsive front-office environment
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Mayor’s Office and city communication efforts

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, digital media, public administration, or a related field required
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Equivalent relevant experience in communications, media, marketing, community engagement, or related work may be considered in lieu of some educational requirements
• Three years of relevant professional experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to create clear, accurate, and engaging content for a variety of audiences
• Experience managing websites and social media accounts for an organization or public-facing entity
• Experience editing video and creating digital content for web and social media platforms
• Ability to tell stories visually and in writing in a way that connects with the community
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain professionalism
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with regular interaction with residents, elected officials, department heads, and staff
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters appropriately
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common communications, design, video, and social media tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in local government, public sector communications, media relations, and / or community engagement
• Experience with website content management systems
• Experience with graphic design, photography, and short-form video production
• Experience building communication plans and content calendars
• Familiarity with public-facing communication in a governmental or service-oriented setting

Core Competencies

• Strategic Communication
• Storytelling and Content Creation
• Public Engagement
• Digital Media Management
• Initiative and Problem Solving
• Professional Judgment and Discretion
• Organization and Follow-Through
• Relationship Building and Collaboration

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction with residents, elected officials, department heads, and City staff. The position works in a shared office environment that may be active and occasionally fast-paced. Some evening and weekend hours may be required to support meetings, community events, and city communication needs.

ADA / EOE

The City of Neenah is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Full time (37.5 hours / week) Typical schedule is 8.5 hours per day (7.5 hours of work with one-hour unpaid lunch). Summer hours involve longer days M-Th with a half day on Friday.
• Expected hiring range is $54,000 to $61,000 annual. Position is non-exempt.

• Paid vacation, sick, and holiday pay
• Health, dental and vision insurance with WRS participation
• FREE care for employees and eligible dependents at City of Neenah Employee Clinic (provided by ThedaCare at Work)

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, please apply via our online application at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/neenahwi/

• Applications must include both a cover letter and resume to be considered.

• Applications must include a work sample. This can include a social media post, newsletter, graphic, website page, or similar.

• Position will remain open until filled, so candidates are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.

The City of Neenah is committed to providing everyone with fair and equal treatment. If you share this same desire, are seeking a meaningful career in public service, and want the opportunity to make a difference in your community, we invite you to consider a career with us. We are committed to the principles of equity and inclusion and actively seek and encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas.