Engagement Officer

About the role

The Engagement Officer is responsible for disseminating the City of Bismarck's public information through available platforms, including the website and social media. This role ensures the city’s Communications Division’s programs, activities, and assets align with the organization’s values, goals, and mission. Outreach efforts aim to inform and engage residents, the Board of Commissioners, city staff, community partners, and visitors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies, schedules, and campaigns that align with the City of Bismarck’s brand and strategic plan.
• Monitor, listen to, and respond to user comments and messages to build relationships and foster an active community.
• Exercise interpersonal sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy in public contact.
• Recognize opportunities to develop or augment innovative and engaging content.
• Assist in the management of social media, website content, and additional internal- or external-facing content while staying informed about the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
• Serve as a supporting liaison between the City of Bismarck and news media, answering inquiries and coordinating or participating in interviews. Proactively develop and manage relationships with local, regional, and national media professionals, including pitching stories, managing media contacts, and responding to inquiries.
• Provide support during emergencies to produce clear, effective, and timely communications under the direction of the city’s Communication Strategist. Serve as a backup Administrative Public Information Officer as directed.
• Assist in ongoing evaluation and support of emergency and/or crisis communication plans as requested.
• Compile city data to support the goals and objectives of City Commissioners and departments.
• Track key performance metrics (KPIs), data summaries, and analyze data to promote projects, services, and events, as well as direct public inquiries to appropriate departments and City information sources.
• Analyze the organization’s engagement strategies and make improvement suggestions.
• Prepare and edit communications, documents, and presentations on behalf of the City Commission, the Administration Department, or other departments to further the communications vision for the city and aid in dealings with state legislative and executive officers, federal administrative agencies, local governments, schools, and community groups.
• Utilize analytical and critical thinking abilities and attention to detail while performing repetitive tasks.
• Assist with internal city communication efforts, as well as providing content for external-facing platforms and/or publications.
• Support planning and promotion of city-sponsored events and public engagement initiatives.
• Maintain working relationships with other professionals in the field; attend local and statewide meetings.
• Perform related work duties and activities in accordance with city policies and procedures, while articulating the city’s mission, vision, and values.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A deep understanding of website, content management, and social media platforms.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to stay flexible with an ever-evolving technology landscape and task list.
• Knowledge and competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a related field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Willingness to pursue continuing education through organizations such as FEMA, TEEX, EMI, CDP, etc.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with municipal government operations is preferred.