communications specialist

Job ID: MPR2009100601

Department: External Affairs, Marketing and Communication

Starting Salary: $40,019

Start Date: Immediate

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under general supervision of the department manager, the Communications Specialist assists with the development of communications designed to create and maintain a favorable public image of the Authority.  The Communications Specialist is responsible for writing media releases, newsletter articles, marketing collateral pieces, Web site content and other material for internal and external audiences.

• Assists with the implementation of public relations and communications plan and programs.
• Writes variety of communication materials, including, but not limited to news releases, newsletter articles, story ideas, material for the Web site and other material which may require research, creativity, and story development.
• Assists with communication between the department director, news media and outside vendors.
• Assists in media relations including pitching, interview scheduling and researching media inquiries on behalf of the Authority. 
• Assists with generating media leads and maintains media lists.
• Writes speeches and talking points for directors and other Authority staff.
• Recommends various informational material regarding Authority programs and services to disseminate to the general public and on the Web site.
• Creates PowerPoint presentations, including content outline, slide creation and corresponding talking points. 
• Conducts research, writing and fact finding of white papers, press releases, newsletter articles, marketing materials and public service announcements which appear in publications, cable television for local media promotion campaigns and distributed to the public.
• Conducts phone and onsite interviews for research or story development, researches background materials and takes photographs for use in newsletters, Web site and various marketing materials.
• Assists with special events and coordinates media coverage for marketing and community relations programs.
• Monitors Web site for errors and functionality and content changes for all areas of the Web site to assure that the SMART Web site is up-to-date.
• Coordinates, develops and maintains social networking functions of the Web site and updates Web site content.
• Performs proofreading, fact checking and content analysis for all communication materials.
• Develops media kits, newsletters and other associated materials.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related fields.
• Minimum two years writing experience with newspaper, magazine, television or radio station, corporation or public relations firm.
• Demonstrated social media and Web experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for minimum qualifications.
• Effective written and verbal skills.
• Working knowledge and various media and how they operate (includes developing and maintaining media lists).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficient in the use of Windows-based word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Qualified applicants may apply on-line or send resumes with salary requirements to SMART, Manager of Employment and Training, Buhl Building, 535 Griswold Suite 600, Detroit, MI 48226 (248) 244-9019, or e-mail to swilson@smartbus.org.

Benefits:

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive benefits program. Click here for a general list of benefits.