Community Development Loan Officer jobs in Bellingham, WA

City of Ferndale
Employment Opportunity

Communications & Community Relations Officer

Jurisdiction: City of Ferndale
Job Title: Communications & Community Relations Officer
Employment Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $76,747- $83,209 annually, depending on experience & qualifications
Benefits: Medical, Dental, & Vision
Washington State Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
Generous sick leave/vacation accruals, plus 15 paid holidays per year
Closing Date: Open until filled.

REPORTS TO: DEPARTMENT: CLASSIFICATION:
Admin. Services Director Administrative Services TBD

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Public Information Officer: Serves as the City’s official Public Information Officer.

• Communicates official plans, policies, and procedures to the general public.

• Answers general information requests from the public via phone, email, and social

• Recommends and revises public relations and communications policies and procedures.

• Handles highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion while providing

• Develops and maintains a positive relationship with local press representatives.

• Maintains proficient knowledge of Public Disclosure Laws per Revised Code of

Communications and Media Relations: In coordination with other Staff, is responsible for the
primary response to media inquiries to the City, Police Department, Public Works, Community
Development, and Finance departments.

• Oversees all media relations functions for the City; serves as spokesperson and

• Monitors, proofs, and edits department publications for content, style, and message to

• Works with Community Development to increase transparency and reduce the need for

• Develops strategic communications plan.

• Promotes Ferndale events, activities, and tourism to the larger community.

• Generates graphics, social media material and articles for publication and use by the

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications and Community Relations Officer manages the City’s day-to-day
communications and media relations responsibilities. This individual is the Public Information
Officer, managing official City communications, emergency communications, website content, and
social media platforms while also providing communications assistance to the Mayor, City
Administrator, and City Council. This individual will also take a leadership role in coordinating the
City’s recreation program. In coordination with the Mayor, City Administrator, and Administrative
Services Director, this individual will perform legislative and policy research, policy
communication, liaison responsibilities, and will work on special projects.

• Responsible for monitoring social media channels for City related questions and

Emergency Response Preparation and Emergency Communication:

• Coordinates emergency response procedures with Public Works Supervisor and Police

• Staffs the Emergency Operations Center in the event of a crisis.

• Serves on the Public Information Officer Committee with Whatcom Unified Emergency

Website Management: Manages and maintains the City’s official website.

• Coordinates website content with other departments to enhances Ferndale’s web

• Regularly reviews and edits website content for accuracy and to ensure that information

• Works with outside contractors on significant website issues, modifications, and

Management of Recreational Program :

• Working with Administration, Parks, Recreation, and Trails Advisory Board (PRTAB),

• Manages any outside event contracts on behalf of the City.

• Supervises and mentors event and/or recreation event interns.

• Serves as staff liaison to the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board in coordination

• Serves as City liaison to the Ferndale School District Communications Advisory

• May serve as liaison to additional internal and external boards and commissions as

Support for Mayor, City Administrator, and City Council: Provides research and
administrative support for the Executive, City Administrator, and Council, including but not
limited to:

• prepares public statements for elected officials.

• acts as a consultant to Mayor, City Administrator, and City Council in the development of

• researching legislation, policy issues, and unresolved questions raised by the Mayor, City

• Monitor local, state, and national legislative landscape to provide timely information about

• Provide support for legislative initiatives, legislative strategies, and relevant grants.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent from a four-year college or technical school with
an emphasis on communications, public relations, marketing, and/or government (political

science); two to five years related experience and/or training in Communications or Media
Relations; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with a
governmental agency is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of print, media, and/or public relations.

• Knowledge of communications principles, tools, and strategies.

• Effective public speaking skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisors, elected

• Basic functional knowledge of significant social media platforms.

• Basic functional knowledge of video filming, editing, and production.

• Advanced writing skills.

• Ability to think strategically and make critical decisions independently.

• Ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

• Able to manage multiple projects and prioritize multiple tasks and demands.

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public.

• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.

• Ability to perform detailed work accurately while working independently with minimal

• Organizational and time management skills needed to meet deadlines.

• Basic event planning and event management skills. (desired)

• Functional knowledge of basic graphic design and graphic design applications (desired)

• Familiarity with infographic design principles and design applications (desired)

The City of Ferndale policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and
privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to
race, color, creed, religion, sec, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran
status.

TO APPLY:
Submit letter of interest, completed job application, and resume by mail:
City of Ferndale, PO Box 936, Ferndale, WA 98248 Attention: Susan Duncan.
Or email: susanduncan@cityofferndale.org
Paper application packets are also available at Ferndale City Hall, 2095 Main Street.

Closing date: Open until filled. Only complete applications will be considered.

The City of Ferndale is an Equal Opportunity Employer.