Full time, IMRF with health, dental, and vision benefits

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary responsibility is to ensure that all persons have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting or using the Westmont Park District’s facilities. Under the direction of the Director, with the assistance of the Superintendent of Recreation and the Superintendent of Revenue Facilities & Technology, the Marketing and Communications Specialist is responsible for the preparation, creation, editing and release of all promotional materials and advertising support functions on behalf of the District programs and facilities. This position requires excellent writing and language skills and the use of judgement to prepare press releases.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop the annual comprehensive marketing plans for all facilities and programs to enhance the agency’s image, foster general awareness and support to increase program registration, and keep homeowner’s groups and local service clubs informed of Park District activities.
2. Coordinate program descriptions and schedules with all departments for the creation and timely completion of the District’s Program Guide.
3. Design and coordinate the production of the Park District newsletter, press releases and reports for the general public.
4. Assist in maintaining all Park District websites, and digital event calendars using website content management software (WordPress) and coordinate timely updates as required.
5. Monitor Google Analytics, and Google Search Console data to track website traffic, for increased website traffic and marketing /advertising opportunities.
6. Maintain and update the digital signage (TVs), display boards, park site display cases, park banners, and other display equipment throughout the Park District.
7. Capture digital video and pictures at events and programs to create promotional videos for digital use and presentations. Maintain digital files of the same.
8. Manage the District’s social media accounts including Facebook. Create posts and respond to public inquiries under the guidance of the Executive Director and the District’s social media policy.
9. Attend staff meetings to share and record critical information from all departments that would be useful in the preparation of promotional materials and for the public’s knowledge.
10. Perform statistical analysis of marketing campaigns to evaluate return on investment.
11. Perform search engine optimization activities, and develop and manage search engine marketing campaigns (i.e., Google AdWords).
12. Provide administrative support to the Executive Director.
13. Communicate, market and promote special events, programs, facilities and other pertinent information to the public on behalf of the District.
14. Act as a liaison with the Village of Westmont, local service organizations and other community groups to assist in the promotion of special events and community activities.
15. Develop and submit announcements and promotional information to the Village Communications Director for advertising on the Village’s electronic bulletin boards.
16. Must be able to communicate knowledge of all Park District programs and facilities.
17. Assist customers, via phone and in person, with program registration, room and park rentals, utilizing the District’s registration software, RecTrac.
18. Manage and record the District’s “on hold” phone message and special event messages.
19. Assist with the solicitation and securing of advertisers for the seasonal program brochure.
20. Investigate, act upon and forward to appropriate staff all suggestions, requests and complaints from the public regarding park services and staff.
21. Manage the production of stationary (letterhead, envelopes, etc.) staff business cards and name tags.
22. Provide administrative assistance to Recreation Department staff as needed.
23. Perform any additional related tasks as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The Marketing and Communications Specialist should be graduated from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications, or other related fields. The Marketing Coordinator must have a minimum of two years of successful full-time experience in public relations or marketing.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment.

• Excellent written, customer relations and business skills

• Good knowledge of computer systems, plus Microsoft Excel, Publisher, and Word programs.

• Excellent knowledge of and ability to use social media, including Facebook.

• Required Technology - Required software proficiency: Adobe CC; InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Rush, WordPress

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In an 8-hour workday (40 hours/week) employee may engage in activities that may include, but are not limited to: standing, sitting, walking, driving, bending, twisting and lifting. • Performs job safely and in compliance with the Park District's policies and procedures, work rules and safety rules.

COMPETENCIES:

Leadership – Devise marketing plans and objectives based on the strategy, customer requirements and environment of the organization; sets appropriate goals and holding self/others accountable for high and low performance; serves as a coach/mentor to others. Interpersonal – Effectively works with others; being cooperative; establishes appropriate business relationships; displays political acumen and sensitivity. Customer focus – Conveys sincerity, competency and approachability with internal and external customers; anticipates needs of the customer and effectively meets them; seeks feedback to ensure expectations are met. Team Dynamics – Works effectively with the team to obtain optimum results, foresees and manages conflict situations effectively; promotes cooperation, commitment, momentum and pride. Analytical – Integrates and synthesizes information to reach suitable conclusions. Flexibility – Adapts to change; willingly accepts changes to work assignments; removes barriers to accelerate change. Self-Direction – Demonstrates assertiveness by taking initiative and responsibility, uses own judgment to solve problems and improve processes; maintains current knowledge in area of specialty. Safety – Adheres to organizational safety policy, procedures and practices; offers suggestions to improve safety; acts as a role model for others. Listening – Actively listens to others to obtain information; requests clarity as necessary; confirms understanding. Excellent Oral Communication – Expresses oneself clearly and concisely; adapts style to audience. Excellent Written Communication – Demonstrates an aptitude for grammar with the preparation of reports, composition of routine and non-routine correspondence. Research – Gathers and incorporates information by identifying appropriate resources in order to find solutions. General Mathematics – Addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Work is performed in an office. May require working overtime and attending evening and weekend Park District, community and other special interest group meetings, programs and events. Will require occasionally working outdoors. • English must be spoken, read and understood to perform the functions of this position. • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be high in some instances. • Physical requirements include: good speaking, hearing and vision ability, good manual dexterity, ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Personnel and Employment Policy.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit Westmont Park District employment application, cover letter, resume, and maximum of 3 work samples of digital media that was created for previous employment by applicant. Media should not exceed 8mb for each file (24mb total). Media should only be in the form of a .PDF (no .mp4), if any video is submitted a link to the file location is to be included (YouTube, Vimeo). By submitting work samples you certify the submitted file(s) was made solely by the applicant, and is 100% applicants own work to: Jobs@WestmontParks.org, attn: Joel Hymen

Employment Application

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the person in this position. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job, and "other" duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job. All requirements are subject to possible modification in order to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.