Communications Specialist/Quarterly Magazine Editor

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POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for overseeing media communications for public consumption, including preparing articles, press releases, social media posts and other content initiatives. Cultivate and manage relationships with media representatives. The Communications Specialist is essential in growing our online presence and managing the Township's quarterly publication. This position works under the general supervision of the Assistant Township Manager. Work involves initiative, independent judgment and problem-solving.

The Communications Specialist informs internal and external customers of the Township of Upper St. Clair, while protecting, developing, and enhancing its image.

The position is exempt under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications

• Coordinate with Manager and Department Directors in developing and implementing key communication messages.
• Coordinate response and release of public information with the Township Leaders on social media platforms.
• Ensure the protection and promotion of the Township's image in a proper, coordinated, and consistent manner.
• Produce written communication, photos, graphics, and short video clips that showcase the Township, its staff, elected officials, programs, and progress; create original content that encourages staff and community to connect with the Township.
• Recommend actions to enhance opportunities for the Township to be a leader in the information field through multimedia avenues such as print publications, internet, video production and social media.
• Create and manage content for the Township's social media footprint, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
• Work with the Township's website platforms to solve problems, updates, and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for writing press releases and communications with all media contacts.
• Plan, lead, and coordinate public outreach and community engagement.
• Manage content for the Township's in-house TV network.
• Assist with all Social Media Accounts for the Community & Recreation Center.
• Assist with all social media accounts and website management for Tri-Community South EMS.
• Assist Human Resources with job posting and advertising to ensure consistency across all Township social media platforms.
• Track and monitor local, state, national, and global news that may be of interest to the Township's internal and external customers.
• Assist in the strategic planning of the Township's social media presence and brand.
• Ongoing data analysis of social media and software platforms for performance and overall reach.
• Act as the primary Township resource for interactions with the media.

Editorial

• Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Upper St. Clair TODAY magazine.
• Oversee all aspects of the content creation and publication of the magazine.
• Coordinates staff, including sales associates.
• Ensure that the style and tone of the USC TODAY magazine aligns with the objectives, image and aesthetic standards of the magazine and its mission.
• Develop and maintain the calendar plan that contributes to the magazine's overall content strategy.
• Responsible for the review and editing of all content to ensure accuracy and adherence to the magazine's tone.

General

• Coverage at Board of Commissioner's Informational and General Affairs meeting along with monthly Regular Board of Commissioner's meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of modern policies and practices of public administration, including municipal finance and personnel administrations.
• Ability to carry out complex tasks with accuracy critical to the success of the Township.
• Ability to communicate orally clearly and effectively and in writing in the English language.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete assigned tasks in a timely fashion.
• Ability to analyze and prepare complex reports.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with Township employees, elected officials, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to operate the tools and equipment listed below.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality where necessary.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a BA/BS Degree in Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years' experience required.

License Requirements

• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Telephone system, motor vehicle, personal computer with Micro-soft software, including word processing and spreadsheet software, calculator, telephone, copier, scanner, fax machine, projector, camera, microphones, electronic recording devices, and other office equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

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.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• The does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

USC Pay Grade 5

Updated May 2025