Public Affairs Coordinator

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Public Affairs Coordinator. As Public Affairs Coordinator, you would help make the Kansas City metropolitan area a great place live by providing communications leadership and support to MARC’s programs and initiatives, with a focus on our Public Safety Communications, Emergency Services and Housing programs.

ABOUT US
MARC, the association of local governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, promotes and supports cooperation on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, our workforce and economy, aging services, community development, quality early learning, public safety communications and emergency services. MARC has a collaborative work environment with a culture based on integrity, innovation, diversity and inclusion, excellence in performance and service leadership.

ABOUT THIS POSITION
We are searching for a self-starting professional communicator who is dedicated to serving the community and building their skills. The ideal candidate will have interest in and experience leading a variety of digital and printed communications efforts, in addition to public education and outreach initiatives.

You would plan, implement and evaluate innovative strategic communications campaigns in a working environment that values internal and external collaboration.

This position is housed within MARC’s Public Affairs team, where you’d join talented and dedicated colleagues who support other MARC programs, digital communications efforts and media planning initiatives. The position reports to the Public Affairs program director.

What you’ll do

• Serve as the go-to communications expert for your assigned programs.
• Work closely with staff and stakeholders to evaluate and anticipate communications needs.
• Plan, design, coordinate, implement and evaluate communications and public outreach efforts.
• Thrive in a “no two days are the same” work environment. Daily tasks could include:
  • Page layout and graphic design for brochures, reports, posters, invitations, advertisements and other materials for print and online distribution.
  • Web content creation and updates.
  • Writing and editing news releases using AP Style; supporting media relations.
  • Creating e-newsletter marketing email content.
  • Developing social media posts and online surveys.
  • Preparing for events, meetings and conferences.
  • Producing videos and taking photographs.
• Develop and communicate innovative ideas.
• Effectively manage multiple projects at a time.
• Advise and assist other Public Affairs team members.
• Pitch in to support organization-wide projects and events. 
• Support an inclusive, welcoming, respectful and creative work environment.
• Continue learning about new communications technologies and trends.

ABOUT YOU
Skills you’ll need

• Experience developing and implementing successful communications efforts and projects.
• Demonstrated success working with community stakeholders to develop culturally appropriate and effective messaging.
• Experience developing and executing visual communications, such as graphics, data visualizations and printed reports.
• Dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion practices and principles.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Web site maintenance skills.
• A strong customer service orientation.
• Commitment to growing your skillset.

Basic requirements

• We know that experience comes from many different places. This position encourages a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, public relations or related field. Consideration will also be given to those with commensurate experience.
• Candidates with 1 to 4 years of experience in public affairs work may be considered for the Public Affairs Coordinator I level. Candidates with 5+ years of experience in public affairs work may be considered for a Public Affairs Coordinator II position.
• Experience with a public agency or nonprofit organization is a plus.

Your application will stand out if you have:

• Strong graphic design skills.
• Demonstrated videography skills.
• Bilingual skills.
• Paid or volunteer experience in a public service or nonprofit environment.
• Expertise or interest in public safety communications, emergency services or housing topic areas.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Starting salary for this position is from $50,600 to $65,000 per year, depending upon qualifications. MARC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package. MARC offers employees the flexibility to work remotely for up to two days per work week.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, complete our online application form and attach your cover letter, resume, and three samples of your existing communications work. For more information, visit marc.org/jobs. 

MARC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. MARC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.