Community Relations Coordinator - Parks & Recreation

Nature of Work

Coconino County Parks & Recreation is looking for a motivated person to lead the community relations and outreach for the multi-faceted department, to inform the community of our services and programs, to foster volunteer recruitment and development, and to contribute to the department's future planning. 

Coconino County promotes a transformational leadership philosophy that elicits employee growth, cultivates inspiration, and creates future leaders by empowering employees to solve internal and external customer needs and exceed customer service expectations.  As an award-winning organization with high regard for cultural diversity and the positive contributions of the many thriving cultures within our county, our nation, and our society, Coconino County leads a variety of initiatives that celebrate diversity; from our Annual Diversity Day, and monthly Heritage Lunch & Learns, to book clubs, and professional development academies which target diverse workforce segments. Coconino County's respect for diversity is shared throughout the organization. Be part of this optimistic, innovative team where outstanding customer service creates dynamic solutions and engages leadership at every level.   

Under general supervision performs work of moderate difficulty coordinating public outreach, community and media relations, community engagement, volunteer programs, marketing activities, and securing additional department and program funds; performs related work as assigned.

Typical Duties

(Illustrative Only)
• Creates, implements, and oversees communications programs and projects
• Conducts research and development of content for publication and other public information materials
• Produces departmental publications, newsletters, social media posts, and website information
• Acts as the department webmaster
• Writes press releases, public service announcements and articles, and promotes department programs and events, parks, open spaces and facilities
• Leads media relations activities and acts as CCPR spokesperson and public information officer
• Develops, implements, and manages the department's sponsorship recruitment, multi-media marketing and advertising strategy
• Assists in grant writing, development, and grant management 
• Researches, develops, and implements media plans, identifying target audience and ideal media outlets
• Surveys user interests and proposes new event offerings, attractions, and partnerships
• Conducts community engagement strategies to advance department goals 
• Develops, implements, and evaluates CCPR marketing plan
• Develops and coordinates volunteer programs
• Coordinates and facilitates public meetings
• Develops and implements fundraising activities
• Plans and coordinates groundbreakings and other public ceremonies
• Acts as staff liaison to the Friends of the Parks program
• Prepares and administers marketing budget
• Responds to public inquiries and prepares talking points 
• Supervises assigned personnel

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in public/business administration, marketing, parks and recreation management, natural resources, communications or a related field, and two years of administrative experience; OR

Any combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must obtain a valid Arizona driver's license by date of hire and maintain it throughout employment.

The ideal candidate would have a parks and recreational background with marketing, outreach, and community engagement experience, some graphic design experience, experience recruiting and managing volunteers, and build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers. 

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree; Skilled in effective communication; Experience working in parks and recreation; Grant writing; Community engagement; Project management.  

This is position is non-exempt from overtime.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of:

- Public relations program planning, development, and management

- Sponsorship programs

- Marketing techniques using various media

- The production and use of various media in public relations / marketing activities

- Effective written and verbal communication

• Working knowledge of:

- Community organization; volunteer program development, recruitment, management, and  recognition practices

- Community engagement

- Principles and practices of effective supervision

- Governmental budgetary practices

- Grant writing and grant management

- Fundraising practices

- Graphic design experience

- Develop and execute public presentations

- Survey development, data collection and reporting practices

• Skill in:

- Developing public information, talking points and marketing programs and materials

- The use of currently available software applicable to the position

- Strong interpersonal skills

• Ability to:

- Effectively represent CCPR with community groups and the media

- Address and motivate the public and professional groups

- Prepare and maintain complex reports and records

- Meet deadlines and manage time effectively

- Manage contracts

- Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety

- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public

- Follow written and verbal instructions

- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

- Interact and work with a culturally diverse population as well as youth and adult participants

Employee Benefits

Coconino County offers a comprehensive employee benefits
package to regular employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes:

(Regular Part Time employees receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis. Temporary and Seasonal employees do not receive benefits. Elected officials are not eligible for vacation and sick leave.)

• Vacation/Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 10 Holidays Per Year
• Health Care Insurance
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Pre-Tax Deduction Plan
• Sick Leave Conversion Plan
• Personal Day Purchase Program
• Vacation Sell Back Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Wellness Program
• Long-Term Disability
• Arizona State Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-going Training Opportunities
• Free bus transportation/ EcoPass bus pass

Elective Coverage

• Dependent Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Supplemental Life (for employees & dependents)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Tax-deferred investment program
• Accidental and Disability Insurance
• Short Term Disability

Coconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.