Content Creator - City of Odessa

Department: City Manager-Communications Reports to: Director of Communications

Summary: Under basic supervision, oversees City websites and a City mobile application by generating quality content, executing timely updates and overseeing redesign and development. Collaborates with other staff to collect and publish news, information, graphics, photos and videos. Ensures all content complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, follows Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices and demonstrates consistency in style and tone. Uses site analytics and data to continuously improve the user experience.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Promotes City activities, services and programs by generating relevant and timely content for City websites, employee intranet and City Council communication dashboard.
• Responds to and fulfills requests to update, edit, add or remove content in a timely manner. Reformats and rewrites content as necessary to comply with ADA standards, follows website guidelines and creates intuitive processes for users.
• Implements creative and research-driven solutions for increasing website traffic, enhancing functionality and improving design through use of site analytics and data.
• Develops and completes auditing schedules for website and mobile application. Diagnoses and resolves technical issues, broken URLs and page errors. Removes dated or duplicated content.
• Oversees the redesign, development and management of websites and mobile application by guiding project timelines, coordinating staff feedback and communicating with vendors.
• Collaborates with departments and/or vendors to support the use of third-party applications on website(s) and mobile application.
• Develops, creates, edits, and modifies existing internal and external website content; updates and enhances the content and technical aspects of web pages; trains City staff in website maintenance and editing.
• Serves as photographer/videographer; edits photos/videos to share with public as needed for web content.
• This position is designated as "essential personnel" and is required to be available for immediate call-in due to any natural or manmade disaster, or any event the Director of Communications or the City Manager deems necessary. An on-call schedule is managed by the Director of Communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Communications or City Manager's office.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Associate's Degree in Communications or related field is required; AND three years' experience in public sector communications; OR High school diploma/GED or 8-10 years of web editing and development work experience.

Knowledge of:

• Computer graphic design techniques and publication and web-based software applications.
• Methods and techniques used in the development and production of marketing and media projects.

Skill in:

• Writing, editing and developing a variety of communications materials.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City staff.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Monitoring technological changes and developments in the computer and media industries.
• Identifying and implementing practical solutions to technical problems.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands. Strong organization skills.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.

Physical demands and working environment: The physical and work environment 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 regularly required use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

While mostly performed in a standard office environment, this job may be exposed to outside weather conditions. Some weekend and evening work may be required.