Community Outreach Specialist

About the Port of Bellingham

The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
 

By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
 

Mission Statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.

Position is open from 7/1/2024 - 7/19/2024.

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Outreach Specialist contributes to the Port’s operations through planning and executing a comprehensive social media and outreach strategy. This role will support internal and external communications efforts. The Specialist creates content for social media, traditional marketing, website and digital content in support of the Port’s outreach strategy. The Community Outreach Specialist assists in coordinating and supporting the Ports large community outreach events. Occasional evenings and weekends availability will be required of job

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Executes a well-defined social media strategy to achieve the Port’s objectives while ensuring a consistent message.
2. Responsible for visual design projects including graphic design for social media campaigns, videography photography, signage, and digital signage.
3. Records, edits and publishes multiple videos per month on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms.
4. Responsible for regular set-up of equipment, recording, editing, and posting of live Commission meetings and other open, public meetings.
5. Publishes daily posts on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms.
6. Measures and reports on the performance of all digital communications and marketing efforts.
7. Analyzes other Port district and local government pages to find new trends and content ideas that are performing well.
8. Prepares and coordinates informational advertising material for communications media, including web-based and digital media.
9. Manages drone media operations.  Operate drone, capturing footage as requested by Community Outreach Manager and/or other departments within the Port. Maintain drone equipment.
10. Manages Meetings & Events webpages (and other divisions as directed) on Port website.
11. Collaborates with staff and management to ensure the Port’s website is up to date and aligned with divisional objectives
12. Develops internal newsletter to keep employees informed and engaged and strengthens the Port’s culture.
13. Collaborates with the Community Outreach Manager on all corporate Events. Responsibilities include writing site use agreements, scheduling service calls, coordinating with vendors.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 2 years of experience in communications strategy roles and customer service
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field. Additional years of relevant experience can substitute for degree.
• Direct experience in social media operations
• Experience operating drones

LICENSES REQUIRED

• Valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
• Currently holds or can obtain drone license after hire.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of customer service skills and experience
• Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines
• Experience in content creation using various technology including video camera and live streaming tools or ability to quickly acquire the necessary skills to complete these tasks
• Highly computer literate with capability in email, MS Office, and related communication tools
• Strategic and creative mindset
• Attention to detail

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY

Position works with moderate amount of independence and does not supervise others. Position is responsible for representing the Port to the public on a regular basis.

Benefits include medical & prescription plans, dental, vision, orthodontia plans, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, basic and additional life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability, voluntary long-term care, vacation accrual starting at 18 days off per year, Washington paid sick leave, Washington State pension plans including PERS 2, 3, or LEOFF, deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays, and education assistance.