This position directs and develops communications messages and materials that effectively market and promote the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) and the Tennessee Municipal League (TML) to customers, stakeholders and public. The position also manages strategic communications initiatives as part of the overall MTAS and TML strategic plan.
Engage Stakeholders
- Create/identify and execute strategies aimed at cultivating, managing, and tracking professional relationships between TML, MTAS, and members of Towns and Cities, affiliates, government officials, and other stakeholders while exercising sound judgment about priorities.
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships between TML, MTAS, and internal and external constituents (e.g., staff, volunteers, donors, etc.) by serving as TML and MTAS' "voice" to persons across the state of Tennessee in receipt of an e-mail, official letter, photograph, and/or personal note (e.g., notes of congratulations, appreciation, recognition, sympathy, or otherwise).
- Draft correspondence in TML and MTAS' "voice" to persons across the state of Tennessee through e-mails, official letters, or personal notes (e.g., notes of congratulations, appreciation, recognition, sympathy, or otherwise), and identify opportunities for such correspondence (e.g., stay informed about events, awards, and accomplishments of constituents that provide the opportunity for correspondence from TML and MTAS).
- Maintain current knowledge of TML and MTAS major initiatives and key talking points to inform communications on behalf of the organizations.
- Capture, synthesize and collate outcomes from TML and MTAS engagements, and represent those in compelling and easy to digest internal reports for leadership.
- Serve as a liaison between TML/MTAS and cities/towns, various state agencies, and other state affiliates
- At the request of leadership, organize and manage select customer visits by distinguished guests and stakeholders, including but not limited to higher education leaders, government officials, and other external customers
Responsible for MTAS and TML Messaging, Image and Content Development
- Travels to Municipalities to gain knowledge of trending stories/topics for MTAS and TML
- Create all messaging
- Create presentations for MTAS and TML
- Develop and manage all social media content
- Oversee the creation of marketing materials for MTAS and TML
- Write news releases and distribute to the media
- Manage content for the MTAS and TML website and social media
- Create messages for employees and stakeholders
- Identify publicity opportunities for MTAS and TML
- Serve as contact for public records requests
Support Leadership
- Accompany Leadership to important events and meetings, on- and off-site, to serve as a liaison on-site and gather photos and information to be utilized for post-event follow up, including drafting, editing, and posting messaging on certain social media platforms of the organizations (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) to elevate engagement with a variety of stakeholders.
- Provide thoughtful support to leadership at certain events (e.g., conferences, fundraisers, etc.) with the planning, coordinating, and implementation of leadership’s schedule to ensure leadership's time is used effectively to reach a variety of stakeholders.
- Consult and coordinate with staff on the leadership’s schedule to ensure time is being utilized effectively and efficiently for off-site trips; collaborate with leadership on off-site visits that facilitate the goals and strategies that accomplish the organizations' goals.
Manage Designated Programs and Events
Serve as the full-time employee responsible for planning, managing, and executing designated programs and events holding strategic significance to TML and MTAS, including planning meetings and developing pre-meeting reading materials and agendas. These events will be determined by leadership and will include but not be limited to:
- Multiple Conferences
- Leadership Office Hours
- Leadership Special Councils
- Organization Retreats
Meetings and professional development
- Includes MTAS and TML office and team meetings, agency meetings and retreats, and IPS meetings and conferences. Also includes time at professional meetings and conferences, seminars and training classes.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree required in communications or a related field.
Experience: 5-plus years in public relations or marketing communications.
Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving skills are necessary. Knowledge of the communications landscape, web content management systems, web measurement tools and social media outlets is necessary. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to be a self-starter with motivation to achieve. Ability to advise and influence senior leadership in their decision making. Ability to forecast potential issues with a variety of solutions. Knowledge of local government environment preferred.
Behaviors: Self-starter, strong work ethic, loyal and honest, ability to maintain confidentiality.
Location: Nashville, TN
Applicants are encouraged to review all position requirements prior to applying. Salary is based on a combination of professional experience and qualifications. Applicants must submit a resume with a cover letter and a minimum of three references. Position is open until filled.