Description

Typical Hiring Range 
$61,383.04 - $76,240.48 Annually
$29.51 - $36.65 Hourly

WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful 
difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of 
one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA 
list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, 
and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.

OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and 
support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, 
Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and 
support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by 
our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high 
performance organization.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
Under general direction of Chief Communications & Marketing Officer and/or a Communications & 
Marketing Department Manager, and working closely with the Communications and Marketing team 
members and departmental subject matter experts, the Communications and Media Specialist position 
plays an integral role in helping the city execute its strategic communications and marketing plan 
to communicate with its various internal and external audiences both to broaden McKinney’s brand 
and image outside the community, and to educate and communicate with residents and other local 
constituents. This position is for a well-rounded communication professional with a strong overall 
communication and writing background, with experience in all forms of digital media (social, video, 
web) as well as print materials, media relations, marketing, internal communication, and crisis 
communication.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to 
live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.
 Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and city goals are 
interconnected.
 Contribute to a positive work culture.
 Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
 Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
 Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall 
organization.
 Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a 
fair share of team responsibilities.
 Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training 
opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.

 
Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Plays a key role in the Communications and Marketing team, with the mission of implementing the
Strategic Communications and Marketing plan, serving as a central resource for information from
an overarching city and community perspective.
Communicates with a variety of constituent audiences, broaden McKinney’s image, expand the
collective brand, and instill confidence in our community.
Fosters positive interaction between city government and the people it serves.
Plans communications outreach and project-based marketing plans.
Builds strong relationships – Adept at communicating with team members at all levels of the
organization to gather information and build communications content.
Works collaboratively within cross-functional teams and with external partners to share information
effectively.
Responds to citizen inquiries.
Record results and progress of communications activities to determine effectiveness.
Proofreads materials for accuracy and quality.
Prepares applications for various national, state, and local awards and other programs.
Coordinates annual city awards and other special events as required.
Represents the city on various working task forces, committees, and boards.
Works on newsletters, websites, and all digital communication channels.
Manages and writes content for communications collateral including newsletters, flyers, brochures
and digital graphics.
Works on special marketing projects and events.
Performs related work as required.
Complies with all written city policies and procedures.
Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and
procedures.
Maintains availability to work after regular work hours/weekends as events, meetings and program
needs dictate.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Perform other duties as assigned or directed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS
Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence
(R.I.S.E.).
Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom
service is provided.
Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
Proficient in AP style.
Strong proofreading skills and attention to detail.
Ability to convey complex information in a way that is relevant, and in plain but compelling language.
Thorough knowledge of integrated communications strategies.
Strong project management skills and a comfort level working in a fast-paced, demanding
environment, juggling multiple projects concurrently and thoroughly.
Detailed, deadline oriented with a focus on quality and exceptional writing skills a must.
Flexibility, enthusiasm, creativity, professionalism, diplomacy, and extreme attention to detail are
essential.
Ability to work within cross-functional teams and with external partners to share information
effectively.
Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change and stress.
Experienced in developing communications plans.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Experienced in managing complex projects on strategy and within budget.
Have a passion for excellence and get truly excited about helping the city in its strategic
communications and marketing endeavors.
The right candidate will have high standards and appreciate working for an organization that values
quality, innovation, and value for the taxpayer’s dollar.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and other day to day business programs.

Requirements

Required Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum 
Qualifications may be an acceptable substitute.

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or closely related field; 
supplemented by three (3) years previous experience in local government or a corporate 
communication environment that includes public relations, communications, journalism, writing, or 
marketing; or an equivalent combination of training, experience, or education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
 Familiarity with basic graphic design principles, web CMS, video production, Sprout Social and 
Mailchimp is a plus, in addition to a well-rounded communications background.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
 Must pass a drug screen and background check.
 Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Demands/Supplemental
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently (over 2/3 of the time) required to listen,
talk, sit, and work on the computer. The employee is (between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time) required to stand
and walk. The employee is rarely (under 1/3 of the time) required to reach, touch, handle or feel objects,
and lift and/or exert force up to ten (10) pounds. Close vision and color vision are special vision
requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
There is limited exposure to environmental conditions. Candidate must be comfortable working in a fastpaced,
dynamic environment.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of
preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other
job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment
agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification
to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace
and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital
status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.