Communications Assistant

Description

Position Summary

The Communications Assistant serves as a highly experienced communications professional providing strategic and tactical support to the Communications Manager across a broad range of public relations, marketing and communications initiatives for the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. This position develops compelling communications that strengthen the Tribe’s public image, promote Tribal programs and enterprises, preserve and celebrate Tribal culture and heritage, and enhance engagement with Tribal citizens, community partners, media and the public.

This position is designed for an accomplished communications practitioner capable of managing multiple assignments while producing high-quality work under demanding deadlines. The employee will serve as a versatile communications resource, providing expertise in writing, media relations, web communications, digital strategy, graphic design, photography, video production, branding, public information and event communications.

Essential Responsibilities

• Write, edit and produce news releases, feature stories, newsletters, speeches, talking points, correspondence, executive communications, annual reports, publications and marketing materials.
• Develop and implement public relations, public information and strategic communications initiatives that support Tribal priorities, programs, services and economic development efforts.
• Develop and execute web communications strategies that strengthen the Tribe’s online presence, increase public engagement and support Tribal enterprises through effective digital communications.
• Design, develop, launch, maintain and continuously improve Tribal websites and digital platforms using WordPress and other content management systems (CMS), ensuring websites are technically sound, visually engaging, user-friendly and aligned with Tribal branding and communications objectives.
• Manage website architecture, navigation, content organization, search engine optimization (SEO), accessibility and ongoing content updates to maximize website performance and audience reach.
• Create engaging content for websites, social media, email communications and digital marketing campaigns.
• Develop and implement SEO strategies to improve website visibility, search rankings and audience engagement.
• Coordinate media relations activities, including preparing press materials, responding to media inquiries, maintaining media relationships and identifying positive story opportunities.
• Research, interview and develop compelling stories highlighting Tribal programs, services, history, culture, citizens and accomplishments.
• Produce professional photography, iPhone photography, videography and multimedia content for use across digital and print communications.
• Design professional-quality print and digital publications, advertisements, presentations, brochures, signage, promotional materials and branded communications.
• Assist in planning, promoting and coordinating Tribal meetings, community events, public ceremonies, conferences, special events and media activities.
• Coordinate with Tribal departments to gather information, develop communications plans and ensure consistent messaging across all communication platforms.
• Conduct research, monitor media coverage and identify emerging communications opportunities or issues affecting the Tribe.
• Assist with crisis communications and emergency public information efforts as directed.
• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Perform other communications, marketing and public relations duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or public information.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications strategies and public relations campaigns that include media relations, public information, web communications, writing, graphic design, photography, videography and digital marketing.
• Demonstrated success creating and managing web communications strategies that increase public engagement and support organizational objectives.
• Advanced proficiency with website management, website builders and content management systems (CMS), including website creation, administration, troubleshooting and content publishing.
• Demonstrated experience implementing SEO strategies and utilizing web analytics to improve digital performance.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills with demonstrated success producing high-quality content across multiple communications platforms, including websites, annual reports, presentations, public information materials, news releases, feature stories, executive communications, newsletters, social media, email marketing, video scripts and multimedia campaigns.
• Experience developing, producing, hosting and promoting podcasts and other multimedia communications.
• Advanced graphic design experience with the ability to develop branding, logos, print collateral, digital graphics, advertising campaigns and visual communications that increase engagement and advance Tribal communications and marketing objectives.
• Professional experience in photography, iPhoneography, videography and multimedia storytelling.
• Experience planning and promoting public events, community engagement activities and special events.
• Experience working with Tribal governments, Native organizations, nonprofit organizations or public agencies is preferred.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of public relations, strategic communications, public information and media relations.
• Understanding of Tribal government, Tribal sovereignty, cultural heritage, historical preservation and culturally appropriate communications.
• Ability to develop integrated communications strategies that support Tribal priorities while promoting Tribal enterprises, programs and economic development initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of website development, WordPress, website builders, CMS, SEO, digital communications and web analytics.
• Ability to create, manage and continuously improve organizational websites from both a technical and creative perspective.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging communications.
• Exceptional graphic design skills and the ability to produce professional-quality print and digital communications materials.
• Professional proficiency in photography, iPhoneography, videography and multimedia content production.
• Advanced event planning and project management skills.
• Ability to produce a significant volume of high-quality work within demanding deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail, accuracy and consistency.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with Tribal leadership, employees, citizens, media representatives, governmental agencies and community partners.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality and represent the Tribe professionally.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments effectively and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced communications environment.

Employment Expectations

• The employee will coordinate assignments, priorities and project deadlines with the Communications Manager.
• The employee is expected to maintain availability during assigned work hours for meetings, collaboration, consultation and time-sensitive communications.
• Work location, schedule, attendance and any remote-work arrangements will be governed by Peoria Tribe policies and supervisory approval.
• The employee will comply with all applicable Peoria Tribe policies, procedures, workplace standards and supervisory directives.

Compensation and Employment Status

This position is a W-2 employee position of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. Compensation, scheduled hours, eligibility for benefits, leave, payroll deductions and other terms and conditions of employment will be administered in accordance with the employee’s offer or personnel action and applicable Peoria Tribe policies.

The employee is subject to applicable payroll withholding and employment policies. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment or guarantees employment for any specific duration. Employment may be ended in accordance with applicable Peoria Tribe policies and governing law.

Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance.

Confidentiality: 

• Confidentiality is an absolute must for this position and is cause for immediate termination if not followed to the highest standard. 

Conditions of Employment:

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• May be required to submit to and pass applicable drug tests and background check.
• Adhere to all work rules, policies & procedures, and safety standards.

Work Requirements:

Position involves prolonged sitting, standing, stooping, or bending, lifting, or carrying 30 pounds on a daily basis. Work is generally performed in an office environment with varying levels of lighting, air quality, noise, and/or temperature. 

Acknowledgment

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified based on organizational needs.

Employee Signature: ______________________________ Date: __________________

Supervisor/HR: __________________________________ Date: __________________