The Communications department currently operates with two full-time employees: a Communications Manger and a Communications Specialist. The city's 2020-24 strategic plan has placed a strong emphasis on the city's overall communication efforts. The department is seeking another full-time Communications Specialist so that staff is able to better split technical duties to focus on the communications goals set by City Council. 

The current Communications Specialist will focus on the digital media aspect: video production, social media, etc. The addition of another Communications Specialist would have an emphasis on graphic design: newsletters, brochures, marketing campaigns, photographs, etc. Both positions would be managed by the Communications Manager. Job descriptions for each position are included. 

With the addition of another employee to the department we are also asking that the Communications Manager's compensation be moved up a pay grade with the added responsibility and necessary qualifications. The position is currently in grade 170 of the city's non-union pay plan and propose that it moves to grade 180. The position was evaluated through our internal pointing system and with the changes to these areas, the points assigned to the position do entitle the position to be moved to pay grade 180. 

The Communications Specialist position would be placed in the same pay grade as the current position which is pay grade 150 on the city's non-union pay plan. For the remainder of the 2021 year, it's estimated that the addition of this position would cost a total of $28,540 for wages and benefits. If approved, this position will be included in the 2022 budget process and for a full year, it's estimated the position will cost $86,922 for wages and benefits. 

Moving the Communications Manager position to a new pay grade would not have an immediate budget impact. The position is currently paid at the top step of pay grade 170 which is $86,613. This position is currently open for recruitment and new hires typically come in at or below the mid-point of the pay range. Mid-point for grade 180 is $82,242 annually. Therefore there would be a slight decrease to 2021 budgeted wages due to this position being re-filled at a lower pay rate currently. The position would eventually earn  $93,518 annually when they reached the top pay step of pay grade 180. The difference between the top steps from grade 170 to 180 is $6,905. Moving forward, this would be included when budgeting wages for the department.