Discussion:
In December, the City Council approved hiring a part-time communications position to provide additional assistance to the communications division. After considering the division and city’s biggest needs, we determined that a communications specialist focusing on digital communications would best benefit the organization.
However, in looking at the city's long-term communications needs, we understand the continued challenge of Shakopee Government TV. Operating the channel and maintaining its equipment requires a unique skillset – one no one on staff currently possesses. Its hours also fluctuate greatly, making it difficult to hire a position totally dedicated to the system.
Currently, the city does have a vacant part-time Government Access Specialist position (20 hours/month). Hiring the position has been extremely challenging and likely not viable in its current structure. Thus, in looking at other ways to fill our television system needs, we spoke with several cities about contracting out our channel operations. One nearby city showed interest but is not at a point to move forward until 2019.
Therefore, to address the continued needs for Shakopee Government TV and the communications division, we are proposing two options:
Option 1: Full-time communications specialist
This option would combine the part-time communications specialist position with the part-time government access specialist position. As outlined in the attached job description, the combined position would spend approximately 50 percent of its time on communications, 25 percent on videos and 25 percent maintaining Shakopee Government TV.
The position will provide much-needed communications assistance, primarily with digital communications, and fill a long-term need by providing someone who can take ownership of the Shakopee Government TV system and is familiar with the unique world of broadcasting. As a full-time employee, the position could also more easily shift between
responsibilities as needed. The biggest challenge, however, is whether the city can find a candidate with such a diverse skillset of broadcasting and communications experience.
Option 2: Part-time communications specialist and shared television/video specialist with another city
This option would hire a part-time communications specialist, as previously approved by council. Then, it would look to potentially partner with a nearby city in 2019 to share a full-time television specialist position between the two municipalities. This position would be responsible for operating both cities’ broadcasting systems, as well as creating videos for both organizations.
The option would also provide much-needed communications assistance and fill a long-term need here in Shakopee. It is also more likely we'd find two separate candidates than one combined. The challenge, however, is the other city is not inclined to make any changes until 2019, requiring us to maintain status quo mode for at least another year. Also, a shared broadcasting position between the cities would limit our available hours.
At this time, we recommend seeking candidates for the full-time communications specialist position (Option 1). However, if we do not have a candidate that meets our needs, staff would then move ahead with Option 2 and hire a part-time communications specialist yet this year. Staff would continue conversations with other cities about potentially sharing a television/video position in 2019.