Public Affairs Coordinator I or II

MARC is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Public Affairs Coordinator with a focus on the Transportation and Environment and Local Government Services departments. This person will help make the Kansas City metropolitan area a great place to call home by providing communications leadership to MARC’s programs and initiatives. 

Date posted: Jan. 27, 2023

Position status: Conducting interviews

Sunset over Kansas City skyline including Union Station

About MARC

MARC is the Kansas City area’s nonprofit association of city and county governments and metropolitan planning organization, providing a forum for the region to work together to advance the social, economic, and environmental progress of the Kansas City region.  

MARC staff wearing red to support the Kansas City Chiefs

Why Work at MARC?

MARC is proud to offer a highly competitive fringe benefits package, generous paid time off and flexible remote work policy, among many other perks. 

About this position

We are searching for a highly responsible professional communicator who is dedicated to serving the community and building their skills. The ideal candidate will have experience leading a variety of digital and printed communications efforts, in addition to public education and outreach initiatives. 

You would plan, implement, and evaluate innovative strategic communications campaigns in an environment that values internal and external collaboration. 

This position is housed within MARC’s Public Affairs team, where you’d join talented and dedicated colleagues who support other MARC programs, digital communications efforts, and media planning initiatives. The position reports to the Public Affairs program director.

What you’ll do 

  • Serve as the go-to communications expert and consultant for a variety of internal teams, with a focus on transportation and local government services.  
  • Embed yourself in departments and programs to evaluate and anticipate communications needs.  
  • Plan, design, coordinate, implement and evaluate communications and public outreach efforts.  
  • Thrive in a “no two days are the same” work environment. A typical day in this role could include working on: 
    • Page layout and graphic design for brochures, reports, posters, invitations, advertisements, and other materials for print and electronic distribution. 
    • Web content creation and updates. 
    • Writing and editing news releases using AP Style. 
    • Coordinating and supporting media relations. 
    • Creating e-newsletter and blog content.  
    • Preparing for events, hybrid meetings, conferences, and public participation efforts. 
    • Producing videos. 
  • Develop and communicate innovative ideas. 
  • Effectively manage multiple projects at a time.  
  • Collaborate with MARC staff and regional stakeholders. 
  • Champion MARC’s event and contact management system. 
  • Advise and assist other Public Affairs team members.  
  • Support an inclusive, welcoming, diverse and creative work environment. 
  • Share your curiosity about new communications technologies and platforms.

About You

Skills you’ll need 

  • Experience developing and implementing a variety of successful communications efforts and projects while meeting deadlines.  
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud. 
  • Demonstrated success working with community stakeholders to develop culturally appropriate and effective messaging. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
  • Web page design and maintenance skills. 
  • Experience developing and executing visual communications, such as graphics, data visualizations, printed reports, promotional emails and more. 
  • Strong ability to manage multiple projects under deadline.  
  • Dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion practices and principles. 
  • A strong customer service orientation. 
  • A commitment to growing your skillset. 

Basic requirements 

We know that experience comes from many different places. This position encourages a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs or public relations. While a college degree is not required, it is valued equally to prior experience. Consideration will also be given to those with related experience. Experience with a public agency or nonprofit organization is also a benefit. 

Candidates with 1 to 4 years of experience in public affairs work may be considered for the Public Affairs Coordinator I level. Candidates with 5+ years of experience in public affairs work may be considered for a Public Affairs Coordinator II position. 

Additional qualifications 

Your resume will stand out if you have: 

  • Strong graphic design skills and samples that clearly note your role or contribution to each. 
  • Demonstrated videography skills. 
  • Expertise or interest in transportation and/or local government services subject matter. 
  • Bilingual skills. 

Salary and benefits

Starting salary for this position is from $50,000 to $60,000 per year, depending upon qualifications. MARC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package. MARC offers employees the flexibility to work remotely for up to two days per work week. 

How to apply

To apply, complete our online application form and attach your cover letter and resume.

MARC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. MARC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.