Communications Assistant PositionCopyrighted
July 17, 2023
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 012.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Communications Assistant Position
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approval to combine the
currently vacant 0.5 FTE Communications Assistant position in the Public
Information Office and the currently vacant 0.7 FTE Marketing
Coordinator position at the Airport to create a 1.0 FTE Communications
Assistant position in the Public Information Office.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo - Request to Combine Two Part -Time Staff Memo
Communications/Marketing Positions
THE CITY
DUOF
B TEE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Communications Assistant Position
DATE: July 12, 2023
Dubuque
All -America City
IN
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Public Information Officer Randy Gehl is recommending City Council approval to
combine the currently vacant 0.5 FTE Communications Assistant position in the Public
Information Office and the currently vacant 0.7 FTE Marketing Coordinator position at
the Airport to create a 1.0 FTE Communications Assistant position in the Public
Information Office.
The current labor market has created significant challenges for filling vacant positions in
city government. Because they don't offer many benefits, part-time positions are
especially difficult to fill with qualified candidates. By eliminating these two part-time
positions and creating one full-time position, we will not only likely attract more qualified
candidates but also likely have better retention for the position.
When considering the budgetary impact of eliminating the two part-time positions and
creating one full-time communications/marketing position, there is the potential to
actually create savings. Eliminating both the 0.5 FTE Communications Assistant and the
0.7 Marketing Coordinator and replacing those two positions with a 1.0 FTE
Communications Assistant at GE-29A would create a savings of $14,871 in FY2024
because the total 2 employee expense for a 1.0 FTE GE-25A Communications
Assistant would have a total employee expense of $60,878 while the total combined
employee expenses for the two part-time positions in FY2024 is $75,749. A portion of
the savings could be used to purchase any computer, workstation, and software
licenses needed for the position.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
Todd Dalsing, Airport Manager
Shelley Stickfort, Director of Human Resources
THE CITY 4F
DUBR jE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
SUBJECT: Communications Assistant Position
DATE: July 12, 2023
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
!!!!!r Ci[y
IIIIIâ–º
20D7.2012.2013
2017*2019
The purpose of this memorandum is to submit for your consideration a request to
combine the currently vacant 0.5 FTE Communications Assistant position in the Public
Information Office and the currently vacant 0.7 FTE Marketing Coordinator position at
the Airport to create a 1.0 FTE Communications Assistant position in the Public
Information Office.
BACKGROUND
The half-time Communications Assistant position has been vacant since the hiring
freeze during the pandemic. Previously, this position was in Leisure Services and
assisted with the marketing/communications needs of that department. Public
Information Office staff have been providing marketing/communication support for
Leisure Services since the position became vacant. The position was transferred to
PIO effective July 1, 2023.
Dubuque Regional Airport Marketing Manager Karin Spisak retired in early July, so her
0.7 FTE Marketing Coordinator position is also vacant.
DISCUSSION
The current labor market has created significant challenges for filling vacant positions in
city government. Because they don't offer many benefits, part-time positions are
especially difficult to fill with qualified candidates. By eliminating these two part-time
positions and creating one full-time position, we will not only likely attract more qualified
candidates but also likely have better retention for the position.
When considering the budgetary impact of eliminating the two part-time positions and
creating one full-time communications/marketing position, there is the potential to
actually create savings.
Eliminating both the 0.5 FTE Communications Assistant and the 0.7 Marketing
Coordinator and replacing those two positions with a 1.0 FTE Communications
Assistant at GE-29A would create a savings of $14,871 in FY2024 because the total
1
employee expense for a 1.0 FTE GE-25A Communications Assistant would have a total
employee expense of $60,878 while the total combined employee expenses for the two
part-time positions in FY2024 is $75,749. A portion of the savings could be used to
purchase any computer, workstation, and software licenses needed for the position.
Airport Manager Todd Dalsing and I have discussed this potential scenario and how the
PIO team can provide the communications/marketing support the Airport needs. He is
supportive and has discussed it with the Airport Commission.
If this request/proposal is approved, the new full-time Communications Assistant
position would be part of the Public Information Office and the Public Information Office
would provide communications/marketing support to the Airport including enhanced
marketing of air service, general management of the Airport's social media presence,
and promotional videos. Under my supervision, the Communications Assistant and
(other PIO staff when necessary) would spend up to 20 hours per week providing
communications/marketing support to the Airport. The Communications Assistant could
have regular "office hours" at the Airport and meet with the Airport Manager regularly to
ensure needs are being met. The Airport Manager and I would also work together on
marketing plans and discuss the airport's other communication needs regularly.
Depending upon the skills of the individual hired, I would expect the Communications
Assistant's remaining 20 hours per week would include assisting with general news
releases and distribution, website management, newsletter content, managing
electronic signage, ordering business cards and nametags, and other duties.
REQUESTED ACTION
I respectfully request approval to proceed with this plan to create a new full-time
Communications Assistant that would support the Airport and provide general support of
Public Information Office efforts.
Cc: Todd Dalsing, Airport Manager
Jennifer Larson, Chief Financial Officer
Shelley Stickfort, Human Resources Manager
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