Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $23.38 to $37.42

Experience Required: 4 years of experience is preferred.

Minimum Education Requirements: Equivalent to an associate degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field or two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience involving public relations, marketing, or a related area. Public agency experience is highly desirable.

Direct Supervisor: Chief Administrative Officer

Supervisory Responsibility: Exercises no direct supervision of staff. May be required to train employees in a lower classification or other departments.

Primary Work Location: Office setting

Physical requirements: Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift carry, push, and/or pull to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and verbally communicate to exchange information.

Certification: Must have a valid driver�s license and must be bondable.

Job Summary: Under general direction, the Communications Specialist will perform a variety of public relations and communication-related duties including social media and website content creation and monitoring, graphic design, engagement and marketing, branding, messaging, and other communication strategies for the city. This is a technical classification performing a wide variety of tasks and projects in support of Citywide internal and external communications. Successful performance of the work requires the frequent use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment, knowledge of department and City activities, and extensive staff contact. This position is responsible for coordinating efforts related to the development and implementation of communication strategies including public relations activities and operations, internal communications, social media, content creation, graphic design, and marketing including but not limited to the City�s brand messages, themes, and style across different projects.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all the following essential duties:

• Assists in the development and implementation of Citywide communications, marketing, and public relations strategies to effectively engage internal and external audiences.
• Coordinates, creates, and manages content across multiple platforms, including social media, website, video, print, and other communication channels, ensuring consistent messaging and branding.
• Supports communication campaigns, outreach initiatives, and public information efforts, including press releases, publications, and community engagement activities.
• Advises the Chief Administrative Officer and City departments on communication strategies, media relations, and public messaging, including crisis communication support as needed.
• Monitors and evaluates communication efforts, media coverage, and campaign performance to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Maintains City branding standards and assists in developing communication policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Gathers, prepares, and disseminates accurate information to internal staff, the public, and stakeholders regarding City programs, services, and initiatives.
• Produces a variety of written and visual communication materials, including newsletters, presentations, speeches, and reports.
• Operates audio, video, and related equipment to support communication efforts, including recording and broadcasting meetings and events.
• Monitors communication channels, including social media, and responds to inquiries from internal and external customers.
• Provides training and guidance to staff on communication tools, procedures, and best practices.
• Attends and supports City meetings, events, and community outreach activities as assigned.
• Performs general administrative and related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA�s) for Employment

An employee in this class must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge

• Principles, practices, methods of communication strategies and public information relative to government agencies.
• Principles, practices, and methods of various forms of mass media including but not limited to internet, social media, print, television and radio, electronic communications, and community engagement programs.
• Principles and techniques of contemporary communication channels, including social media, video production and storytelling, advertising, publications, governmental access broadcast operations, graphic concept, and design.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, partner agencies and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; proficient writing and editorial skills.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, project delivery, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages, social media, and websites) to conduct business functions, compile, and/or generate content.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.

Skills

• Handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Operate a computer, using word processing, spreadsheet, database software, and other standard office equipment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Abilities

• Prepare and present clear, concise, and accurate oral and written reports, statements, speeches, talking points, and presentations.
• Understand the role, organization, and operations of the department to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Effectively use audio, video, computer, and related electronic equipment to perform a variety of tasks.
• Assist with planning, researching, organizing, and coordinating a variety of public information, media, and community outreach activities, meetings, and programs.
• Respond to and effectively prioritize multiple requests for service.
• Maintain equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
• Work productively and under limited supervision; work well independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work a flexible schedule that includes some evenings, weekends, and holidays.