Communication Specialist

Responsibilities

• Reviews, coordinates, creates, oversees, and implements a wide variety of public information and media projects within the communications, promotions, and public relations arena, including programs or messages for City employees
• Assists the Community Relations Manager in the day-to-day functions of the division
• Leads, prepares and set-up coordination of events, such as press conferences, community meetings and video staging, as directed
• Works with department staff to develop multi-faceted communication plans
• Drafts, edits, reviews, and obtains approvals for internal and external communication documents
• Writes and reviews content for news releases, newsletters, City intranet and internet, websites, broadcast media scripts, and presentations as directed
• Prepares public information releases, articles, and press kits for distribution to the public or to City employees on subjects that are sensitive or complex
• Establishes and maintains professional relationships and open lines of communication with community groups, department managers and other key stakeholders
• Ensures that City messages, images, and video are appropriately conveyed to the public and employees utilizing best practices in mass communication and exercising discretion and sound judgement
• Works with City staff to establish goals for positive, important, and time sensitive information releases from the City, including working with various agencies

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and methods of effective public information, community outreach, marketing, and branding; Principles and practices of effective graphic design and illustration methods and materials for programs, campaigns, and information; Photography and/or videography and the operation of camera equipment and digital editing software; Presentation skills in dealing with groups of various sizes and demographics; Social media management, trends, and tools; Effective writing techniques for various content types such as social media, articles, scripts, speeches, and the internet; English grammar, editing, research, and creative writing skills; Technological advances in communications (e.g., social media, web, digital media, photography, video, etc.); Project management; Principles and practices of ADA standards in communications; Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report preparation
• Ability to: Compose information releases and feature articles for all communications platforms; Produce work product using computer, mobile device, graphic design and/or video editing software, and audio-visual equipment; Complete assignments within strict time constraints; Create and edit compelling content for presentations; Draft, review, edit, obtain approvals, and produce internal and external communication documents; Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; Effectively communicate in oral and written form; Establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds; Establish and maintain effective working relations with City staff, the public and representatives from outside agencies; Treat City employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect; Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy; Assess customers’ immediate needs and ensure customers’ receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral; Provide prompt, efficient, and responsive service; Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations; Effectively analyze large amounts of detailed and complex information, to develop sound communications and public relations recommendations and workable alternatives
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a closely related field and two (2) years of professional experience in communications, community engagement, or public relations. Experience in writing press releases and organizing press conferences is highly desired. Associate degree from an accredited college or university, or two (2) years (60 semester units) of college level course work from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a closely related field and four (4) years of professional experience in communications, community engagement, or public relations. Experience in writing press releases and organizing press conferences is highly desired.
• (Proof of education must be submitted at time of employment application. Copies of unofficial transcripts or degrees will be accepted.)
• Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Driver’s License.
• Must provide proof of completion of FEMA’s Public Information Basics (L0105) and the City’s social media training within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred

• Experience in writing press releases and organizing press conferences is highly desired.