Communications Specialist

Position Summary:

The Communications Specialist primarily supports the Parks and Recreation Department while collaborating across all City departments. This role delivers strategic, timely, and engaging communications that connect residents, visitors, businesses, and stakeholders to Parks and Recreation programs, City initiatives, and key updates.

Responsibilities include creating and distributing digital content, supporting media and public information activities, assisting with emergency communications, and maintaining a consistent, positive public image for the City. The Communications Specialist plays an essential role in implementing communication plans, including the Parks & Recreation Marketing Strategy—producing multimedia content, and advancing the City’s overall engagement efforts.

Essential Functions:

1. Communications & Content Production
   1. Creates, edits, and publishes content for City websites, social media channels, newsletters, print collateral, and other communication platforms. 
   2. Adheres to City brand standards and accessibility best practices while designing materials such as flyers, presentations, graphics and brochures.
   3. Drafts and edits press releases, public notices, talking points, reports, and other written materials.
   4. Captures and produces multimedia content, including photography and short-form video, to support City messages and initiatives.
   5. Coordinates with outside vendors, contractors, and service providers (including print, photography, video, and design) to support communication projects; assists in obtaining quotes, tracking deliverables, and managing timelines within approved budget parameters.
   6. Coordinates paid print and digital advertising placements.
   7. Supports Parks & Recreation staff with content and programming marketing materials development. 
2. Digital & Social Media Management
   1. Manages, maintains, and updates City digital channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, and website platforms.
   2. Monitors community comments, messages, and engagement, responding in a constructive, timely, and customer service oriented manner. 
   3. Tracks social and digital analytics to evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.
3. Media & Public Information Support
   1. Supports media relations and responds to information requests under the direction of the Communications & Engagement Officer.
   2. Assists during emergencies to gather information, prepare news releases, coordinate media, and disseminate official updates as directed. 
   3. Helps enforce and implement City media and social media policies.
4. Community Engagement & Events
   1. Assists in planning communication strategies for City events, programs, and public meetings.
   2. Attends City events, outreach activities, and community programs to gather content and support engagement.
   3. Supports employee recognition and City storytelling efforts, including photography and presentation coordination.
   4. Maintains strong working relationships with internal departments, regional partners, and community groups.
   5. Implements the Parks & Recreation Marketing Strategy

Other Duties:

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Core Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; able to interact with City leadership, staff at all levels, media, and the public; community outreach and engagement skills
• Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound knowledge of crisis communication principles and public safety measures.
• Displays appropriate levels of interest and concern for all City employees and members of the public.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment in internal and external situations.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings for meetings, emergencies, and special events.
• Initiates and engages in collaborative dialogue with City Council, Boards and Commissions, the public, and Parks & Recreation management and senior management regarding communication strategies.
• Detail-oriented, responsive, and committed to providing high-quality content and customer service.
• Remains calm under pressure while navigating conflict or crises that may arise.

Education, Training & Certifications:

Necessary:

• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Professional experience and/or certifications for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, NextDoor, LinkedIn, TikTok, and/or X (Twitter)/Bluesky accounts.
• Skilled in writing, editing, and applying AP style; able to tailor tone for diverse audiences.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must complete the following FEMA trainings:
  • G-289/IS-2 and E01050 within first two months of hire.
  • IS-100 and IS-200 within first six months of hire.
  • IS-42, ICS 300, ICS 400, G-290, G-291, IS-700, IS-702, IS-800 as soon as possible.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Political Science, English, Business, Liberal Arts, or a related field with two to five (2-5) years of directly related work experience.
• Professional Spanish-language proficiency.
• Proficiency with communication software (such as Canva, Bitly, MailChimp, Bynder, Copilot, VueWorks).
• Experience in photography, video production, or graphic design.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite including Acrobat Pro, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, and Photoshop.
• Prior experience in a municipal setting and/or experience interfacing with local and regional media agencies.
• Additional experience, training or certifications in parks and recreation, customer service, executive communications, social media management, special events, media relations, website content management systems, multimedia production, branding, community outreach and engagement, crisis communications, public policy, or project management are desirable.

Physical Requirements:

Action - Frequency

Lifting - 10 pounds frequently; 50 pounds occasionally

Carry - 10 pounds frequently; 50 pounds occasionally

Pushing/Pulling - 10 pounds frequently; 50 pounds occasionally

Driving - Occasionally

Balance/Stoop/Bend - Frequently

Twist/Squat/Crouch - Occasionally

Kneeling - Occasionally

Crawling - N/A

Climbing Stairs - Occasionally

Climbing Ladders - Occasionally

Standing/Walking - Frequently

Reaching Above/Below/At Shoulder Level - Frequently