Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

This position is responsible for coordinating various communication initiatives, including: creating and maintaining the City’s social media resources (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn); updating the City website; issuing news releases; editing the City’s newsletters and other media; creating, filming and editing video; providing photographic services; and assisting with various outreach efforts as assigned in an effort to inform and engage the community. This position will require the ability to work weekends and evenings, as assigned.

This classification is assigned to the Confidential bargaining group for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction and supervision from the Economic Development Director- Communications Officer. The incumbent may lead part-time staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position has technical and administrative responsibilities. This confidential classification performs a variety of assignments and may involve frequent contact with the public. Incumbents in this position are expected to be able to exercise good judgement and make appropriate decisions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Compose and update City website content including news releases.
• Maintain and update the City’s social media efforts and collaborate with the cross-departmental social media team; monitors City social media feeds and responds as appropriate; posts information on the City administered platforms.
• Builds and develops the City's press relationships to ensure accurate coverage of events, programs and activities; maintains regular media contacts and keeps them informed of issues and events of importance to the City and citizens.
• Develops and participates in special events.
• Write, edit and prepare informational materials, including the City’s newsletters, to inform the community of City issues, services, programs and events.
• Develop, plan and implement opportunities to improve public awareness of and involvement in City services, programs, plans and projects;
• Develop partnerships and coordinate information with outside individuals and agencies to foster community service, education and information;
• Represent the City in outside meetings and public events;
• Establish, maintain and foster cooperative working relationships with city-wide departments in the course of work.
• Create and maintain the City’s social media resources (Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn), insuring an active and engaging presence and appropriate content.
• Prepare information for billboards and City TV monitors.
• Create videos on various topics for posting on YouTube and other City outlets.
• Provide photographic services.
• Assist with various tasks as assigned including community engagement and volunteer events.
• Perform other related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to:

• Post content, monitor and evaluate website and social media outlets.
• Develop written material, photos and video for the community;
• Work proficiently with Microsoft Office, including effective use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Write clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences and prepare public information to engage and inform the community.
• Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions; manage time and activities to complete assignments timely.
• Effectively complete project assignments and multiple priorities to operate within budget, meet all objectives and meet deadlines.
• Establish effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work, ensuring positive interpersonal relations with others.
• Develop and maintain administrative databases and other information.
• Develop and deliver presentations.
• Work with teams to complete various tasks as needed.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems, both manual and automated.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public outreach.
• Social media tools and account management.
• Organization and function of public agencies, including the role of an elected City Council and appointed boards and commissions.
• Modern office administrative practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Computer applications related to the work, including word processing, web design, database, and spreadsheet applications.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

EXPERIENCE

One year of experience in public engagement activities, social media outlets, websites as well as preparing written and visual content for a variety of platforms.

EDUCATION

Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with significant course work in the areas of Communication, Journalism, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related fields.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment and the ability to maintain it as a condition of continued employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree. Experience and knowledge in local government communications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to view and work with computer screen(s) for extended periods, read fine print; hear well enough to converse on the telephone in assisting the public with emergency and non-emergency situations; use of hands and fingers for use of answering telephones, computer keyboard, writing and filing.