Communications & Marketing Specialist - Assistant/Associate

Communications & Marketing Specialist - Assistant/Associate Class Title Communications & Marketing Specialist - Assistant/Associate Purpose Develops, administers, and participates in the dissemination of information to promote understanding of District environmental programs, activities, regulations, and administrative proceedings to non-technical audiences, news media representatives, community and civic groups, public agencies, and private organizations; encourages and promotes public and small business participation in such programs, activities, and proceedings; performs other related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics Assistant Communications & Marketing Specialist – The entry level class of the series. Incumbents assist with the planning, designing, and executing of programs, projects, studies, or other work involving the preparation and dissemination of administrative and technical information in support of the District's policies, functions, activities, demonstrations, programs, and regulations. Incumbents are expected to demonstrate increased understanding and knowledge of District programs during the training period and are gradually given less supervision and more difficult and responsible assignments. Associate Communications & Marketing Specialist – The fully experienced, journey level class of the series. Incumbents work under general supervision and are responsible for assignments of substantial difficulty, complexity and sensitivity requiring an in‑depth knowledge of District programs, rules, and operations. Typical Duties Coordinate the District’s public education/outreach programs; coordinate activities with District representatives and other management staff; discuss current developments and ongoing programs, and obtain information from District staff and other air quality management agency representatives; promote alternative fuel and low‑emission technology to business, elected officials and the general public. Implement programs, policies and procedures; provide ongoing support for special projects and programs through interagency relations, marketing, advertising and outreach; participate in District rule development and planning efforts to integrate public education program components. Research, write, edit, and oversee production and distribution of quarterly District newsletter, rule advisory notices, brochures, pamphlets, fact sheets, posters and annual reports. Respond to news media and public inquiries about the District and air quality issues; act as spokesperson for the District and represent the District before the news media, public and private sector officials on a variety of issues; assist with planning, coordination and execution of news conferences and media availabilities; prepare correspondence in reply to inquiries, general complaints and suggestions related to the District’s programs, activities and procedures; research and prepare issue summaries. Assist with Board of Directors communications through research, writing and production of rule fact sheets and other information critical to Board understanding of air quality issues. Write and produce special television features; write copy for radio and television commercials and public service announcements; design and create exhibits and displays; develop copy, graphics, layout and arrange for placement of District print and broadcast advertising. Plan, arrange for and coordinate public workshops, special conferences, promotional events and public hearings on rules, issues and actions; assist with planning and coordination of a bi‑annual air quality conference sponsored by the District; speak at workshops, conferences, commissions and board meetings. Act as project manager for various demonstration programs; monitor project resources, coordinate public education efforts and respond to ongoing needs of demonstration participants. Minimum Qualifications Assistant Communications & Marketing Specialist – Completion of major coursework from an accredited four‑year college or university in communications, public relations, environmental science, public or business administration, or journalism and two years of full‑time experience disseminating public information, including speaking before groups, civic organizations and public gatherings, or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities. Associate Communications & Marketing Specialist – Completion of major coursework from an accredited four‑year college or university in communications, public relations, environmental science, public or business administration, or journalism and one year of experience as an Assistant Communications and Marketing Specialist or three years of full‑time experience engaged in an informational service program that included liaison responsibilities with individuals and representatives from community and civic groups, public agencies and private organizations, or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities. Knowledge of Both Classes – Principles, techniques and methods to develop and conduct public information and community liaison programs; techniques of preparing, producing and disseminating information to the general public, news media, schools and the community, utilizing all major media communications; preparation and dissemination of information to the press through a variety of communications media, including photography, graphic arts, copy layout and radio and television programming; methods used to evaluate program objectives and goals; principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining relations with news media and other public groups; principles, techniques and practices of journalism, expository prose and editing; English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Associate Communications & Marketing Specialist – Basic federal, state and local environmental pollution laws, rules and regulations; District rules, programs and operations; statutory requirements for low‑emission vehicles related to alternative fuels; automobile industry/rental car industry and basic fleet management; state, federal and local government organizations and functions. Ability to Both Classes – Read, understand, apply and communicate District rules, regulations and procedures, and federal and state environmental regulations; establish and maintain relations with media, community leaders, District management staff and representatives of a wide range of public agencies and private organizations; compose, coordinate and edit a variety of educational, informational and promotional materials; prepare written analyses, evaluation, summaries, recommendations, correspondence and reports; prepare illustrations, charts, graphs and other visual aids for presentations; speak in public. Special Requirements Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license. Working Conditions & Physical Demands Physical Demands: On an occasional to frequent basis, performs tasks such as transporting promotional materials, setting up display booths and participating in outdoor events requiring active movement, walking, standing and lifting bulky items. When working within the office, physical demands include occasional lifting up to 25 lbs., bending, stooping, squatting and moving about the office. Requires frequent travel by car. Requires occasional work outdoors with exposure to summer heat when staffing display booths at fairs. Travel throughout the District is required. Supervisory Responsibility None #J-18808-Ljbffr Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District