Communications Specialist

Job Title: Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist performs digital media, content creation, community engagement, and public information work in support of the City of Atlantic Beach. The position focuses on drafting, creating, and distributing accurate, timely, accessible, and engaging content regarding City programs, services, projects, events, and emergency conditions. The Communications Specialist coordinates with City departments to gather details, write copy, and produce visual assets that promote transparency and public awareness. The position creates day-to-day content for the City's social media presence, website, digital newsletters, and print materials, helping to maintain a clear and consistent City brand. Work requires sound judgment, clear writing ability, creativity, and the capacity to balance multiple routine assignments and rapidly changing priorities. The employee will be periodically required to attend meetings and events outside regular business hours and assist with emergency messaging during severe weather or local public safety incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities

Content Creation and Digital Media

• Drafts, schedules, and posts day-to-day content across authorized City social media accounts, including graphics, short-form posts, photographs, and event notices.
• Monitors social media comments and direct messages, applies approved moderation and response protocols, and routes public inquiries to the appropriate department.
• Provides real-time social media coverage and photography for City events, community programs, and local activities.
• Assists with updating written copy, images, notices, and routine announcements on the City's website.
• Drafts copy for electronic newsletters, email notifications, flyers, digital signage, and community engagement tools.
• Creates and publishes digital content in accordance with City accessibility standards, including appropriate alternative text, captions, accessible documents, descriptive links, and other accessibility practices applicable to City web and digital content.

General Writing and Communications

• Researches, writes, and edits copy for internal and external public information materials, including flyers, postcards, brochures, event programs, and educational handouts.
• Translates operational, technical, or regulatory details from City departments into clear, plain-language messaging for the public.
• Proofreads departmental communication materials for grammar, clarity, tone, and brand consistency.
• Assists in compiling routine internal communications, employee announcements, and project highlights.

Graphic Design, Photography, and Video Execution

• Photographs and captures video at City events, facilities, and projects for visual storytelling assets.
• Creates social media graphics, digital ads, print flyers, and presentation templates using design software (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite).
• Edits short-form video clips, event recaps, and basic multimedia updates for public distribution.
• Maintains an organized digital library of logos, graphics, photos, and video files.

Media and Event Support

• Assists in compiling background details, fact sheets, FAQs, and event information to support public information outreach.
• Routes incoming media inquiries to the Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager, or other designated spokesperson in accordance with City media-response protocols.
• Assists with setting up promotional materials, signage, displays, and audio/visual needs for town halls, ribbon-cuttings, and public meetings.

Emergency and Crisis Communications Support

• Prepares and posts approved emergency alerts and public notices across the website, social media channels, and email systems during severe weather or service disruptions.
• Assists with distributing routine updates, facility closures, and recovery information to the community in accordance with approved City and emergency operations procedures.
• Reports to designated work sites during emergency operations as assigned.

Administrative and Operations

• Maintains content schedules, photographs, videos, published materials, social media records, and other communications records in accordance with City records-retention procedures and applicable public records requirements.
• Tracks basic digital metrics (e.g., post engagement, website visits, email open rates) to measure content reach.
• Assists with processing invoices and preparing documentation for printing or vendors.
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.

This position does not supervise staff.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required. A Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, digital media, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of practical experience creating digital content, writing public-facing copy, managing social media channels, or working in a related communications role.
• Strong functional writing, proofreading, and editing skills required. Newswriting experience and familiarity with AP style are preferred.
• Practical experience using design platforms (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite), social media scheduling tools, and standard office software.
• Applicants may be asked to provide creative writing, design, or social media portfolio samples.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must complete City-designated incident command, emergency communications, public information, and municipal communications training within established City timelines. FMCA Certified Local Government Communicator (CLGC) certification is encouraged when eligible.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of general writing, proofreading, editing, grammar, and plain-language communication principles.
• Skill in creating engaging, professional digital content, graphics, short videos, and written posts across standard platforms.
• Basic knowledge of graphic design, photo framing, and video editing techniques.
• Basic knowledge of digital accessibility principles and the ability to create accessible web, social media, document, image, and video content.
• Basic knowledge of public records and records-retention considerations applicable to municipal communications and social media.
• Ability to translate technical or municipal details into clear, easily understood content for residents.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize daily assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, exercise good judgment, and maintain neutrality in public communications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff across various departments.
• Ability to work scheduled evenings, weekends, or emergency shifts as needed.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment, but requires attending outdoor/indoor meetings, events, and City sites.
• Must be able to operate computer equipment, take photographs, record video/audio, and review visual/written content.
• Ability to lift, transport, and set up event materials, signage, and light camera/audio equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional outdoor exposure to local weather conditions during community events or field updates.

Work Schedule: Regular schedule; evenings, weekends, emergency response, and authorized overtime as required; overtime must be recorded in accordance with City policy