Communications Specialist

DEFINITION Please note only the first 100 applications will be accepted. The job posting may close without prior notice.* Under the general direction of the City Manager or designee, the Communications Specialist assists in implementing internal and external communications, social media, marketing, public information, and community outreach efforts for the City of Maywood. This position supports content creation, website management, community engagement, event promotion, branding, graphic design, photography, videography, and digital media coordination to effectively inform and engage residents, businesses, visitors, and community stakeholders. This part‑time classification is responsible for assisting with a broad range of communications‑related assignments supporting the City Manager's Office and all City departments. Incumbents in this position are expected to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, maintain confidentiality, and show initiative while representing the City in a professional manner. Assignments are performed under general supervision with opportunities for increased responsibility as proficiency is demonstrated. Essential Job Functions The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to do position‑related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. Essential Job Duties As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Examples of Duties Assists in preparing and distributing a variety of communications materials, including newsletters, press releases, flyers, brochures, advertisements, public notices, fact sheets, and social media content. Supports updates and content scheduling for the City's website, social media accounts, digital signage, and other public communication platforms. Creates written and visual content to promote City programs, services, initiatives, meetings, and special events. Assists with public outreach activities, including community events, workshops, press conferences, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, and City-sponsored activities. Maintains the City's branding standards across all communication and marketing materials. Designs flyers, banners, brochures, newsletters, signs, presentations, certificates, advertisements, and other promotional materials using graphic design software. Takes photographs and videos of City Council meetings, commission meetings, community events, recreation programs, and other City activities. Assists with editing photographs and video content for use on the City's website, social media platforms, newsletters, and promotional materials. Maintains digital and physical archives of photographs, videos, publications, and other media. Assists in developing and maintaining the City's social media content calendar. Tracks and monitors website traffic, social media engagement, and communication performance metrics and assists in preparing reports. Assists with drafting speeches, talking points, proclamations, presentations, and other communication materials for City officials and staff. Supports internal communication efforts including staff announcements, newsletters, and organizational communications. Responds to general public inquiries and provides accurate information in a professional and courteous manner. Assists with coordinating translation of communication materials as needed; bilingual English/Spanish is highly desirable. Collaborates with City departments to promote programs, services, projects, and special events. Assists with media inquiries and helps maintain positive working relationships with local media representatives. Supports emergency public information efforts as directed. Attends and supports community engagement efforts outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of Principles and practices of public information, marketing, public relations, and community outreach. Digital communication strategies and social media management. Website content management systems. Graphic design principles and desktop publishing software. Basic photography, videography, and media editing techniques. English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and business writing. Modern office procedures, practices, and equipment. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and related software applications. Customer service principles and effective public communication techniques. Ability to Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Organize and prioritize multiple projects while meeting deadlines. Create clear, engaging, and professional communication materials. Design attractive marketing and promotional materials. Maintain and update website and social media content. Photograph and document City events and activities. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, community members, media representatives, and partner organizations. Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. Represent the City professionally in public settings. Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Operate standard office equipment, cameras, computers, and multimedia equipment. Education And Experience Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Public Administration, or a closely related field; and One (1) year of professional experience in communications, public information, marketing, journalism, social media management, graphic design, or a closely related field. Desirable Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field. Experience working in local government or a public agency. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, website content management systems, and social media management platforms. Necessary Special Requirements Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License. Satisfactory driving record. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. WORKING CONDITIONS The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, and reach. Lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Operate computers, cameras, audiovisual equipment, printers, and other office equipment. Read printed materials and computer screens. Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Travel throughout the City to meetings, programs, and community events. Occasionally work evenings, weekends, and holidays to support City operations and special events. All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate providing proof of authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing any post‑offer, pre‑employment requirements applicable to the position, which may include a medical examination, fingerprinting, and/or a criminal history background check conducted in accordance with applicable laws. The City of Maywood is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract of employment. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The City of Maywood is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io to discuss your needs. This is a non‑benefited, at‑will part‑time position; employee shall not work in excess of 960 total hours per fiscal year. Hourly compensation will depend on qualifications, prior experience and skills. Employment with the City may be discontinued at any time without cause, notice or right of appeal or hearing. PAID SICK LEAVE Under the California Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, the employee will receive 24 hours of paid sick leave in a 12‑month period. #J-18808-Ljbffr