Communications Specialist

Salary: $5,323.00 - $6,496.00 Monthly
Location : Porterville City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400088
Department: Administrative Services
Division: City Managers
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Definition


Under general administrative direction, develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates the City's communications, marketing, branding, and public information programs; develops and maintains the City's brand identity and Citywide communications strategy; creates and coordinates digital, visual, and written content to promote City programs, services, projects, events, accomplishments, and community initiatives; supports media relations, community engagement, and emergency communications; and performs related duties consistent with the goals and priorities established by the City Manager.

Representative Duties


1. Develops, implements, and maintains Citywide communication, marketing, and branding strategies that support the City's goals and priorities; establishes and promotes consistent messaging, visual identity, and brand standards across City departments, programs, facilities, and public-facing communications.


2. Develops marketing and promotional campaigns to highlight City programs, services, projects, events, economic and community development initiatives, community assets, infrastructure investments, accomplishments, and other activities that promote the City and strengthen its community identity.


3. Creates, designs, edits, and coordinates written, visual, and multimedia content, including news releases, newsletters, brochures, advertisements, graphics, photography, videos, presentations, informational materials, signage, and other digital and printed communications.


4. Develops and manages content for the City's website, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels to provide timely, accurate, accessible, and engaging information; monitors digital engagement and identifies opportunities to expand the City's reach and effectiveness.

5. Coordinates with City departments to identify communication and marketing needs and provides professional guidance and support for public education campaigns, promotional materials, presentations, special initiatives, and other communications to ensure consistency with Citywide messaging and brand standards.

6. Develops and coordinates community engagement and public outreach activities, including surveys, public information campaigns, community events, public meetings, and other opportunities to inform and engage residents, businesses, visitors, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

7. Serves as a primary point of contact for routine media inquiries; prepares news releases, talking points, fact sheets, and official communications; coordinates responses with the City Manager, department directors, and appropriate staff; and develops and maintains professional relationships with news media.

8. Proactively identifies and develops opportunities to tell the City's story, promote community assets and accomplishments, and strengthen public awareness of City programs and investments through digital and traditional media, photography, video, publications, community partnerships, and other communication channels.

9. Supports emergency and crisis communications, including the preparation and dissemination of timely public information, emergency notifications, updates, and other communications in coordination with the City Manager, emergency management personnel, public safety agencies, City departments, and other appropriate agencies.

10. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of City communication, marketing, branding, and engagement efforts using website analytics, social media metrics, surveys, community feedback, and other performance measures; stays informed of emerging communication and marketing practices and recommends strategies, technologies, and improvements to enhance the City's communication efforts.

11. Performs related duties as required and/or assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Graphic Design, Digital Media, or a related field, and three years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, digital media, community relations, or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Experience in a public agency is desirable.

Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of strategic communications, marketing, branding, public information, media relations, and community engagement; Brand development, marketing campaigns, audience identification, and message development; Social media, digital communications, website content management, and online engagement; Graphic design, photography, videography, multimedia production, and visual communications; Professional writing, editing, news writing, and development of content for diverse audiences and communication platforms; Community outreach, public engagement, event promotion, and stakeholder communications; Methods for evaluating communication and marketing effectiveness, including website analytics, social media metrics, surveys, and community feedback; Principles and practices of emergency and crisis communications; Applicable federal, state, and local laws and requirements related to public-sector communications, accessibility, copyright, records retention, and intellectual property; Organization and functions of municipal government; and Modern office practices, communication technologies, software applications, record keeping, report preparation, and presentation techniques.

Ability to:
Develop and coordinate effective communication, marketing, branding, and public information programs; Create professional written, visual, digital, and multimedia content for diverse audiences; Maintain consistent City branding, messaging, and visual identity across communication platforms; Plan and coordinate marketing campaigns, community outreach, special events, and public engagement activities; Establish effective relationships with the media, community, City staff, partner agencies, and other stakeholders; Respond effectively to media and public inquiries, including during emergencies and sensitive situations; Exercise sound judgment, work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines; and Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid California Driver's License.


Selection: Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training and work experience to be followed by an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview, and the decision of the screening committee is final . Applicants will receive electronic notification regarding results for all phases of the recruitment up to the establishment of the eligibility list, if applicable. Candidates will be notified of the date and time of scheduled interviews and/or tests. The City of Porterville reserves the right to alter the testing process at any time, without notice, as needed.

To apply: You may apply online by clicking on the "Apply" button or you may obtain an application online at or pick one up at the Human Resources office at City Hall. Please submit a complete application (a resume may be included, but does not substitute for a completed application) together with any materials required to accompany application if noticed in this announcement, to the Human Resources Office, City of Porterville, 291 N Main St, Porterville, CA 93257.

Special Condition: Candidates recommended for hire will be required to undergo a background reference and fingerprint check and a pre-employment physical and drug screening.

EEO: The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply, please contact the Human Resources Division at View phone number on click.appcast.io to request such accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

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