Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist focuses on crafting, managing, and delivering the city's messaging across multiple channels. This role handles social media management, content writing, and public outreach, ensuring the city maintains a strong and engaging digital presence while effectively communicating with residents and stakeholders.
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Write and distribute press releases, newsletters, blog posts, and official statements to ensure accurate and engaging communication with the public and media.
• Manage the city's social media accounts, including creating, scheduling, posting, monitoring, and engaging with the community to build trust and transparency.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive content calendar to ensure consistent, timely, and cohesive messaging across platforms.
• Respond to public and media inquiries professionally, escalating sensitive issues to the Communications Manager as needed.
• Collaborate with city departments to gather accurate information and transform it into compelling narratives for social media, newsletters, and outreach campaigns.
• Assist in organizing and promoting press conferences, public meetings, and city-sponsored events to enhance public engagement and awareness.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on social media performance and media coverage, providing actionable insights to leadership for improved communication strategies.
• Support crisis communication efforts with swift, accurate, and audience-appropriate messaging under the guidance of the Communications Manager.
• Contribute to digital communication initiatives, including basic website content updates and ensuring adherence to accessibility and branding standards.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic communication plans.
• Maintain key performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of citywide communication efforts.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in content creation, social media management, journalism, or public relations
• Must possess a valid State of Florida driver's license with a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong technical skills in social media platforms, scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite), and basic analytics.
• Familiarity with website content management systems (e.g., WordPress).
• Knowledge of AP style or similar editorial guidelines.
• Experience working in government or public sector communications is a plus.
• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through personal contact, the use of the telephone and/or other City-issued technology devices. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist under desks and around furniture; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight up to 20 lbs.; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and toverbally communicate to exchange information. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.