City And Job Overview
The City of Garden Grove is accepting applications for
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is
Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST
The Community Relations division of the City Manager's Office currently has two (2) vacancies for a Communications Specialist (official title: Administrative Analyst).
Under general direction from the Public Information Officer, the Communication Specialist will plan, write, and publish community-facing content across web, social, email, and City print materials. This position will write press releases and other media materials, maintain high-traffic web pages, manage a weekly content calendar, and help deliver clear, accessible, and multilingual information that fosters transparency and community engagement. Work is performed on deadline and in coordination with subject-matter experts and City leadership.
The ideal candidate is a strong writer and editor with digital platform fluency, sound judgment, and a customer-service mindset; communicates clearly and concisely in writing and orally; collaborates well in a team environment; and interacts professionally with executives, elected offices, and the public.
We anticipate creating an eligibility list from this recruitment that may be used to fill current and future vacancies for this classification, so apply now!
Essential Duties
- Translate City policies, programs, and initiatives into clear, public-facing content such as news releases, FAQs, talking points, website updates, newsletters, and social media posts;
- Maintain and update City web content, intranet pages, and social media channels to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility across platforms;
- Draft and prepare media materials including advisories, quotes, and basic background sheets;
- Support responses to routine media and public inquiries by gathering information from departments and providing accurate, timely, and culturally competent responses;
- Support communications during emergencies and special events by posting verified updates, assisting with press materials, coordinating translation needs, and supporting on-scene communications tasks as assigned;
- Contribute to the preparation of Council briefing materials, community updates, and public information summaries;
- Assist in developing communication tools such as procedural guides, talking points, templates, and outreach materials;
- Participate in community forums, outreach events, and City-sponsored activities to support public information and engagement efforts;
- Coordinate and schedule content across platforms, including gathering quotes, photos, videos, and translations;
- Assist with special projects, research, and outreach initiatives related to City programs, public information needs, and emerging community concerns;
- May be required to work evenings or weekends during emergencies or major City events; and
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Requirements
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital content creation or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Government communications experience is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE OF
Basic principles and methods of public administration and public information in a municipal environment, statistical and research methods; administrative survey techniques; computer applications and presentations, including MS Office, Google Workspace, web-content management, and social-media management tools; digital-communication platforms (e.g., Canva/Adobe Express, Constant Contact, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Sprout, CMS); customer service techniques and principles, and supervisory techniques where applicable.
ABILITY TO
Make sound analyses and evaluations and effectively present findings; write and edit clear, accurate, and accessible public-facing content in plain language across multiple platforms; apply sound judgment in reviewing information and handling sensitive matters; use data and basic analytics to evaluate outcomes; collaborate effectively and exercise tact and cultural sensitivity; provide customer service; coordinate projects and meet deadlines; work irregular hours; and, where applicable, supervise or provide lead direction to staff.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
California Class "C" driver's license is highly desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification sit, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see small details, use a 10 key or calculator, and work on a personal computer.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work in an open office environment.
Other Important Information
HOW TO APPLY
Online applications can be submitted by visiting: www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to ggjobs@ggcity.org. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, January 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PST
Online Application Packets Must Include:
- a completed online application
- a completed supplemental questionnaire
- an updated resume
- an attached portfolio or link to an online portfolio containing 3 - 5 recent communications samples that demonstrate the ability to produce clear, public-facing content. Each sample should include a brief note (1-2 sentences) describing the applicant's role in creating it. Samples may include:
- Social media posts or campaigns (static, carousel, Reels/TikTok-style short videos)
- Web content such as FAQs, landing pages, service updates, or blog-style articles
- News releases, media advisories, or talking points
- Email newsletters
- Flyers, graphics, or simple visual content (Canva/Adobe Express acceptable)
- Short-form videos captured or edited for social or web
- Journalism samples such as published articles, or scriptwriting
Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Selection Process May Consist Of:
- Portfolio Review
- Written performance exam - tentatively scheduled in-person on Friday, January 30, 2026
- Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for in-person on Thursday, February 26, 2026
Candidates who may need special accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL ONLY. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices regarding their status.
If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identify/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
VACATION
Accrues At The Following Rates:
- 80 hours upon completion of one (1) year
- 120 hours after one (1) year - 10 hours per month
- 144 hours after nine (9) years - 12 hours per month
- 168 hours after fourteen (14) years - 14 hours per month
- 207 hours after nineteen (19) years - 17.25 hours per month
- 246 hours after twenty-four (24) years and thereafter
- NEW VACATION ACCRUAL TIERS EFFECTIVE January 2026*
Accrues At The Following Rates:
- 80 hours upon completion of one (1) year
- 120 hours after one (1) year - 10 hours per month
- 132 hours after four (4) years - 11 hours per month
- 144 hours after nine (9) years - 12 hours per month
- 156 hours after eleven (11) years - 13 hours per month
- 168 hours after fourteen (14) years - 14 hours per month
- 186 hours after sixteen (16) years - 15.5 hours per month
- 207 hours after nineteen (19) years - 17.25 hours per month
- 246 hours after twenty-four (24) years - 20.6 hours per month
HOLIDAYS: Fourteen (14) paid holidays annually (up to 125 hours)
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: FLSA exempt management employees receive forty (40) hours of administrative leave for use each calendar year beginning January 1. New employees hired July 1 and after shall be allowed to use up to twenty (20) hours during that calendar year. Employees in the classifications of Administrative Secretary, Deputy City Clerk and Public Works Foreman are determined as non-exempt for FLSA purposes.
SICK LEAVE: Sick leave accrues at the rate of eight (8) hours with pay for each full calendar month of service.
INSURANCE: Cafeteria Plan Spending Fund: Employees receive a monthly allowance with which to purchase medical and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents. Any unused portion of the allowance may be put into a deferred compensation plan or Flexible Reimbursement Account, or taken as cash at the end of the year. The City also provides a Flexible Reimbursement Account into which employees may tax-defer funds to use to pay for childcare or to cover those health and dental care expenses (deductibles, etc.) that are not reimbursed by an insurance carrier.
RETIREMENT
Tier I - Employees hired prior to January 1, 2013 are covered by the "2.5% at 55" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute eight percent (8%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis.
Tier II - Employees hired and enrolled into PERS after January 1, 2013 are covered by the "2.0% at 62" 3-year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half the normal cost to PERS on a tax-deferred basis.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Employees may contribute to a 457(b) account up to the maximum as determined by the IRS annually. There is no City contribution.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: After qualification, employees are eligible to receive compensation for the use of bilingual skills in Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean. Employees receive $85 per pay period for verbal and written translation, and $65 for only verbal translation.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Upon completion of one (1) year of City service, an employee may receive tuition reimbursement for pre-approved completed coursework toward a college degree.
THE BENEFITS LISTED ABOVE ARE ONLY RELEVANT TO FULL TIME EMPLOYEES. BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME UNBENEFITED AND PART-TIME BENEFITED EMPLOYEES WILL DIFFER FROM THOSE OF A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE.
01
Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position. You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from this examination process.
- Yes - I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
- No - I have read, understood, and do not agree to these terms. I wish to withdraw my application from this process.
02
Please indicate the highest level of education you have COMPLETED.
Please note that you may be asked to provide a degree verification.
- Some high school
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Doctorate
03
This position requires, at minimum, graduation from an accredited university or college with a bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field. Do you have a degree in one of the fields listed above, or a closely related field?
04
Please provide the name of your specific major or area of study.
Write "N/A" if you do not have a major or area of study.
05
How many years of PROFESSIONAL experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital content creation or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials do you possess?
- I have no experience in this area
- Less than 1 year of experience
- 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 4 years
- 4 years but less than 5 years
- 5 years or more
06
How many years of experience do you possess working in government communications?
- I have no experience in this area
- Less than 1 year of experience
- 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 4 years
- 4 years but less than 5 years
- 5 years or more
07
Briefly describe your professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital content creation or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Please incorporate into your response your title and employer name where you obtained this experience.
Please write N/A if you do not have experience in this area.
08
To what extent do you have experience writing clear, public-facing content such as web updates, social media posts, FAQs, newsletters, or news releases?
- I have no experience in this area
- I have training in this area
- I have assisted others in this area
- I have done this independently but not extensively
- I have done this as a regular part of my job duties
09
Please describe the types of content you have created and the audiences you served? Please write "n/a" if you do not have experience in this area.
10
Please describe your experience researching and making recommendations on organizational policies and procedures. Please write "n/a" if you do not have experience in this area.
11
To what extent do you have experience using metrics (e.g., post performance, link clicks, open rates, website traffic) to evaluate content and make recommendations or adjustments?
- I have no background or experience in this area
- I have training in this area
- I have assisted others in this area
- I have done this independently but not extensively
- I have done this as a regular part of my job duties
12
Please describe a specific instance when you used metrics (e.g., post performance, link clicks, open rates, website traffic) to evaluate content and make recommendations or adjustments.
Please write "n/a" if you do not have experience in this area.
13
To what extent is your experience preparing written communication for executives, department leaders, or elected officials such as talking points, briefing notes, summaries, or press materials?
- I have no experience in this area
- I have training in this area
- I have assisted others in this area
- I have done this independently but not extensively
- I have done this as a regular part of my job duties
14
Describe your experience preparing written communication for executives, department leaders, or elected officials such as talking points, briefing notes, summaries, or press materials. Please write "n/a" if you do not have experience in this area.
15
Please tell us what computer applications you are proficient in and a brief description of how you have used these programs.
Please write "n/a" if you do not have experience in this area.
16
The ability to read, write or speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable, but not necessary to be successful in this position. Of the following languages, please check all the languages in which you are fluent. (Being fluent is defined as having the ability to read, speak, or write a foreign language effectively and with relative ease). Check all that apply.
- Spanish
- Korean
- Vietnamese
- None of the above
- Required Question
