Position Summary

Under the guidance of the Communications Director, this position is responsible for managing the City’s social media accounts, including Facebook, X, Instagram, website, e-communications systems, and the City’s newsletter to ensure residents receive accurate and timely information. This position requires creativity, flexibility, and a strong understanding of best practices and trends in social media and marketing to effectively support broader Community Information initiatives.

The Public Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and managing the city’s messaging, marketing communications, and public engagement efforts. This role ensures that residents are informed, engaged, and connected through strategic communication initiatives, media relations, and digital content creation. Key responsibilities include coordinating information, performing community relations functions, implementing outreach programs, and serving as a liaison between the Communications Department and other City departments. Additionally, the candidate may be required to speak on behalf of the City if directed.

This position is designated as “essential personnel” and will serve as a member of the Emergency Management Team that is required to report for duty during emergencies as needed.

Essential Functions

Write, edit, and distribute content, including press releases, talking points, speeches, presentations, articles, digital content, annual report copy, video scripts, and other marketing materials that communicate City activities and services.
Attends city-sponsored events, community groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and other assigned events and prepares content as necessary.
Monitors and maintains records of media coverage, and social media pertaining to various departments and City community outreach activities overall.
Creates promotional material, presentations, banners, posters, logos, and other graphical images for City publications and websites as needed.
Responds to public, media, and community inquiries as needed.
Performs various clerical duties such as placing and receiving phone calls, vendor support, scheduling appointments, conducting research, obtaining quotes, copying, faxing, filing, and other clerical duties as requested.
Regular in-person attendance during City and department business hours, since face-to-face interaction and coordination of work with other employees, outside colleagues, residents, or vendors, and all immediate access to documents or other information located only in the workplace is required.
As directed by the Communications Director or City Manager, provides direct public information support during disasters, Hurricanes, and emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with primary emphasis in Journalism, Marketing, Communications or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in public administration or strategic communication is a plus.
Three (3) years of recent and relevant experience in a communications role. This may include social media and digital media management, media relations, journalism, copywriting; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Experience working with local government policies, agencies, or public engagement strategies is a plus.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

Valid Florida Driver’s License, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must have excellent writing and editing skills, including grammar, spelling, and familiarity with AP style
Proven time management and organizational skills with the ability to exercise independent initiative and judgment while managing several projects simultaneously
Able to manage last-minute project requests with a 24-hour or less turnaround
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships across several teams on various projects
Ability to effectively utilize digital communication tools and websites. (such as Hootsuite, TweetDeck, Buffer, and Constant Contact)
Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and professionalism in all messaging to maintain public trust
Excellent knowledge of content creation, analytics, and audience engagement strategies
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (2007 or newer) as well as being able to learn new applications and Internet authoring languages
Familiarity with the following is preferred: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, Photoshop, Premiere Pro

NOTE: A comparable amount of training, education, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Supplemental Information

Works primarily in an office environment during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, but will be required to work outdoors during special events, emergencies, or natural disasters. Will be required to drive a City vehicle as needed. Must actively participate in scheduled City Commission, Board Meetings, Workshops, etc. conducted outside normal business hours as necessary.

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made when requested to enable individuals with confirmed disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Insurance

Depending on the plan selected, the City pays approximately 98% of employee's health insurance and contributes to a Health Savings Account.

Dependent coverage, dental, vision, and short term disability plans are available at an additional cost. Basic life and long term disability insurance is paid by the City.

Additional voluntary insurances are available such as: critical illness, accident, and hospital indemity insurances etc. are available for an additional cost.

Retirement

401A

The City contributes 5% automatically. An additional of up to 2.5% will be contributed if the employee elects to contribute to their individual 457. However, employee contribution is not required. Employee is full vested after five (5) years with partial vesting in years prior.

457

Employee contributions are matched up to 2.5%

Leave & Other Benefits

Vacation leave & sick leave accurred per pay period

Additional 40 hours of PTO alotted each fiscal year

14 paid holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts through Working Advantage

Business Casual

01

Do you have three (3) years of recent and relevant experience in a communications role?

02

Do you have experience using Hootsuite, TweetDeck, Buffer, and/or Constant Contact?

03

Have you used any of the following: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, Photoshop, Premiere Pro?

Yes
No
Required Question

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