What are the responsibilities and job description for the COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST position at City of Allentown?
JOB DESCRIPTION
City of Allentown
Position Description
Grade Number: S10
Department: Mayor's Office
Union: None
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Communications Specialist is a proactive, creative, and self-directed member of the Mayor's Communications Office, responsible for helping execute the City's strategic communications program. This role focuses on content creation, management, and storytelling to raise public awareness, engagement, and participation in City initiatives. The Communications Specialist works across multiple channels; social media, website, newsletters, and press, and helps shape the City's narrative by generating ideas, producing content, and ensuring messaging is consistent and compelling.
RESPONSIBILITIES
" Develop and produce content (photo, video, graphics, and written) for social media, City website, newsletters, and other City communications channels.
" Identify opportunities for City storytelling and content creation across all communications channels.
" Take ownership of projects from concept to execution, demonstrating creativity, initiative, and accountability.
" Monitor and track content performance metrics, providing insights to improve engagement and effectiveness.
" Collaborate with the Communications Manager and Graphic Designer to ensure content aligns with City branding and messaging standards.
" Assist the Communications Manager in drafting press releases, media advisories, talking points, and other public-facing materials.
" Help plan, schedule, and coordinate press conferences, and media opportunities as needed.
" Attend City events, community meetings, and programs to gather content.
" Can serve as a representative of the Mayor's Office at public events/engagements (this will not be required for every event but may be requested occasionally).
" This position will require availability during evenings and weekends for special events or communications needs.
" Perform other communications-related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
" Works under the supervision of the Communications Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS
" Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (or professional experience).
" 1-3 years of professional experience in communications, media, content creation, or public relations.
" Demonstrated ability to take initiative and execute projects independently.
" Proficiency in digital content creation, including photography, video, social media, and basic graphic design. Experience with cameras, lighting, audio/video equipment, and editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools) is a plus.
" Ability to write short captions or basic content for social media and newsletters is a plus; formal experience with press releases or professional storytelling is not required.
" Creative thinker who can generate ideas, experiment, and learn from outcomes.
" Comfortable interacting with a wide variety of community members and stakeholders.
" Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
" Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required.
Rev April 2026
Position Description
Grade Number: S10
Department: Mayor's Office
Union: None
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Communications Specialist is a proactive, creative, and self-directed member of the Mayor's Communications Office, responsible for helping execute the City's strategic communications program. This role focuses on content creation, management, and storytelling to raise public awareness, engagement, and participation in City initiatives. The Communications Specialist works across multiple channels; social media, website, newsletters, and press, and helps shape the City's narrative by generating ideas, producing content, and ensuring messaging is consistent and compelling.
RESPONSIBILITIES
" Develop and produce content (photo, video, graphics, and written) for social media, City website, newsletters, and other City communications channels.
" Identify opportunities for City storytelling and content creation across all communications channels.
" Take ownership of projects from concept to execution, demonstrating creativity, initiative, and accountability.
" Monitor and track content performance metrics, providing insights to improve engagement and effectiveness.
" Collaborate with the Communications Manager and Graphic Designer to ensure content aligns with City branding and messaging standards.
" Assist the Communications Manager in drafting press releases, media advisories, talking points, and other public-facing materials.
" Help plan, schedule, and coordinate press conferences, and media opportunities as needed.
" Attend City events, community meetings, and programs to gather content.
" Can serve as a representative of the Mayor's Office at public events/engagements (this will not be required for every event but may be requested occasionally).
" This position will require availability during evenings and weekends for special events or communications needs.
" Perform other communications-related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
" Works under the supervision of the Communications Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS
" Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (or professional experience).
" 1-3 years of professional experience in communications, media, content creation, or public relations.
" Demonstrated ability to take initiative and execute projects independently.
" Proficiency in digital content creation, including photography, video, social media, and basic graphic design. Experience with cameras, lighting, audio/video equipment, and editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools) is a plus.
" Ability to write short captions or basic content for social media and newsletters is a plus; formal experience with press releases or professional storytelling is not required.
" Creative thinker who can generate ideas, experiment, and learn from outcomes.
" Comfortable interacting with a wide variety of community members and stakeholders.
" Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
" Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required.
Rev April 2026