Communications Specialist

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

At the City of Lone Tree, we are committed to hiring individuals who are passionate about their community, eager to grow in their careers, and motivated to make a meaningful impact. Here, you won’t just take on a job, you’ll join a dedicated team working to shape a vibrant, forward-thinking City. Whether you’re driven by public service, energized by problem-solving, or simply seeking purposeful work alongside exceptional colleagues, you’ll find your place with us.

General Statement of Duties / Position Summary

The Communications Specialist reports to the Communications Director and is responsible for planning, creating, and coordinating clear, accurate, and engaging communications that inform residents, employees, businesses, visitors, and stakeholders about City programs, services, events, and initiatives. This position is the lead on digital communications, supporting public information and outreach, marketing, and media relations, while ensuring consistency with City branding, accessibility standards, and communication best practices. The role regularly provides guidance to departments on messaging approaches, audience considerations, and communications risks. The Communications Specialist works closely with City departments, and City leadership to deliver effective internal and external communications.

Examples of Duties / Essential Functions

The following functions are illustrative and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties may vary based on the position’s primary functional assignment and the needs of the City. 

• Develop, write, and edit content for a wide range of internal and external communications, including website content, social media, print and digital newsletters, digital signage, and promotional materials.
• Maintain the City’s website, including designing, building, and updating web pages to ensure information is accurate, accessible, user-friendly, and aligned with City branding standards. Serve as the primary content owner for web standards, structure, and usability, collaborating with IT or web developers on technical or programming-related updates beyond content-level changes.
• Apply City branding guidelines, including logos and visual standards, across all communication materials.
• Plan and execute marketing and promotional efforts for City events, programs, services, and initiatives in coordination with departments and partner organizations.
• Coordinate the City’s social media platforms, including content creation, scheduling, monitoring engagement, responding to inquiries, and coordinating messaging with departments.
• Create and manage custom graphic elements for digital and print communications
• Coordinate content and messaging across digital platforms, including SMS/text alerts, email newsletters (e.g., Constant Contact), and other communication tools such as Smartsheet, to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely information is shared with the public and staff.
• Assist with public information efforts, including routine announcements and time-sensitive communications.
• Support crisis and emergency communications in coordination with public safety, City leadership, and partner agencies.
• Coordinate internal communications to keep City employees informed, including drafting announcements, updates, and informational materials.
• Support City Council outreach and events by developing communications materials, promotional content, and messaging support as needed.
• Update digital City signage to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent messaging.
• Ensure all digital communications meet accessibility standards (ADA/WCAG) and follow plain language best practices.
• Collaborate with departments to gather information, identify communication needs, and ensure messaging accuracy and consistency.
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  Track and report communication metrics across platforms to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
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  Analyze communications and other relevant data to identify insights and inform communications strategies.
• Support the planning and execution of City community outreach efforts, including events and initiatives involving the Lone Tree City Council, Lone Tree Police Department, Community Development, Public Works, and other departments.
• Serve as a City representative at City events, resident engagement activities, and partner organization events, as needed.
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  Provide administrative support to the City Manager’s Office, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to create clear, concise, accurate, and engaging content for a variety of audiences and communication channels.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, content management systems, and digital communication tools.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively under pressure, including during emergencies or other time-sensitive situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency with graphic design and multimedia tools, such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to manage social media accounts and develop effective digital content.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to develop and implement communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Knowledge of branding principles and ability to maintain consistent visual and messaging standards across communication channels.
• Knowledge of crisis and emergency communication principles and practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, including employees, residents, businesses, partner organizations, and elected officials.
• Familiarity with digital marketing practices, including search engine optimization, social media marketing, and email campaigns.
• Ability to analyze communication metrics and other relevant data to evaluate effectiveness and inform communication strategies.
• Knowledge of current communication technologies, media practices, and traditional and digital communication platforms.
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  Familiarity with legal and ethical considerations related to public-sector communications, including copyright, privacy, open records requirements, and digital accessibility.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 2-4 years of experience in government communications, public information, community engagement or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
• A portfolio demonstrating writing, graphic design, digital communications, and/or multimedia work may be requested.

Supervision / Lead Work

This position does not have regular direct supervisory responsibility. 

Organizational Relationships

Reports to the Communications Director. Works closely with other City departments; consultants; contractors; residents; and community stakeholders. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, with the actual work schedule determined upon hire. The position may require attendance at meetings, events, or other activities outside normal business hours.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Position Range

Hiring Range: $59,064 - $72,354(Annually)

Salary Range: $59,064 - $85,643(Annually)

FLSA: Exempt

Anticipated closing date is October 5,2026; however, applications will be continued to be accepted until the position is filled.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

At the City of Lone Tree, we understand the value of investing in our employees’ well-being and financial security. That’s why we offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family.

Our benefits include:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and supplemental health plans.
  • Access to onsite gym and Lone Tree Recreation Center.
• Work-Life Balance: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives to support your overall well-being.
• Financial Security: Employer-paid basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and voluntary life insurance options.
• Retirement Planning: Multiple retirement savings options, including 457, 401(k), and Roth IRA plans, as well as participation in PERA and FPPA pension plans.
• Commuter Perks: Enjoy the convenience of an RTD EcoPass for public transportation.

The City of Lone Tree provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Human Resources at HR@cityoflonetree.com within three business days' notice