Communications Specialist II

Bilingual in Spanish is strongly preferred.

Join our dynamic team as a Communication Specialist II, where your passion for parks, recreation, and community engagement will shine! We’re seeking an individual with experience in promoting parks, recreation, and golf programs, as well as a proven track record in managing events and executing vibrant social media campaigns. In this role, you will develop innovative marketing and public relations strategies to enhance visibility and foster participation in our programs.

Please submit a current or previous portfolio piece in lieu of a cover letter.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides strategic communications and implementation support, including support of media spokesperson and public information officer duties
• Coordinates the production of city-wide communication materials, graphic materials, newsletters, advertisements, brochures, banners, and other collateral
• Proposes and coordinates programs, events and communications initiatives to maximize city visibility and create public outreach/engagement opportunities
• Initiates meetings with departments to discuss messaging priorities and compile background information and supporting materials for current and future needs
• Manages external vendors for printing and graphic design projects including printer relationships, pre-press and mailings
• Meets deadlines and completes assignments and special projects for the City Manager, Deputy City Managers, and/or Community Relations Manager
• Demonstrates professionalism while serving as liaison to assigned departments
• Listens to internal customer priorities and anticipates needs
• Develops and implements department communication plans; supports departments as assigned
• Uses a variety of publishing and design software programs to prepare layouts and designs for city materials, publications, and forms
• Leads communications and marketing activities for assigned departments and supports these activities for other departments
• With Community Relations Manager oversight, researches, identifies and utilizes marketing opportunities to increase awareness of department and city events and issues
• Maintains open and regular dialogue with assigned departments and Communications staff
• Informs the Community Relations Manager of public attitudes and concerns, as well as developing issues, problems and opportunities within the organization
• Researches and writes content for city-wide newsletters, press releases and other publications
• Reviews and edits materials prepared by others
• Completes work assignments using multi-tasking and time management skills
• Understands and adjusts to changes in priorities, directions, and operations
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or closely related field plus two of related public relations, communications and/or marketing experience. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license with a good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

• written and verbal language and communication
• desktop publishing software, graphic design software (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite), Microsoft Office applications, and social media platforms
• the principles and practices of journalism, marketing, and public relations
• competency in writing, desktop publishing, and graphic design software

Skill in

• written and verbal communications
• spelling, grammar and proofreading skills
• public speaking to make presentations to small and large groups

Ability to

• present ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to diverse audiences
• understand and exercise discretion with highly sensitive and confidential material and information
• think strategically and follow strategic direction
• research and apply new knowledge and ideas to current issues
• handle multiple projects accurately while meeting varying timelines

Equipment Used, Work Environment and Physical Activities

• Driving: May need, or have ability, to drive a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business
• Office equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone. Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel and graphic design software
• Other equipment: May use still and video cameras
• Physical activities: Sits for long periods of time; light physical activity that may include walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying
• Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds
• Vision and hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquires
• Exposure to environmental conditions: Position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time
• Schedule: Position generally scheduled Monday - Friday. May require attendance at evening meetings, council sessions or after-hour events. May require attendance at off-site meetings
• Additional Working Conditions: None
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities for the essential functions of the job.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications. Employees are accountable for all duties associated with this position.

The City of Commerce City is an equal opportunity employer.

We care about our employees and offer a generous benefits package: Health & wellness benefits, 6% retirement contribution match and 3% 457 Deferred Compensation match, general leave, work/life balance, and more.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we are committed to creating a supportive and welcoming work environment for all of our employees. If you are looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply for this position today. Be A Part Of It and contribute to the vibrant growth and development of Commerce City as we strive to provide exceptional services and foster a thriving community.

Process Overview:

Apply Today: We ask that you complete and submit an online application AND INCLUDE A RESUME AND current or previous portfolio piece in lieu of a cover letter, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Qualification Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.

Application Review: Applications for candidates that meet minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the hiring manager, who will review and evaluate application materials.

Interview(s): We aim to schedule interviews with candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the application review.