Communications Specialist I - $64,931 - 89,280 Annually 
Communications Specialist II - $71,586 - $98,431 Annually  

 

Additional compensation pay is available for certified bilingual abilities.    

The City of Anaheim Public Utilities seeks a customer service-driven, team-oriented, and dynamic Communications Specialist (I or II) to perform a variety of professional level duties and responsibilities in support of communications and marketing campaigns and programs within the department. Bilingual abilities are desirables and will be tested during the process.

 

The two levels (I/II) are distinguished by the level of responsibility and the amount  of experience required. The Communications Specialist I is the entry level class and is distinguished by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned. The Communications Specialist II is the full journey level class receiving only occasional instruction or assistance and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

The department will have the discretion to fill the position at either level based on qualifications and needs of the department.

 

Develop marketing materials including brochures, flyers, ads, door hangers, articles, internet and other collateral materials to help ensure public and target audiences understand, participate in, and accept department programs and policies; direct the design, layout and editorial content of all materials to ensure accuracy, consistency and appropriate representation of the department; oversee printing and production.
 
Monitor and recommend changes to the department website to ensure it accurately represents and communicates information for department programs and identity; based on project goals, assist in development of communication strategies, incorporating integrated marketing communication principles and tactics; consult and advise staff on integrated marketing communication strategies and principles as related to projects.
 
Develop and produce publications; determine content of and prepare articles and graphics for newsletters, customer bill inserts, and other publications; design new and existing publications.

Establish schedules, strategies and communications methods for providing effective communications and marketing programs that promote department goals.

 

Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously; ensure projects and assignments are completed on time and within budget; coordinate with internal staff and external organizations the timely and accurate distribution of materials.

 

Monitor results of communications and marketing efforts and make appropriate recommendations regarding dissemination of information.

 

Develop cost-effective advertising schedules and media buys consistent with department objectives; coordinate direct mail; oversee distribution of marketing materials at internal and external facilities.

 

Coordinate and direct photography for department publications; determine subject matter; coordinate and direct video production sessions.

 

Develop and produce presentations; determine goals and formats of presentations; research and develop editorial and graphic content; compile necessary equipment and materials.

 

Coordinate special events and tours of department facilities; formulate plans for activities; coordinate the participation of employees; direct the work of vendors.

 

Negotiate and administer vendor contracts related to design and writing; review quality of work by vendors; recommend changes and administer internal approval processes; process invoices and purchase orders; act as point of contact for the department with vendors and/or consultants.

 

Submit recommendations regarding the program budget; monitor expenditures and prioritize department-wide advertising and collateral materials.

 

Perform related duties as required.

Experience and Education: No experience (Communications Specialist I), however some experience in public relations or marketing experience is desirable or Two years (Communications Specialist II) of increasingly responsible public relations or marketing experience, supplemented by a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field. Graphic design experience highly preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

 

Knowledge of: Effective communications and marketing techniques; principles of team leadership; administrative protocol; techniques of meeting facilitation; appropriate and modern mediums to disseminate information; integrated marketing communication principles; basic principles and practices of effective communications as they apply to publications, including editing, design, layout, photography, and publication requirements; basic printing processes, techniques and options to interact effectively with vendors; graphic design concepts and techniques; basic principles and practices of media relations including knowledge of journalism "style guides" and appropriate release format; effective public speaking techniques; vendors and contracts available to provide needed services; basic principles and methods of finance administration in accounting, budgeting and auditing; basic budget preparation and program analysis; website functions and principles; general news media practices; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations; City and departmental programs and policies; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations and with the public; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

 

Ability to: Coordinate a variety of marketing and communications programs; analyze, recommend, prepare and disseminate effective marketing and communications materials; work on multiple projects simultaneously; negotiate and place media buys; facilitate information gathering meetings; evaluate and interpret communication needs and concerns; translate technical issues, department policies and programs into understandable and simple concepts; schedule and produce clear, concise, effective and accurate communication tools; gather and analyze data and make recommendations; write clearly, concisely and accurately to produce clear, concise, accurate copy that conveys the necessary message to the intended audience; identify and anticipate communications needs of the organization and determine effective methods for carrying out communications programs; design and produce publications internally, using appropriate desktop publishing software, tools and techniques; maintain and develop effective and positive media contacts; recognize publicity potential, both positive and adverse, of issues and events; understand and use integrated marketing and communication principles; strategize and determine appropriate tactics, key messages and target audiences to meet program/project goals; negotiate and administer contracts for services; actively assist in the development of new communications programs; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; research, analyze, and summarize data and prepare accurate and logical written reports; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 5:00PM.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early.  Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position.  Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.  Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.  

 

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).  The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

 

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.