JOB SUMMARY JOB SUMMARY: The Bilingual Communications Specialist, under the direction of the Sr. Communication Specialist, serves as a key member of the City’s communication team. This position performs a variety of public information and marketing duties in support of the goals and mission of the City of San Marcos, with a special emphasis on bilingual (Spanish) written material, media relations, and emergency management communication.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Primary duties include:
- Writing, designing, editing and disseminating news releases, brochures, newsletters, calendars, electronic publications, reports, and multimedia correspondence with the media and the public.
- Select and use appropriate communications channels to engage customers and the community.
- Coordinates media relations with local, state and national media, including print, online, radio and television.
- Provides guidance and uses appropriate language to act in the City's best interest and create an accurate image of the City and its departments.
2. Coordinates and implements special programs and events:
- Assists with the development of marketing and advertising plans and related collateral material
- Assists with implementation of the community brand through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders/partners.
- Provides marketing counsel and support to city departments in the promotion for special events, campaigns, services and programs.
3. Performs administrative functions associated with communications:
- Conducts research projects, reports, news clips, mailing lists, presentations, proclamations.
- Drafts letters, communications standard operating procedures and other correspondence.
- Assists with award nominations, scripts, speeches and talking points.
4. Assists with a variety of electronic media and municipal broadcasting duties:
- Assists with maintaining, developing and updating the City's website and employee portal.
- Assists with social media programming and responding to the public through multiple platforms
- Assists with content development for the City's Government Cable Channels, video projects and photography.
5. Provides key support for City emergency operations:
- Serves as a key member of the public communications team during emergencies and maintains an on-call status for response to City and department emergencies, as needed.
6. Maintains multimedia design and technical quality by staying abreast of current equipment and technology, suggesting equipment upgrades when required. Evaluates and makes recommendations of the effectiveness of communication tools utilizing analytics.
7. Participates in professional organizations and marketing information groups to advance knowledge and network with other industry professionals.
8. Other duties as assigned.
DECISION MAKING - This position works under general supervision
- Manages special projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Salary is dependent upon qualifications) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - Bilingual English and Spanish, native or near-native written and verbal competence
- Bachelor's Degree required (preferred degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Mass Communication or an equivalent).
- Three (3) years' experience including extensive experience in writing and marketing plan development; media relations; digital photography, videography, website design, social media platforms, and Adobe Creative Suite. Experience in developing and presenting oral and written presentations.
- Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience with local government is desired.
CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS JOB DIMENSIONS - Must be able to read and comprehend budgets, technical documents, reports, studies, surveys, manuals, and municipal codes.
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills are required; must have the ability to fairly and accurately present controversial issues to the public; must be able to maintain positive working relationships with City officials and departments, media representatives, outside agencies, local, regional, state and federal officials and agencies, community organizations, local businesses, and the general public.
- Knowledge of video editing, graphic design, photography and associated software including Adobe Creative Suite Products, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere, and Lightroom or equivalent.
- Skills in social media including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Hootsuite, as well as management and result tracking programs.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
- Ability to interface professionally with the public, City Council, boards, commissions and other stakeholders.
- Ability to leverage relationships to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Ability to manage projects of varying size and complexity.
- A flexible work schedule and the ability to work occasional nights, weekends, and during emergency events or natural disaster.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS While performing the functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; and occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; color vision; and ability to adjust focus.
Continuously exposed to one or two elements such as noise, intermittent standing, walking, pushing, carrying, or lifting. May involve some travel and/or work is at times, in the evening or during the night hours.
The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.View Our Benefits Guide. BENEFITSMedical, Dental & Vision Coverage
- United Healthcare
- Choice Plus PPO Plan
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Wellness Initiatives
- Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
- Dental Plan
Davis Vision Insurance
- Base Vision Plan
- Premium Vision Plan
- Laser Vision Correction discounts
Retirement
- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
- Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS - Flexible Spending Accounts
- City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Vacation
- Sick Leave
- Holidays
- Longevity Pay
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Activity Center Membership
- Direct Deposit
The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.
Closing Date/Time: 8/9/2024 11:59 PM Central
