Web & Communications Specialist

Description

WEB & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Full-Time, Regular Employment Opportunity

We are seeking a talented and energetic communications pro who wants to help drive public education and outreach for exciting projects in our thriving full-service city. Reporting to our Deputy Public Information Officer, you'll be responsible for expanding the reach and engagement of our citywide social media channels. You'll be part of a citywide team that helps update, maintain and improve the content and functionality of our City website. And you'll work closely with Department staff to develop and implement outreach plans and tactics for a variety of topics. These include major infrastructure investments (fire stations, libraries, utilities), greenhouse gas reduction, Vision Zero goals, housing needs, park renovations, and more. If you love a fast-paced work environment where you can flex your creativity, showcase your excellent writing chops, and deliver outreach plans that get results, apply to join our award-winning team!

Essential Job Functions

May include, but are not limited, to the following:

Communications-related:

• Develops public information programs and project goals and objectives; implements plans; evaluates communications program results; and assists with monitoring related budgets.
• Researches, writes, edits, and produces materials for public information programs.
• Monitors, maintains, and expands the reach of the City's social media platforms; prepares and schedules content; responds as necessary to social media comments and engagement; coordinates with and advises the City's Social Media Team on the use of social media tools and platforms.
• Develops and produces various media and communications tactics (press releases, flyers/brochures, newsletters, videos, etc.) using desktop publishing techniques or graphic design consultants.
• Responds orally and in writing to public and professional inquiries regarding services, projects, facilities, and programs.
• Assists with promoting City-sponsored activities and events.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with news media, community groups, and public or private organizations that will assist the City's marketing and outreach efforts; develops and maintains engagement tools to optimize communication with the community and key stakeholders.
• Serves as a resource to City departments regarding the development of clear and consistent communication.
• Supports City staff with targeted outreach materials to reach specific population groups that may need assistance to access City services and programs.
• Assists with conducting research, including public opinion surveys and market trend analysis, or oversees vendors for this purpose, to aid in the preparation, implementation, and assessment of public information strategies and tactics.
• Supports the City's public information function within the Emergency Operations Center; participates in training and developing materials for providing public information during emergency responses.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination when using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision when reading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, push and pull files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds also is required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, marketing, business or public administration, computer science, information systems or a related field, AND

Three years of progressively responsible experience in developing, designing and/or maintaining a multifaceted organizational communications program with primary responsibility for maintaining digital platforms such as web or social media.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and methods of conducting community and media relations, including public outreach efforts.
• Web design, development, standards, and maintenance, including web server and web browser technologies, and web management tools and best practices.
• Techniques and software used to create computer-generated graphics, such as Adobe's Creative Suite and Canva.
• Consensus building, active listening, strategic planning, and performance measurement.
• Structure and content of the English language, including grammar and rules of composition, as well as the guidelines set forth by the Associated Press Stylebook and federal Plain Language standards.
• Internet architecture, software applications and information systems, and the technology they are built on (e.g., HTML, CSS, content management systems).

Ability to:

• Develop, maintain and use websites, communications technology, and social media platforms.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain productive working relationships with a wide variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and vendors.
• Operate a computer and applicable software, programs, and systems.
• Form and lead Citywide and/or community-based teams to develop programs and initiatives that best support City communications goals.
• Use independent judgment and initiative in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines; coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.
• Effectively organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments.
• Work independently and as a member of a team.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise, and accurate administrative and technical documentation, reports, and records.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions.
• Work well under pressure with effective time-management skills.
• Ensure that the City's philosophy regarding customer service is understood and carried out in all forms of communication.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record or the ability to provide alternate transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Emergency communications certifications through California Specialized Training Institute or comparable emergency management organization.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application period closes on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 5:00pm (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on 'City Jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination and written exercise process scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification' or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA) . For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Sunnyvale's Employees Association SEA

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 2/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Sunnyvale

• 408-730-3017

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