Part-Time Community Engagement Specialist at City of Tehachapi (CA) – Tehachapi, California

The City of Tehachapi is seeking an individual to assist in the City's Communications and public information efforts. The City is looking for a candidate that has experience in video/audio editing, video camera operation, graphic design, website content creation, and journalism. Strong writing and verbal skills are required. Photoshop, Premier, Audition and other digital communication-based software experience preferred. Skills in outreach, campaign development, media relations, crisis communications, corporate communications, such as reports, and presentations, employee communication and web knowledge experience are a significant plus.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions
Confer with the City Manager, Community Engagement Director, Community Engagement Manager, and other Department Heads to develop, coordinate, and implement a variety of informational, educational, and outreach solutions to the general public, community groups, other agencies, or City Staff as part of the City’s commitment to transparency and community engagement.

Maintain and expand the use of the City’s website, social media, other online resources to communicate with the community.

Fill public speaking opportunities, create public messaging campaigns, prepare presentations to assist city departments with public community outreach and workshops.

Reinforce the City’s branding strategy in external communications and maintain and update City branding documents and style guides.

Work with all City departments to prepare and distribute on-going and scheduled print materials, including newsletters, flyers, and other similar materials.

Evaluate current best practices for social media engagement and develop a coordinated strategy for more effective publicizing of information related to City activities.

Prepare and distribute video, radio, and other multimedia to inform the public of the activities and the issues being addressed by the City Council.

Prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the City Manager and the City Council.

Prepares correspondence, reports, proclamations, awards, media releases, and a variety of other written materials for the City Manager, City Council, and other City staff as requested.

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

During times of emergency, may serve as the Public Information Officer of the City.

Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of public information, communication program development, and media relations.
• Considerable knowledge of, and the ability to effectively utilize, computer applications and technology related to the work, including but not limited to web design and maintenance, video production, presentation software, and image editing software.
• Functions and activities of municipal government and public administration.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation.
• Effective presentation methods.
• Graphic design principles and software.
• Efficient use of word processing, spreadsheet applications, desktop publishing, and audio/visual presentation software applications.

Ability to:

• Analyze complex issues and problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend practical solutions.
• Coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
• Design, develop and implement media and community engagement strategies.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Manage Web and social media content.
• Use social media to provide public information and to promote City activities.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and apply date to various planning projects.
• Utilize applicable computer software programs.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of responsible experience in marketing or public outreach field with extensive written or verbal communication.
Training:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field. Appropriate experience may be considered as a substitute for education.
License and Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions may require occasional holiday/weekend work or travel.