The Communications Specialist will report to the Chief Member Services & Communications Officer.
Components of the position include:

COMMUNICATIONS/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Lead coordination and management of all CSDA branded communications targeted at special districts in efforts to deliver consistent messaging across the association.
• Ensure all CSDA branded communications are guided by established values, goals, and audiences, as established by the CEO and in coordination with managers.
• Manage the communications calendar to maximize cross-branding opportunities that reinforce key messages while avoiding communication over-saturation or fatigue of the audience.
• Working with all staff and departments, assist the Chief Member Services & Communications Officer with managing all project priorities and timelines.
• Assist Special Districts Leadership Foundation (SDLF) and California Special Districts Association Finance Corporation (CSDA FC) with communications management and delivery as needed.
• In coordination with the Public Affairs Specialist, regularly report analytical data measuring the effectiveness of communications based on established values, goals, and audiences; In coordination with CEO & Department Managers, recommend strategic and operational adjustments to improve performance over time.

 PUBLICATIONS – MAGAZINE & eNEWSLETTER

Serve as Editor of the bi-monthly CA Special District magazine and weekly CSDA eNews with duties that include but are not limited to:

• Prepare annual editorial calendar to outline content for each issue of the magazine and ensure deadlines are met.
• Develop innovative story and content ideas keeping in mind reader and audience appeal.
• Coordination of articles for publication including work with all content providers and gathering of graphics/photographs.
• Research and write article(s) for each issue.
• Regularly interview special guests for article content.
• Lead regular editorial meetings with management and appropriate staff members.
• Serve as main contact and coordinate regularly with the contract advertising sales representative.

WEBSITES

• Regularly audit and update websites to ensure accurate, current and fresh content is always being displayed (websites: CSDA, SDLF, CSDA FC).
• Work with staff from all departments to identify and implement cross-promotional opportunities via the web and through e-communications.
• Work closely with other staff and departments to facilitate discussions and engagement on CSDA’s online communities.
• Focus on building skills and understanding of the online communities platform in order to maximize the capabilities and contribute to the administration of the system.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Actively manage CSDA and SDLF social media presence and content with a specific focus on Facebook and YouTube (CSDA branded communications targeted at special districts).
• Regularly initiate activities to generate additional followers on all CSDA social media platforms.

PROOFING

• The position is responsible for proofing all materials/communication pieces in a timely manner.
• Read copy to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
• Verify major components of content for consistency and accuracy across platforms.

MISCELLANEOUS

This position may serve on various internal staff teams for special projects as requested by the Chief Member Services & Communications Officer and/or CEO. Additionally, the individual in this position is expected to stay current on issues, trends and information related to special districts/CSDA and develop content accordingly. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Requirements

• Must be an excellent writer focused on hitting all deadlines.
• Knowledge and experience in communications, public relations and/or media relations.
• Ability to write, edit and proof articles, speeches, reports, press releases, brochures and other communication pieces.
• Must be member-oriented team player with a positive attitude.
• Critical and strategic thinker who is willing to take on a variety of projects.
• Detail-oriented.
• Motivated and can manage multiple tasks.
• Creative writing experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (communications, public relations, journalism, etc.) required. At least four years of professional experience may be considered as meeting this requirement. 

Compensation

• Salary range: $70,779 - $106,168
• Participation in CalPERS Retirement System
• Defined contribution retirement health benefit program
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays and other benefits, as described in the CSDA Policy Manual.
• Health, vision and dental benefits, following qualification, as outlined in the CSDA Policy Manual.
• Flexible Benefit Plan offered, including a medical flexible spending account (FSA).
• Paid parking
• Reimbursement for travel and business-related expenses, as per CSDA Policy Manual

Travel may be necessary, both by car and by air, including absences from home for one or more nights.  Travel may be on the employee’s or employer’s time, or both. Working nights, weekends or holidays may occasionally be required/necessary.