Communications Specialist

Under general supervision, manages and supports the City’s digital production systems, including the operation and maintenance of the Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Access Channel. Responsibilities include producing video content, maintaining multimedia systems, and creating a wide range of audio-visual materials—such as filming, video editing, photography, and graphic design—as well as assisting with website and social media content. The position contributes to internal and external communications, outreach campaigns, and community education efforts.

1. Develops video programs from original concept to completion; performs production and post-production assignments, including script writing, technical direction, creating graphic material for use on the city website, social media, YouTube, internal platforms, and other outlets.
2. Plans and develops multimedia content, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, filming, editing, and post-production.
3. Plans and coordinates the operation of the city’s television channel, including scheduling, publicity, and programming. Recommends broadcasting procedures and standards. 
4. Organizes and implements video production activities and recording public meetings, events, and other live or pre-recorded programming. 
5. Designs digital graphics, promotional flyers, presentations, and content aligned with brand standards.
6. Maintains the city’s multimedia library and equipment inventory; ensures equipment is serviced and operational.
7. Stays current with multimedia, visual storytelling, and accessibility trends to enhance communication effectiveness.
8. Collaborates with departments to support internal training, outreach campaigns, and community education using multimedia tools.
9. Ensures compliance with ADA accessibility standards in multimedia production.
10. Assists with updating and maintaining content on the city's website and social media channels, contributing to post scheduling, writing captions, creating graphics, and monitoring engagement.
11. Ability to take photos and videos during city events to be used for communications and outreach. 

Knowledge of:
Multimedia production software and tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, Canva).
Photography, video shooting, lighting, audio recording, and editing techniques.
Graphic design principles including layout, typography, branding, and visual storytelling.
Social media formats and video optimization for online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, 
etc.
Basic troubleshooting of AV equipment and familiarity with live-streaming platforms.
Accessibility compliance standards for visual and audio content.

Ability to:
Plan, film, and edit engaging multimedia content, including photos, videos, and graphics.
Operate and maintain professional A/V equipment (cameras, lighting, teleprompters, microphones, 
soundboards).
Use editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Audition, After Effects, or similar).
Write scripts and develop storyboards to support message clarity and visual storytelling.
Organize and archive multimedia assets; manage content libraries for efficiency and access.
Set up and troubleshoot live productions including public meetings and community events.
Manage multiple multimedia projects and meet tight deadlines.
Collaborate with staff and external stakeholders across departments.
Lift, carry, and transport equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: 
Associate’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, graphic design, or a related field. A bachelor's degree is highly desirable. 

Experience:
 Minimum of three (3) years of experience in public information, multimedia production, or a related communications field, preferably within a public agency or governmental setting.

License or Certificate: 
Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License and maintain possession of such license during the course of employment. 
Must have an acceptable driving record, be insurable at standard rates by City’s insurance carrier, and maintain such insurability during the course of employment.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:
  
 Must be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental conditions, as determined by a qualified physician and/or psychologist, which, with or without accommodation, might affect the ability of the employee to perform essential job functions.   A flexible work schedule may be required.  The position may require prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities.  Additionally, the position requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard.   Near and far vision is required in order to read work-related documents and use the computer.  Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.  The position requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

This classification is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may be required to perform other reasonable duties as assigned by management. The City reserves the right, with the concurrence of the department head, to revise or change classification duties and responsibilities as the need arises and as consistent with the meet and confer process.