Communications Specialist

Develop content for a variety of materials and media to enhance the Town’s transparent, accurate, and responsive communication with Danville residents, businesses, and customers. Specialist will write articles, press releases and social media content to provide the community with timely and accurate information in matters of public interest and to provide a positive organizational image. Working within the communications and economic development division, this role will also support community events, and requires an understanding of government roles and obligations to the public. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Write and disseminate Town press releases.
• Develop and implement content strategy for social media, including campaign development, scheduling, and engagement monitoring.
• Compose and edit Town’s printed quarterly newsletter and monthly email newsletters, working cross-departmentally to gather information.
• Manage production schedules for publications, including the printed quarterly newsletter, monthly email newsletters, and activity guide.
• Work collaboratively with project and program leads to gather information to convey key initiatives accurately and effectively to the community. 
• Develop content for and monitor the Town’s website at danville.ca.gov to ensure information is relevant and timely.
• Maintain the Town’s public engagement website at DanvilleTownTalks.org
• Photograph Town programs, events and projects and attend public meetings, as needed; serve on Town-wide committees and ad hoc project assignments.
• Edit photos and videos for use across Town platforms.
• Provide logistical and operational support for Town-sponsored events, including vendor coordination, permits, and on-site setup/breakdown.
• Attend and provide on-site assistance at Town events, working flexible hours as needed.
• Help manage small-scale business programs and data collection.
• Perform duties within OSHA standards and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Knowledge of Associated Press Style strongly preferred.
• Social media campaigns and best practices across multiple platforms.
• Modern office methods, procedures, organization and equipment including Office 365, Meta Business Suite, Canva, and website CMS.
• Photography, videography, and content production and editing techniques.

Ability to:

• Work independently, creatively, collaboratively, and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public.
• Develop project work plans and schedules; determine priorities to meet assigned deadlines.
• Capture action-oriented photos and videos of programs and projects.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Works under direct supervision of the Communications & Economic Development Manager.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
A minimum of three (3) years of professional communications, public relations, community engagement, project management, or marketing work. Compensation within the salary range is dependent on experience, and candidates should expect to start within the lower half of the range.

Education:
A Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public administration, or a closely related field.

LICENSE(S) AND CERTIFICATION(S)
Possession of a valid California State Driver's License, or license in another state with the ability to obtain a California license within 30 days of hire.

FLSA DISCLAIMER 
This classification has been designated as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees in this classification are not entitled to overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of (37.5) hours per week or in accordance with applicable state and local wage and hour laws. 
 
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER 
Employment with the Town of Danville is at-will and may be terminated at any time by the employee or the Town, with or without cause and with or without notice, subject to applicable provisions of the Town’s personnel policies, and applicable law. This job description is not intended to be an employment agreement or contract. 
 
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION 
Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, testing, or selection process, or to perform the essential functions of the job, should contact the Town of Danville Human Resources Division. The Town is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws.