Posted: Dec 16, 2025
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Communications Specialist

City of Garden Grove - Garden Grove, CA
Full-time
Salary: $6,283.00 - $9,282.00 Monthly
Application Deadline: Jan 16, 2026
Other
The City of Garden Grove is accepting applications for

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
 
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST
 
The Community Relations division of the City Manager's Office currently has two (2) vacancies for a Communications Specialist (official title: Administrative Analyst). 

Under general direction from the Public Information Officer, the Communication Specialist will plan, write, and publish community-facing content across web, social, email, and City print materials. This position will write press releases and other media materials, maintain high-traffic web pages, manage a weekly content calendar, and help deliver clear, accessible, and multilingual information that fosters transparency and community engagement. Work is performed on deadline and in coordination with subject-matter experts and City leadership. 

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and editor with digital platform fluency, sound judgment, and a customer-service mindset; communicates clearly and concisely in writing and orally; collaborates well in a team environment; and interacts professionally with executives, elected offices, and the public.

We anticipate creating an eligibility list from this recruitment that may be used to fill current and future vacancies for this classification, so apply now!
 
Essential Duties:
  • Translate City policies, programs, and initiatives into clear, public-facing content such as news releases, FAQs, talking points, website updates, newsletters, and social media posts;
  • Maintain and update City web content, intranet pages, and social media channels to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility across platforms;
  • Draft and prepare media materials including advisories, quotes, and basic background sheets;
  • Support responses to routine media and public inquiries by gathering information from departments and providing accurate, timely, and culturally competent responses;
  • Support communications during emergencies and special events by posting verified updates, assisting with press materials, coordinating translation needs, and supporting on-scene communications tasks as assigned;
  • Contribute to the preparation of Council briefing materials, community updates, and public information summaries;
  • Assist in developing communication tools such as procedural guides, talking points, templates, and outreach materials;
  • Participate in community forums, outreach events, and City-sponsored activities to support public information and engagement efforts; 
  • Coordinate and schedule content across platforms, including gathering quotes, photos, videos, and translations;
  • Assist with special projects, research, and outreach initiatives related to City programs, public information needs, and emerging community concerns;
  • May be required to work evenings or weekends during emergencies or major City events; and
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
Requirements:
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field. 
 
EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital content creation or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Government communications experience is highly desirable. 
 
KNOWLEDGE OF
Basic principles and methods of public administration and public information in a municipal environment, statistical and research methods; administrative survey techniques; computer applications and presentations, including MS Office, Google Workspace, web-content management, and social-media management tools; digital-communication platforms (e.g., Canva/Adobe Express, Constant Contact, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Sprout, CMS); customer service techniques and principles, and supervisory techniques where applicable.

ABILITY TO
Make sound analyses and evaluations and effectively present findings; write and edit clear, accurate, and accessible public-facing content in plain language across multiple platforms; apply sound judgment in reviewing information and handling sensitive matters; use data and basic analytics to evaluate outcomes; collaborate effectively and exercise tact and cultural sensitivity; provide customer service; coordinate projects and meet deadlines; work irregular hours; and, where applicable, supervise or provide lead direction to staff.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
California Class "C" driver's license is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification sit, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see small details, use a 10 key or calculator, and work on a personal computer.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work in an open office environment.
Other Important Information:
HOW TO APPLY
Online applications can be submitted by visiting:  www.ggcity.org/hr.  Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to [email protected].  City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.    

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PST

Online application packets must include:
  • a completed online application
  • a completed supplemental questionnaire
  • an updated resume
  • an attached portfolio or link to an online portfolio containing 3 - 5 recent communications samples that demonstrate the ability to produce clear, public-facing content. Each sample should include a brief note (1-2 sentences) describing the applicant's role in creating it. Samples may include:
    • Social media posts or campaigns (static, carousel, Reels/TikTok-style short videos)
    • Web content such as FAQs, landing pages, service updates, or blog-style articles
    • News releases, media advisories, or talking points
    • Email newsletters
    • Flyers, graphics, or simple visual content (Canva/Adobe Express acceptable)
    • Short-form videos captured or edited for social or web
    • Journalism samples such as published articles, or scriptwriting
Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.

THE SELECTION PROCESS
Selection process may consist of:
  • Portfolio Review
  • Written performance exam - tentatively scheduled in-person on Friday, January 30, 2026
  • Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for in-person on Thursday, February 26, 2026

Candidates who may need special accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected] at least one week prior to any test dates.
 
APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL ONLY. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices regarding their status.

If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected].