Public Affairs Specialist I or II

Title: Public Affairs Specialist I/II

Department: Public Affairs

Supervisor: Public Affairs Manager

Term/Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday (9/80 workweek optional) and will include
occasional weekend and evening work to attend events. The work is in person at our office
located at 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264.

Job Definition: Under general supervision, this Public Affairs Specialist I or II will focus on the
development and execution of social media content across multiple platforms, and the creation
of graphics and other visual elements that support Agency communications. In addition to these
primary responsibilities, the position will perform a variety of professional, technical, and support
duties, as assigned, to assist with the Agency’s overall public affairs, education and
communication efforts.

Position Level Distinction: The Public Affairs Specialist II position is distinguished from the
Public Affairs Specialist I position based on years of experience, caliber of qualifications, and
knowledge/mastery of required programs and work processes. The position will be filled at the
level that best matches the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, at the discretion
of the Agency.

Job Duties/Responsibilities: The Public Affairs Specialist I or II will conduct duties such as,
but not limited to:

• Create, schedule, publish, and monitor content across DWA’s various social media
platforms, including graphics, videos and reels.
• Maintain a content calendar, suggest topics and campaigns, and monitor the latest social
media trends ensuring that social content is timely, accurate and consistent with DWA’s
brand and communication goals.
• Review social media analytics to inform future campaigns, content and strategies.
• Create compelling visuals such as graphics, infographics, flyers, brochures,
presentations, videos and other outreach collateral, adhering to DWA brand guidelines
and using approved graphic design software or programs.
• Coordinate and provide photography, videography, and other multimedia assets in
support of communication and outreach efforts, including attending DWA internal and
external events to chronicle and promote programs. Develop and write engaging content for social media, advertising, marketing, website,
newsletters, press releases and other communication outreach, adhering to DWA
branding and style standards.
• Assist in updating the DWA website and events calendar to ensure information is
refreshed and up to date.
• Develop and provide presentations to schools and other community groups to further
Agency messaging.
• Attend events and assist in event planning, including the coordination and promotion of
DWA events such as tours, workshops and special community meetings.
• Attend and assist in planning DWA’s participation at public meetings and community
events such as back-to-school programs, picnics and festivals, some of which occur on
the weekends and after hours.
• Assist in responding to media requests and maintain a positive relationship with media
outlets (print, television, radio, online, etc.)
• May assist with on-camera related assignments.
• Assist with public and community inquiries received in person, via email or social media,
referring issues to appropriate staff, as needed.
• Support and collaborate with other DWA departments on their communication needs and
promotion of internal and external programming.
• Support and assist with organization and implementation of a DWA photo/video library.
• Support and assist with ordering and organization of promotional inventory.
• Work on and assist with regional public affairs efforts with other agencies.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a related field
such as journalism, mass communication, public relations, or graphic design.

Experience

Public Affairs Specialist I
• Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs,
communications, media relations, journalism, education, graphic design, copy
writing, advertising or a related field.
• Experience managing or contributing to professional social media accounts for a
government agency, nonprofit organization, business or other organization
responsible for public-facing communications.

Public Affairs Specialist II
• Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs,
communications, media relations, journalism, education, graphic design, copy
writing, advertising or a related field.
• Experience managing a professional social media account for a government
agency, nonprofit organization, business or other organization responsible for
public-facing communications.

Technical Proficiency:

• Strong visual design skills with proficiency in graphic design software such as
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva, and similar
platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook),
Google Workspace applications, website content management systems and
social media management tools.
License(s): Possession of a valid drivers' license issued by the California Department of
Motor Vehicles appropriate for the use of Agency vehicles required in the fulfillment of
the job duties for this position, with an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge of:
• Principles, methods and practices applied in communications.
• Social media strategy, platform functionality, analytics, and content and design
best practices for Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Nextdoor.
• Principals and techniques of media relations, advertising, branding and public
information campaigns.
• Methods and techniques of writing for a variety of audiences and communication
channels.
• Website content management and analytics.
• Best practices for representing DWA interests with stakeholders, governing
boards and other decision-makers.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and AP Style.
• Principles of graphic design, layout, branding, and print production.
• Current trends and best practices in digital communications and public affairs.

Ability to:
• Work independently with minimal direction and oversight from Public Affairs
Manager and effectively carry out implementation of assigned tasks.
• Write clearly and effectively for diverse audiences and communication platforms.
• Conduct limited mathematical calculations for agency statistics.
• Understand and effectively carry out general oral and written instructions.
• Operate a computer and related software, including word processing, graphic
design, presentation, website and content management applications.
• Operate photography, video and audiovisual equipment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Exercise sound judgement and initiative within established guidelines.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and adapting
to changing priorities.
• Maintain accurate files and records.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees,
elected officials, stakeholders, community organizations, the media and the
public.

Deadline: This position will close to applicants on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Learn more about this position and apply online at www.dwa.org/careers