Communications Specialist

The District requires that all Indeed applicants must also apply for this position on-line at edhcsd.org. The application deadline is April 9, 2017.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The El Dorado Hills Community Services District is seeking an innovative, dedicated Communications Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced, highly demanding, yet rewarding work environment. The Communications Specialist will promote a positive public image and control the dissemination of information on our District’s behalf. Responsibilities include managing external and internal communications; developing strategies to deliver public information to the community; draft content for mass media or company website; be a liaise with media and handling interviews, statement, etc.; and foster relationships with advocates and key community members.

The successful candidate needs proven experience as a Communications Specialist. This position requires phenomenal communication (oral and written) and presentation skills; outstanding organizational and planning abilities; eager to complete tasks with little supervision; and proud to be a team player. Experience in web design and content production is a plus. Job description and link to online application available at: http://eldoradohillscsd.org/about/employment-opportunities.html

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates the day-to-day operations of the district’s communications; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Communications Specialist is the advanced journey-level class expected to perform the full scope of communication, marketing, customer service functions, and related support duties with minimum supervision. Assignments are characterized by the presence of general guidelines from which to make decisions and the availability of supervision when required. The class is distinguished from others by independence of actions and complexity of assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Receives general direction from the Director of Recreation or the Director of Recreation’s designee. The Communications Specialist position does not routinely exercise supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Develops strategies to deliver public information to the entire community
• Coordinates promotion of activities and events between departments
• Edits and proofreads a variety of written documents
• Publishes District Monthly E-News Letter, Voice of the Villages and other publications
• Prepares and distributes communication materials
• Reviews marketing materials for compliance with District Style Guide (Communication Plan)
• Conducts surveys, tabulates results, analyzes data
• Interfaces with news media
• Gathers information for, and prepares, press releases
• Prepares information for the District website
• Prepares audio visual presentations
• Promotes district wide activities and events through schools, businesses, governmental, and community organizations as well as media outlets
• Promotes district volunteer efforts, events, and activities
• Coordinates town hall and other community informational meetings
• Plans, coordinates and implements volunteer and major sponsor appreciation events.
• Maintains a positive relationships with organizations, schools, governmental agencies and local businesses
• Attends special events and community functions (evenings and weekends), and may represent the district at such events and functions
• Writes and publishes district booklets, informational brochures (except Recreation Activity Guide), district wide fliers (town hall meetings, etc.)
• Maintains archived files of newspaper articles, magazines, and other media coverage
• Advises District staff in media relations and public information policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical office environment. (1) Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. (2) Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. (4) Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. (5) Hearing/ Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. (6) Emotional/ Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. (7) Environmental: frequent exposure to various noise, light, odor and temperature.

Position regularly requires use of written and oral communication skill s; read and interpret financial, legal and statistical data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and apply mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under intensive deadlines and interact with staff, Board members and the public.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited college or university in a related field is preferred. Educational equivalent to completion of a high school diploma and college level course work in journalism, communications, public relations, public administration, marketing, or a closely related field is required.

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Communications Specialist. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of three years of increasingly responsible technical experience in communications, public information, public relations or journalism. Public agency or local government experience is desirable.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATES:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid cl ass “C” California driver’s license. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

KNOWLEDGE OF: Basic operations and functions of local government; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment; desktop applications such as Microsoft Office, desktop/graphic and presentation software programs, and photo computer software; business letter writing and basic report preparation; English language usage, grammar and punctuation; AP Style and press release preparation; basic mathematical principles; public relations practices; and special event preparation.

ABILITY TO: Handle multiple tasks; determine multiple project priorities and meet deadlines; analyze problems to identify alternatives, solutions and project consequences of proposed actions; implement recommendations to resolve citizens questions, problems and complaints; type at a speed necessary for successful job performance; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; take digital photographs; to be organized with attention to detail; and assist with set up of special events and press conferences.

SKILL TO: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing, spreadsheet, and software applications.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $20.22 to $24.67 /hour

Required education:

• Associate

Required experience:

• Communications (journalism, public relations, public administration, marketing): 3 years