Assistant Communication Specialist

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Assistant Communication Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in supporting our communication efforts, ensuring smooth and effective internal and external communication.

Under general supervision, the Assistant Communications Specialist assists with organizing, coordinating, and implementing District communications; provides communication materials for District-wide marketing initiatives and programs through the preparation of a variety of publications and materials; and performs related duties as required.

The candidates must be available to work 20 hours per week. Actual hours assigned may be increased or decreased at any time depending upon the needs of the department.

The following duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that maybe performed. The omission of specific statement on duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

· Prepares communications and public relations materials, such as but not limited to, press releases, public service announcements, website articles, and newsletters;

· Prepares and presents various written and verbal communications to various staff and the public;

· Shoots and edits video of various programs and events utilizing editing software such as, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or similar system;

· Photographs events, programs, and facilities;

· Assists with maintaining the District photo and video archives;

· Assists with preparation, review, and/or editing of various social media channels, such as but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok;

· Assists District staff with organizing communications for special events, including but not limited to, facility openings, ceremonies, and fire department academy graduations;

· Performs confidently and effectively on camera with strong speaking skills and ability to engage with the audience, as requested;

· Coordinates media interviews and provides communication resources as requested;

· Works closely with the District's graphic artists;

· Acts as a District liaison with various community groups and partnerships;

· Uses various software applications, such as, spreadsheets, relational databases and graphics packages to assemble, manipulate and/or format data and/or reports;

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities may be considered qualifying at the sole discretion of the District. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Experience:

· One (1) year of responsible experience in marketing, journalism, mass media communications, or public relations.

Education and Training:

· Associate's Degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a related field.

· Additional education may substitute for experience.

Special Requirements:

· Must possess a valid California driver' license.

· Must be 18 years of age or older.

Knowledge of:

· Public relations principles;

· Marketing techniques and strategies;

· Project, department or program being represented;

· Social media platforms and social media marketing strategies;

· Video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or similar system;

· Photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or similar system;

· Graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or similar system;

· The English language and proper use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to:

· Establish effective working relationships with the media, employees, managers, citizens, appointed and elected officials;

· Work in a team environment and to work independently;

· Be flexible and adaptable to change;

· Be organized and detail-oriented;

· Effectively and tactfully communicate both orally and in writing with contractors, vendors, personnel, and the public;

· Make persuasive public presentations;

· Listen and respond to citizens and other customers on a variety of issues;

· Write and oversee the design of promotional and informational materials;

· Accomplish goals using sound analytical and decision-making skills, and to creatively problem-solve complex issues;

· Use independent judgment in routine situations, such as answering questions;

· Basic operation of automated office machines including calculator, computer, keyboard, printers, scanners and other peripherals, copier, and fax machine;

· Use computer software daily such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word;

· Prioritize workload to handle multiple requests and meet project timelines;

· Comprehend and prepare reports and forms using a prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.

Physical Requirements:

· Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; occasionally reaching and twisting to reach equipment surrounding desk; occasional walking, standing, bending, stooping, and squatting; occasional pushing, pulling or lifting up to twenty (20) pounds;

· Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent computer use; occasional color and depth vision;

· Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing and typing; frequent grasping, holding and reaching; frequent operation of office equipment, computers and clerical supplies;

· Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person and on the phone;

· Emotional/Psychological: frequent public and/or coworker contact; ability to remain calm in emergency situations; occasionally works alone;

· Driving: ability to use fine and gross motor coordination for driving.

Typical Working Conditions

Ability to work in office and outdoor environments.

THE PROCESS:
Application Review (Pass/Fail): All applicants must complete and submit an application by the final filing deadline. Applications will be reviewed for possession of minimum qualifications and evaluated according to the essential functions of the job and other needs of the position.

• Supplemental Questions: The supplemental questions are considered a part of the application process. All required questions must be completed before the application can be submitted. The supplemental questions will be used to evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of the applicant's education, training, and experience.

• Supplemental Screening: The district will review the responses to the supplemental questions of all candidates meeting the minimum qualifications. The most competitive candidates in the applicant pool will be selected to continue in the selection process.

Oral Interview: All candidates who pass the application review will be invited to participate in an oral panel interview.

Conditional Offer: Candidates selected from the process receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the successful completion of the following:
Background Check: A State of California, Department of Justice criminal background check
Driving Record: A State of California, DMV driving record printout will be required. Upon successful completion of the background check.
Work Eligibility: The District participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the US.
Failure to meet these pre-employment requirements will be grounds for withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment.
RIGHT-TO-WORK VERIFICATION
Documentation verifying the candidate's legal right to work in the United States will be required and shall be presented upon hire.
Employment Type: Part Time, Regular