Communications Specialist

Starting hiring salary - $63,960.00 to $67,797.60 annually

Communications Specialist: $63,960 - $87,630.40
Senior Communications Specialist: $68,099.20 - $93,392.00

The City of Brighton is seeking a Communications Specialist to join its Communications & Engagement Department. This position offers an opportunity to build skills, gain experience and grow professionally, with the potential for future advancement to Senior Communications Specialist as the individual develops their expertise and takes on additional responsibilities.

DEFINITION
The Communications Specialist is a member of the City of Brighton’s Communications team responsible for developing and distributing clear, timely, and accurate information to the community. This position supports public information, media relations, social media, city publications, video content, and municipal access television activities. The position works with City departments to gather information and develop communications for a variety of audiences and platforms.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
This position reports to the Communications & Marketing Manager. The positions do not supervise others.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications Specialist

Serves as a member of the City’s Communications team and assists with communication plans, public information efforts, and community outreach activities.

Develops an understanding of City departments, programs, and services to communicate information accurately and effectively to the community.

Writes, edits, and distributes press releases and other public information materials; responds to media inquiries and coordinates requests with appropriate City staff.

Creates engaging content for the City’s social media platforms, websites, newsletters, publications, and other print and digital materials.

Monitors and responds to public questions and engagement across online platforms and monitors media and social media coverage to identify relevant issues and opportunities.

Drafts talking points, presentations, and other communications materials for elected officials and staff as assigned.

Writes, edits, and proofreads materials for City publications, websites, social media, newsletters, and internal communications, following AP style guidelines.

Assists with the production of video and multimedia content, including concept development, scriptwriting, recording, editing, and on-camera work, as assigned.

Helps ensure City communications and media content are accessible, accurate, and understandable to diverse audiences.

Represents the City at community events, meetings, and presentations as assigned and maintains positive working relationships with City staff, community members, media representatives, and other stakeholders.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Senior Communications Specialist
All of the items under Communications Specialist plus:

Serves as a city spokesperson

Provides guidance to staff regarding media communications and public messaging.

Supports emergency management and crisis communications efforts by developing and disseminating timely, accurate public information during emergencies, critical incidents and other urgent situations.

Provides communications guidance during complex or high-profile incidents and exercises independent judgment in developing and coordinating public messaging under time-sensitive conditions.

Researches, plans and develops communications campaigns and video programming.

May oversee or support daily operations of KBRI-8.

Collaborates with regional partners on shared media and communications projects.

Assists with budget development for media operations and production resources.

Researches equipment, technology and service options and makes recommendations regarding communications and production resources.

All Positions - Other Duties: Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Communications Specialist

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of written and verbal communication, journalism, marketing, and public relations.

Social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Nextdoor, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Visual storytelling through photography, video, and multimedia content.

AP Style and basic journalistic practices.

Accessibility considerations for digital, written, and video communications.

Microsoft Office and commonly used communications and social media tools.

Ability to:

Communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of audiences, both verbally and in writing.

Translate technical or complex information into clear, understandable content.

Write, edit, and proofread materials accurately and effectively.

Manage multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.

Work independently while seeking direction when needed.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, community members, media representatives, and the public.

Exercise discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.

Learn and use communications, social media, video production, and other technology.

Assist with video projects and live broadcasts.

Adapt communications for different audiences, platforms, and formats.

Provide professional and courteous customer service.

Senior Communications Specialist:
Knowledge of:

All of the items under Communications Specialist plus:

Advanced written and verbal communication knowledge.

Emergency management principles, crisis communications practices and public information coordination during emergencies and critical incidents.

Principles of emergency preparedness, risk communication and coordination with emergency response agencies and regional partners.

Video production equipment, editing software, lighting, audio capture and broadcasting techniques.

Communications planning, campaign development and public information practices.

Ability to:

All of the items under Communications Specialist plus:

Develop clear, accurate and timely public messaging during emergencies, critical incidents and rapidly evolving situations.

Coordinate with City departments, emergency responders and regional partners to support consistent and effective crisis communications

Develop, plan and implement communications campaigns and strategies.

Produce and direct video productions from concept through completion, including live broadcasts.

Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.

Exercise independent judgment in developing communications approaches and resolving issues.

Inspire creativity and teamwork while maintaining professional leadership standards.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Communications Specialist

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, broadcasting, television production, or a closely related field. Two years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, media production, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Senior Communications Specialist

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, broadcasting, television production, or a closely related field. Four years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, media production, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily sedentary in nature and performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position may require occasional walking, standing, bending, lifting and/or carrying equipment or materials weighing up to 25 pounds, and hand/eye coordination to operate computers, cameras, and other equipment. Speech and hearing are required to communicate during the normal course of work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid Colorado driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Completion of FEMA IS-100 and IS-700 within six (6) months of hire.