Communications and Marketing Specialist

City of Fruita•Fruita, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Communications and Engagement Manager or Supervisor, the Communications and Marketing Specialist helps implement the City of Fruita’s communications, engagement, outreach, and marketing strategy through creative content development, storytelling, digital marketing, and community-focused communications. The role works across topics and audiences and leads the development and distribution of content for City communication networks. This includes promoting GoFruita tourism, telling stories about City employees, projects, and services, and advertising City programs, particularly recreation programs, community initiatives, and special events. The specialist develops and manages content for City of Fruita, GoFruita tourism, Parks and Recreation, and other City programs across social media, newsletters, websites, print publications, and other channels. Content may include photography, video, graphics, advertisements, signage, brochures, and other marketing materials. The role supports marketing campaigns, tourism promotion, event communications, website maintenance, paid advertising, digital asset management, community outreach, and public engagement. It also monitors and analyzes communications performance and public feedback to inform recommendations and improve future communications.

Requirements

Associate degree in Marketing Communications, Travel and Tourism Management, Communication, Public Relations, Brand Communication, Digital Marketing and Social Media, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license.
Knowledge of modern communications, marketing, branding, media relations, governmental relations, and community/public relations practices, procedures, strategies, and techniques.
Knowledge of effective communication and public speaking techniques, English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of principles and practices for communicating and coordinating programs and initiatives.
Knowledge of graphic design and layout principles and applications.
Knowledge of website management principles, practices, and tools.
Experience in web design and content production, and in copywriting and editing.
Knowledge of organizational development and constructive problem-solving practices.
Knowledge of social media content creation, digital storytelling, and current platform best practices.
Knowledge of ADA compliance and best practices.
Ability to use modern office equipment and software, including Microsoft Office and communications tools such as Canva, Bitly, and Mailchimp.
Ability to write, edit, and proofread professionally and adapt content for different audiences and platforms.
Ability to capture, compose, and edit photos and video and produce short-form digital content.
Ability to represent the City professionally and use interpersonal and customer service skills when interacting with residents, visitors, businesses, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Ability to learn digital advertising platforms such as Meta Ads and Google Ads.
Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, brands, content calendars, and deadlines.
Ability to create and maintain complex website content and pages, and to design, write, edit, and oversee materials for publication.
Ability to monitor and analyze social media trends and their impact on the City’s brand.
Ability to interact effectively with City staff, elected and appointed officials, the media, and the public.
Ability to identify and develop opportunities to publicize City programs; use sound judgment; and demonstrate attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Ability to coordinate and plan City-sponsored community events and elicit community and organizational support for City programs.
Ability to interpret and explain City policies and procedures, communicate clearly orally and in writing, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and speak, read, comprehend, and write English fluently.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion.
Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.
Satisfactory driving record.
Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.

Nice To Haves

Two years of professional experience in communications, marketing, social media, content creation, public relations, tourism marketing, or a related field is preferred.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Responsibilities

Assist in planning and executing the City’s communications and marketing strategy, translating broader goals into campaigns, stories, digital content, advertising, and other public-facing communications.
Develop, write, and manage content for City of Fruita, GoFruita tourism, Parks and Recreation, and other City programs.
Create content for social media, newsletters, websites, print publications, and other channels, including photography, video, graphics, advertisements, signage, and brochures, while maintaining brand standards.
Create and distribute stories about City services, employees, projects, community members, local businesses, recreation, tourism, and special events.
Collaborate with City departments to identify communications needs and ways to connect City programs and services with residents and visitors.
Translate technical or complex information into clear, approachable public-facing content.
Support marketing campaigns for City programs, recreation offerings, tourism initiatives, and special events through social media, email marketing, radio appearances, print materials, and other promotional efforts.
Create written and visual content promoting Fruita as a tourism destination and highlighting its community, businesses, outdoor recreation, culture, events, and visitor experiences.
Support special events through advance promotion, on-site content capture, social media coverage, photography and video, and post-event storytelling.
Maintain and update content across City and program websites, portals, and digital platforms.
Work with City staff to create and maintain public and employee website content that is accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent with standards.
Conduct website quality assurance checks and content audits for accuracy, standardization, functionality, and ADA accessibility; troubleshoot issues and test website appearance and functionality.
Plan and manage paid advertising campaigns using platforms such as Meta and monitor performance data across advertising, social media, email, and web channels.
Maintain organized photo, video, graphic, and other digital asset libraries and keep current with social media trends, content tools, digital marketing practices, and emerging platforms.
Assist with other communications, marketing, tourism, and community engagement projects as assigned.
Coordinate and participate in public meetings and open houses to promote City services, provide public education and information, and improve understanding of the organization.
Create and implement programs, citizen outreach activities, and special events; work across departments to identify and develop solutions for engagement needs.
Monitor, interact with, and respond to citizen interactions on City websites and social media channels to cultivate engagement.
Review analytics across social, print, and broadcast media and translate data into recommended revisions to City strategic communications plans.
Lead survey initiatives, analyze public opinion, and implement actionable insights.
Gather information, prepare reports and records, and maintain logs and records of activities and events.