Communications Specialist (Ventura Water)

City of Ventura•Ventura, CA

19d

About The Position

The City of Ventura is hiring a creative, collaborative, and community-focused Communications Specialist for Ventura Water. This newly created position will help shape and strengthen Ventura Water communications, community engagement, and customer service support. Reporting directly to the Ventura Water General Manager, the role develops and implements strategic communications initiatives, coordinates community outreach and public education, and creates content connecting residents and businesses with Ventura Water programs, services, and projects. The position also supports customer assistance initiatives, coordinates public events, and communicates information about water, infrastructure improvements, and VenturaWaterPure. Ventura Water provides drinking water to more than 109,000 people through approximately 32,000 service connections. Its system includes more than 391 miles of pipeline, three water treatment plants, 23 pump stations, and 31 reservoirs. It uses three local water sources—the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and local groundwater wells—and provides reclaimed water for municipal golf courses, the Ventura Marina area, and private landscape-irrigation customers. The department also operates a full-service laboratory and monitors water quality daily. Applicants must submit a City job application and supplemental questionnaire through the City of Ventura Career Site by the stated deadline. Initial panel interviews are planned to be conducted in person. The City is an equal opportunity employer and provides accommodations during the selection process as required.

Requirements

A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
Two years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, media, fundraising, public relations, or communications, including some supervision and coordination of major functions.
Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in public relations, strategic communications, and community engagement.
Experience providing one-on-one customer assistance, explaining programs and services, and responding to customer questions clearly and professionally.
A creative and collaborative approach to developing communication strategies and compelling content.
Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, accessible messages for diverse audiences.
Strong organizational skills and resourcefulness, with experience managing multiple projects and coordinating public outreach initiatives.
Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Commitment to public service, environmental stewardship, and exceptional customer experiences.
Professional experience or knowledge of the water, wastewater, or public utilities industry.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and implement communications, public relations, marketing, and community outreach initiatives promoting Ventura Water programs, services, projects, and customer support efforts.
Create content for social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, presentations, public service announcements, advertising campaigns, and educational materials.
Support customer assistance programs through outreach, help with program enrollment, monitoring customer-facing communication portals, and coordinating timely responses to inquiries, concerns, and complaints.
Lead and coordinate the Ventura Water Outreach Task Force, including scheduling meetings and outreach activities, recruiting and training participating staff, developing consistent messaging, and overseeing event logistics.
Plan and coordinate community outreach activities, public meetings, educational workshops, facility tours, ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies, community academies, and other special events.
Develop public communications, notices, and educational materials concerning water and wastewater rate studies and adjustments, Proposition 218 noticing requirements, and water conservation regulations.
Coordinate communications, branding, and community outreach for VenturaWaterPure, water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, capital improvement projects, and other major initiatives.
Collaborate with the City's Communications Division, Ventura Water staff, City staff, and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging.
Coordinate internal communications and presentations, and communicate critical information during planned service interruptions, water outages, and emergencies.
Prepare and distribute media releases, feature articles, public service announcements, and promotional materials; coordinate media coverage, advertising placements, and public relations activities.
Evaluate communications and outreach campaigns, analyze customer feedback and engagement data, and identify ways to strengthen public education, customer experience, and community relations.