Communications Specialist (Ventura Water)

City of Ventura•Ventura, CA

19d•$82,413 - $110,435

About The Position

The City of Ventura is hiring a creative, collaborative, and community-focused Communications Specialist to join Ventura Water. This newly created position will help shape and strengthen Ventura Water communications, community engagement, and customer service support efforts. Reporting directly to the Ventura Water General Manager, the Communications Specialist 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 role also supports customer assistance initiatives, coordinates public events, and communicates information about water, infrastructure improvements, and VenturaWaterPure. The role requires a combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, plus 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, a valid California Class C driver's license may be required. The position reports to the Ventura Water General Manager. Salary is $82,413.35–$110,434.69 annually, depending on qualifications. Applications and supplemental questions are accepted through the City of Ventura Career Site until November 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

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.
Experience 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 communication strategy and content development.
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, including 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 is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop, coordinate, and implement communications, public relations, marketing, and community outreach initiatives promoting Ventura Water programs, services, projects, and customer support.
Create content for social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, presentations, public service announcements, advertising campaigns, and educational materials.
Support customer assistance programs by conducting outreach, helping customers enroll, 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 activities, recruiting and training participating staff, developing consistent messaging, and overseeing event logistics.
Plan and coordinate outreach activities, public meetings, educational workshops, facility tours, ceremonies, community academies, and other special events.
Develop public communications, notices, and educational materials regarding 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 campaign effectiveness, analyze customer feedback and engagement data, and identify opportunities to strengthen public education, customer experience, and community relations.