Communications Specialist

City of Buda•Comm. Rel. & Dest. Svcs., TX

About The Position

The Communications Specialist supports the City of Buda’s public information, community engagement, and destination promotion efforts within the Community Relations and Destination Services Department. The role develops and shares clear, engaging content across City communication channels, including social media and the website, and creates visual materials through graphic design, photography, and video. The position monitors communication performance and uses available data to improve outreach, and supports the Public Information Officer (PIO) with emergency communications to help provide the community with timely, accurate information. Occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, or other non-standard hours may be required for City events and emergency communication needs. The position creates and manages social media content, updates website materials, produces graphics and multimedia, and coordinates communication materials with City departments. It also monitors analytics and community feedback, prepares performance reports, and recommends adjustments to content and outreach strategies. During emergencies, the Communications Specialist assists the PIO with preparing and distributing messages and coordinating consistent information with relevant departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, graphic design, marketing, or a related field, and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, social media management, graphic design, marketing, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience creating and managing digital communications.
Proficiency with relevant social media, analytics, website content management, graphic design, and photography or videography tools.
Knowledge of writing and editing standards, including Associated Press Style.
Knowledge of crisis communication practices and the role of public information during emergencies.
Knowledge of social media platforms, digital communication channels, and emerging communications technology.
Knowledge of website content management, search engine optimization, and digital accessibility practices.
Ability to write, edit, and proofread social media posts, news releases, newsletters, website content, scripts, reports, advertisements, and other public information.
Ability to create and manage content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, and X.
Ability to use social media, website, and email marketing analytics tools to assess communication performance.
Ability to use graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, or comparable tools.
Ability to produce and edit photography and video for digital and other communication channels.
Ability to use website content management systems and email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact.
Ability to coordinate with departments and colleagues to gather information, meet deadlines, and maintain consistent messaging.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to establish productive working relationships.
Ability to adapt messages for different audiences and channels while maintaining accuracy, clarity, and consistent City branding.
Ability to interpret analytics and community feedback and use them to improve communication content and outreach.
Ability to coordinate multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and adjust priorities in a changing environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with limited supervision.
Ability to support timely, accurate communication during emergencies and other high-pressure situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism while representing the City.
Ability to participate in assigned City events and emergency communication coverage, which may require work outside normal business hours.

Nice To Haves

Experience in emergency or public safety communications.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain social media plans and content calendars to inform the community about City services, initiatives, events, and other important information.
Create, edit, schedule, and publish accurate, timely, and consistent content across City social media platforms.
Coordinate with departmental content managers to support consistent branding, messaging, and social media practices.
Monitor social media for questions, feedback, and concerns; respond within assigned responsibilities or refer matters to appropriate City staff.
Coordinate with the PIO on social media messaging during emergencies and significant incidents.
Write, edit, and update website content, and organize website pages, images, and video to keep information accurate and easy to find.
Apply search engine optimization and accessibility practices to website content.
Create graphics, infographics, and promotional materials for public outreach and destination promotion.
Photograph, record, and edit video of City events, projects, programs, and operations.
Coordinate with City departments to gather, edit, and prepare information for newsletters and other communication materials.
Distribute external newsletters through platforms such as Constant Contact.
Prepare or assist with press releases, scripts, reports, advertisements, and other written materials.
Coordinate routine media information or interview requests with the PIO, as assigned.
Monitor social media and website analytics to assess reach, audience engagement, and campaign performance.
Prepare reports on key performance indicators, audience trends, and other findings for the PIO and department stakeholders.
Use performance data and community feedback to recommend changes to content and outreach strategies.
Assist the PIO in preparing and distributing emergency messages through social media, the City website, and other appropriate channels.
Coordinate with the PIO and relevant departments to confirm information and maintain consistent public messages during incidents.
Participate in emergency communication coverage as needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the PIO or appropriate supervisory staff.