Communications Specialist (Bilingual – English/Spanish)

City of Ventura • Ventura, CA

1d

About The Position

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced, strategic, and community-focused Communications Specialist to join the City Manager’s Office. Under general supervision, the Communications Specialist develops, plans, coordinates, and implements comprehensive marketing, public information, public relations, and community engagement strategies that support City programs, services, and initiatives. This position requires fluency in both English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally. The Communications Specialist will actively engage with Spanish-speaking community members and stakeholders to ensure inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive communication and outreach.

Requirements

• A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, and two years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, media, fundraising, public relations or communications, including some supervision and coordination of major functions is required.
• Licenses: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver license may be required.
• Language: Advanced oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Candidates must be able to perform verbal and formal written translations that will have widespread public exposure/distribution.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements citywide communications, public relations, marketing, and community outreach strategies in alignment with City priorities.
• Serves as a communications advisor to City leadership, departments, commissions, and committees; develops strategic communication plans for programs, initiatives, and major projects.
• Writes, edits, and distributes a wide range of materials in English and Spanish, including press releases, articles, newsletters, presentations, speeches, website content, social media posts, public notices, and promotional materials.
• Engages directly with diverse stakeholders, including Spanish-speaking residents, businesses, and community organizations, to support outreach efforts, public meetings, and City initiatives.
• Coordinates media relations activities, including preparing and distributing media releases, arranging press coverage, producing public service announcements, and managing advertising placements.
• Manages and administers digital communication tools, including the City’s website, social media platforms, and employee intranet; monitors engagement metrics and evaluates outreach effectiveness.
• Develops and oversees the production of informational materials such as brochures, reports, strategic planning documents, and campaign collateral; coordinates graphic design, photography, and distribution.
• Plans and supports City Council presentations, special events, community meetings, and stakeholder engagement efforts; prepares briefing materials, speeches, and event communications.
• Assists with fundraising campaigns, grant writing, sponsorship coordination, and donor outreach related to City projects and programs.
• Analyzes communication and outreach data to assess effectiveness and recommend improvements aligned with community needs and City goals.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and conferences; provides presentations and public information as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Strong support for professional development
• Vacation & Holiday Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• CalPERS Retirement
• Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay Eligibility as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level