Communications Specialist - Variable

City of Arvada • Arvada, CO

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides communications, public information, and customer engagement support for the Infrastructure Work System, including Public Works and Utilities. Coordinates routine communications, content, outreach, and customer inquiries and assists with promoting City programs, projects, services, and initiatives.

Requirements

• Knowledge of communications, public information, customer engagement, and public relations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of website content management, social media, writing, editing, and basic graphic design tools.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate written and digital communications.
• Ability to coordinate multiple assignments, organize work, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to research and learn technical information related to Public Works, Utilities, and municipal operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers, community members, media representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment and discretion when handling public and media inquiries.
• Ability to work independently within established procedures and seek direction when handling complex or sensitive matters.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for meetings, events, or emergency communications support.
• Two (2) years of related experience.
• Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.
• Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of WCAG guidelines for digital accessibility.
• Familiarity with local government structures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and supports internal and external communications for Public Works and Utilities, including preparing, editing, distributing, and monitoring information through appropriate communication channels.
• Responds to and coordinates routine customer questions and service requests related to Public Works and Utilities through phone, email, web, in-person contacts, and the City's customer relationship management platform; refers complex issues to appropriate staff.
• Assists with website and social media content for Public Works and Utilities, including drafting, editing, posting, and maintaining current and accurate information in accordance with City communication standards.
• Assists with preparation of press releases, articles, newsletters, talking points, presentations, informational materials, and other communications related to Infrastructure programs and projects.
• Gather information from department staff and project stakeholders to develop clear and accurate communications regarding programs, services, projects, events, and operational activities.
• Assists with community outreach, public meetings, special events, and other engagement activities; coordinates logistics, prepares materials, and provides communications support as needed.
• Provides routine public information support by responding to or coordinating media and public inquiries and directing requests to appropriate City representatives.
• Assists with the development and production of communication materials, including graphics, photographs, flyers, presentations, web content, and other digital or printed materials.
• Coordinates routine communication projects and works with internal staff and external vendors to obtain information, materials, and services needed to complete assigned projects.
• Maintains working knowledge of Public Works and Utilities programs, services, projects, and issues and develops effective working relationships with department staff, Communications staff, community members, and partner organizations.
• Participates in City communications and engagement teams, committees, and work groups as assigned and supports coordination of consistent messaging across departments.
• Provides customer-focused service, responds to requests promptly, and communicates information in a professional, positive, and cooperative manner.
• Assists with special projects as requested.
• Must obtain and maintain a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Certification.
• Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Temporary, Variable Hour and Health Plan Eligible employees will earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum cap of 48 hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level