City of Elgin
Bilingual Communications and Engagement Specialist Job at City of Elgin in Elgin
City of Elgin, Elgin, IL, US, 60122
Salary: $68,621.00 Annually
Location : Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20250924-01
Department: COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
Opening Date: 09/24/2025
Closing Date: 10/8/2025 11:59 PM Central
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION
The City of Elgin is seeking a bilingual Communications and Engagement Specialist to advance the city's vision for proactive, inclusive, and community-centered communications. As part of a collaborative, fast-moving team, the Specialist will help tell Elgin's story by creating compelling bilingual content, building relationships across diverse communities, and ensuring residents feel informed and connected to their local government.
This is a hands-on role for a strong writer and communicator who thrives on engaging with people in person and online. The Specialist will provide accurate Spanish translation, craft clear and accessible messaging and serve as a frontline ambassador at community events and outreach activities. Ideal candidates bring energy, creativity and cultural awareness, with a passion for connecting with residents in meaningful ways that reflect Elgin's diversity.
GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Qualifications:
Required
Other Necessary Requirements
Benefits:
Application Process: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and bilingual portfolio demonstrating your proficiency in both English and Spanish.
Note: The responsibilities and qualifications listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
The City of Elgin is an equal opportunity employer.
1) Vacation -
1 to 5 years of service - 2 weeks
6 to 11 years of service - 3 weeks
12 to 21 years of service - 4 weeks
22 or more years of service - 5 weeks
The city manager, in the city manager's discretion, may also include up to five (5) years of non-City of Elgin prior professional or supervisory service of an employee in the same or similar field in determining years of service of an employee for the purpose of vacation at initial hire. If an employee is granted vacation accrual in a higher range than one (1) to five (5) years of service, he or she shall not advance to the next range until he or she has attained the required number of years of service with the city for such range.
The accumulation of vacation leave shall be limited as provided by Ordinance No. S11-09, as amended.
2) Sick Leave - For employees hired prior to March 1, 2010, fifteen (15) days placed on account upon commencement of employment plus annual accrual of one day (8 hours) per month. For employees hired on or after March 1, 2010, fifteen (15) days placed on account when commencing employment, plus annual accrual of .5 days (4 hours) per month. Employees may accumulate sick leave up to a total maximum accrual of 241 sick days, which is the equivalent of 1928 hours of sick leave.
3) Life Insurance - in an amount equal to the nearest $1,000 of the employee's annual base salary.
4) Holidays - New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
5) Personal Days - Three (3) personal days shall be provided per year. Employees commencing employment between January 1 and June 30 in a year shall receive all three (3) personal days for such year. Employees commencing employment between July 1 and December 31 in a year shall receive one (1) personal day for such year. Employees in the Public Safety Communications Shift Supervisor position that are assigned to a 12-hour work day shall instead receive 36 hours of personal time if they commence employment between January 1 and June 30 in a year and 12 hours of personal time if commencing employment between July 1 and December 31 for such year.
An annual ordinance, ordained by the City Council of The City of Elgin, establishing pay and benefit plans for certain appointed officers and employees of the City of Elgin exists. Refer to this ordinance for more detailed information.
Additional benefits include
• Vision
• Dental
• Voluntary Life
• Flexible Spending account
• Retirement - IMRF
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Open Door Policy
• Centre membership
• In-house training programs
01
Are you fluent in writing and speaking Spanish?
02
Have you attached your resume, cover letter and bilingual portfolio?
Required Question
Location : Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20250924-01
Department: COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
Opening Date: 09/24/2025
Closing Date: 10/8/2025 11:59 PM Central
CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION
The City of Elgin is seeking a bilingual Communications and Engagement Specialist to advance the city's vision for proactive, inclusive, and community-centered communications. As part of a collaborative, fast-moving team, the Specialist will help tell Elgin's story by creating compelling bilingual content, building relationships across diverse communities, and ensuring residents feel informed and connected to their local government.
This is a hands-on role for a strong writer and communicator who thrives on engaging with people in person and online. The Specialist will provide accurate Spanish translation, craft clear and accessible messaging and serve as a frontline ambassador at community events and outreach activities. Ideal candidates bring energy, creativity and cultural awareness, with a passion for connecting with residents in meaningful ways that reflect Elgin's diversity.
GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK
- Write, edit and translate clear, accurate and engaging content in English and Spanish for newsletters, press releases, websites, social media and other channels.
- Provide culturally sensitive Spanish translation for citywide communications and interpretation support at events, meetings and media interactions as needed.
- Serve as a frontline ambassador at events, neighborhood meetings and outreach activities, fostering trust and building relationships across Elgin's diverse communities.
- Gather community insights and feedback and share with the team to inform messaging and strategy.
- Support the city's online presence by producing bilingual social media posts, graphics, and updates; monitor comments and messages to ensure timely and inclusive engagement.
- Collaborate with the Communications and Engagement Manager, Multimedia Video Journalist, and other staff to ensure consistent and coordinated storytelling.
- Assist at city events and programs, including occasional evening and weekend assignments.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and platforms.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness; able to build trust and communicate effectively across diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; approachable and extroverted in community settings.
- Strong ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible messaging.
- Creative problem-solving and ability to think outside the box in engaging residents and telling the city's story.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Confidence in public speaking and community interaction.
- Adaptability to changing priorities and fast-moving work.
Qualifications:
Required
- Fluency in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, with the ability to translate and interpret accurately.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Two to three years of communications experience, including writing, editing, content creation or community engagement.
- Proficiency with digital tools such as Canva, social media platforms and familiarity with website content management systems.
- Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends as needed.
- Experience in municipal, government communications or community engagement.
- Experience using analytics tools (e.g., social media insights, surveys) to inform communication strategies.
- Familiarity with accessible communication practices (clear language, ADA considerations, inclusive messaging).
- Exposure to visual storytelling (basic design, photo, or video production) as a complement to written communication.
- Demonstrated success in bilingual outreach campaigns or multicultural communications initiatives.
Other Necessary Requirements
Benefits:
- The City of Elgin offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and voluntary programs such as FSAs and 457b deferred compensation. Employees enjoy paid time off, paid parental leave and wellness programs.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment.
Application Process: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and bilingual portfolio demonstrating your proficiency in both English and Spanish.
Note: The responsibilities and qualifications listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
The City of Elgin is an equal opportunity employer.
1) Vacation -
1 to 5 years of service - 2 weeks
6 to 11 years of service - 3 weeks
12 to 21 years of service - 4 weeks
22 or more years of service - 5 weeks
The city manager, in the city manager's discretion, may also include up to five (5) years of non-City of Elgin prior professional or supervisory service of an employee in the same or similar field in determining years of service of an employee for the purpose of vacation at initial hire. If an employee is granted vacation accrual in a higher range than one (1) to five (5) years of service, he or she shall not advance to the next range until he or she has attained the required number of years of service with the city for such range.
The accumulation of vacation leave shall be limited as provided by Ordinance No. S11-09, as amended.
2) Sick Leave - For employees hired prior to March 1, 2010, fifteen (15) days placed on account upon commencement of employment plus annual accrual of one day (8 hours) per month. For employees hired on or after March 1, 2010, fifteen (15) days placed on account when commencing employment, plus annual accrual of .5 days (4 hours) per month. Employees may accumulate sick leave up to a total maximum accrual of 241 sick days, which is the equivalent of 1928 hours of sick leave.
3) Life Insurance - in an amount equal to the nearest $1,000 of the employee's annual base salary.
4) Holidays - New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
5) Personal Days - Three (3) personal days shall be provided per year. Employees commencing employment between January 1 and June 30 in a year shall receive all three (3) personal days for such year. Employees commencing employment between July 1 and December 31 in a year shall receive one (1) personal day for such year. Employees in the Public Safety Communications Shift Supervisor position that are assigned to a 12-hour work day shall instead receive 36 hours of personal time if they commence employment between January 1 and June 30 in a year and 12 hours of personal time if commencing employment between July 1 and December 31 for such year.
An annual ordinance, ordained by the City Council of The City of Elgin, establishing pay and benefit plans for certain appointed officers and employees of the City of Elgin exists. Refer to this ordinance for more detailed information.
Additional benefits include
• Vision
• Dental
• Voluntary Life
• Flexible Spending account
• Retirement - IMRF
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Open Door Policy
• Centre membership
• In-house training programs
01
Are you fluent in writing and speaking Spanish?
- Yes
- No
02
Have you attached your resume, cover letter and bilingual portfolio?
- Yes
- No
Required Question