Communication Specialist (Temp) Job at City of Vista in Vista

Position Summary

The City of Vista’s Communications Division is seeking a part‑time Communications Specialist to join our team in support of the Recreation & Community Services Department. This position will play a key role in developing and managing marketing and communications strategies that increase community engagement and participation in City programs, services, and events.

Serving as the lead Communications Specialist for the Recreation & Community Services Department’s signature venues—including the Moonlight Amphitheatre, the Wave Waterpark, and the Gloria McClellan Senior Center—the role is responsible for promoting a wide range of programs, performances, and special events designed to enhance the quality of life for Vista residents and visitors. The Specialist will also support communications efforts for youth and adult sports, recreation classes, summer camps, and citywide community events.

The ideal candidate brings experience in marketing, public relations, and social media management, thrives in a collaborative team environment, and has a passion for connecting the community with opportunities to learn, play, and celebrate in Vista.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Coordinate marketing communications activities for the Moonlight Amphitheatre, promoting the theatre’s five‑show summer season, the Moonlight Concert Series, and special events using online and offline channels, including direct mail, database marketing, and digital marketing. Manage show program content for the Broadway musical series and respond to media requests for interviews and reviewer tickets. Schedule flexibility during the summer season (April–September) and write and distribute press releases and pitch stories to media.
• Coordinate marketing communications activities for the Wave Waterpark’s summer season (Labor Day to September end), utilizing online and offline channels, primarily digital marketing.
• Coordinate marketing communications activities to support increased participation across the McClellan Senior Center’s programs, including weekday lunch service, activities, social services, special events, and the Culture Caravan program.
• Collaborate with other Communications and City team members to accomplish tasks and goals and share workloads.
• Participate in meetings to coordinate details and tasks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Education / Experience

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is the completion of high school and college coursework in a major such as Communications, Marketing, or Journalism.

License

Possession of a valid California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required.

Knowledge

• Social media applications (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, & Twitter).
• Microsoft Office software (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Graphic and digital media design using Adobe Creative Cloud products and Canva. The City of Vista is working to become compliant with the DOJ’s new rules for governmental digital communications accessibility by April 2026, which will eliminate graphic‑heavy digital content. The selected candidate must be comfortable with photography and video creation.

Abilities

The ideal candidate is self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, reliable, punctual, and able to learn new processes quickly. The candidate will have a passion for community service, a creative mindset, quick identification of trending topics, storytelling experience, and a proven ability to collaborate cross‑functionally. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment, work effectively with a wide range of personalities, and exercise tact and good judgment when navigating challenging or high‑pressure situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. The employee may be required to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently and may need to work overtime. Reasonable accommodation may be made for disabilities.

Application Procedure

A City application form and supplemental questionnaire must be submitted and received by the closing date. Application materials can be obtained online at www.vista.gov. Telephone: (760) 726‑1340.

Selection Process

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The selection may include written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant’s skill, training, and experience. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre‑employment clearances (physical, drug screen, fingerprinting).

EEO Statement

We welcome and celebrate diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace! All qualified candidates are welcome to apply.

Benefits

The City provides Workers’ Compensation insurance to all employees. Employee is required to contribute 7.5% of gross earnings to the MissionSquare Retirement Plan (or 8% for CalPERS members).