Communications Specialist - Library Job at Pima County in Tucson

Job Title and Location

Communications Specialist - Library at Pima County

Job Summary

The Pima Public Library is expanding outreach to Spanish‑speaking communities. The Communications Specialist will develop strategies for engaging Spanish‑speaking constituents, translating key messages from English to Spanish, and creating culturally appropriate content that resonates with Spanish‑speaking audiences.

Essential Functions

• Writes content for all office communications and marketing materials, including press releases, newsletters, social media posts, and collateral.
• Serves as secondary contact between the Communications Office and assigned client departments, building relationships and understanding departmental needs.
• Maintains awareness of current or planned projects for assigned departments and monitors work quality and progress.
• Analyzes issues and generates story ideas for approval by client departments.
• Advocates for client department interests or elected officials within the Communications Office.
• Researches and gathers information from various government sources to compose readable prose for county websites or media outlets.
• Edits text produced by client staff.
• Works with Communications Coordinator to cultivate and maintain relationships with external media representatives.
• Advises media representatives on complex issues and connects reporters to proper sources within county government.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, public relations, media communications, English, or a closely related field, AND one (1) year of experience in journalism, public relations, technical writing, or media relations.
Or five (5) years of experience in journalism, public relations, technical writing, or media relations.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as documented in the application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish speaking, reading, and writing).
• Knowledge of linguistic conventions, norms, and colloquialisms of English and Spanish.
• Experience producing accurate Spanish translations capturing nuance and intent.
• Knowledge of traditions, values, and customs of Mexican American and Latinx communities of Southern Arizona with cultural sensitivity.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience with storytelling and crafting original written content for print and digital platforms.

Selection Procedure

Pima County Human Resources reserves the right to admit only candidates that meet minimum qualifications. Additional assessments or testing may be required. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources.

Supplemental Information

Valid driver’s license is required at time of application and appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39‑month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review. Background checks include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history; a prior conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate.

EEO Information

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.