City of Garden Grove
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
The City of Garden Grove is accepting applications for the position of Communications Specialist. Deadline to apply: Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
The Community Relations division of the City Manager's Office currently has two (2) vacancies for a Communications Specialist (official title: Administrative Analyst).
DESCRIPTION Under general direction from the Public Information Officer, the Communications Specialist will plan, write, and publish community-facing content across web, social, email, and City print materials. The position will write press releases and other media materials, maintain high‑traffic web pages, manage a weekly content calendar, and help deliver clear, accessible, and multilingual information that fosters transparency and community engagement. Work is performed on deadline and in coordination with subject‑matter experts and City leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
Experience:
One (1) year of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital content creation or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Government communications experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:
Basic principles and methods of public administration and public information in a municipal environment, statistical and research methods; administrative survey techniques; computer applications and presentations, including MS Office, Google Workspace, web‑content management, and social‑media management tools; digital‑communication platforms (e.g., Canva/Adobe Express, Constant Contact, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Sprout, CMS); customer service techniques and principles, and supervisory techniques where applicable.
Ability to:
Make sound analyses and evaluations and effectively present findings; write and edit clear, accurate, and accessible public-facing content in plain language across multiple platforms; apply sound judgment in reviewing information and handling sensitive matters; use data and basic analytics to evaluate outcomes; collaborate effectively and exercise tact and cultural sensitivity; provide customer service; coordinate projects and meet deadlines; work irregular hours; and, where applicable, supervise or provide lead direction to staff.
Other Requirements:
California Class C driver's license is highly desirable.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Translate City policies, programs, and initiatives into clear, public-facing content such as news releases, FAQs, talking points, website updates, newsletters, and social media posts.
Maintain and update City web content, intranet pages, and social media channels to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility across platforms.
Draft and prepare media materials including advisories, quotes, and basic background sheets.
Support responses to routine media and public inquiries by gathering information from departments and providing accurate, timely, and culturally competent responses.
Support communications during emergencies and special events by posting verified updates, assisting with press materials, coordinating translation needs, and supporting on-scene communications tasks as assigned.
Contribute to the preparation of Council briefing materials, community updates, and public information summaries.
Assist in developing communication tools such as procedural guides, talking points, templates, and outreach materials.
Participate in community forums, outreach events, and City-sponsored activities to support public information and engagement efforts.
Coordinate and schedule content across platforms, including gathering quotes, photos, videos, and translations.
Assist with special projects, research, and outreach initiatives related to City programs, public information needs, and emerging community concerns.
May be required to work evenings or weekends during emergencies or major City events.
Perform related duties as assigned.
HOW TO APPLY Online applications can be submitted by visiting www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to ggjobs@ggcity.org.
ONLINE APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:
A completed online application.
A completed supplemental questionnaire.
An updated resume.
An attached portfolio or link to an online portfolio containing 3–5 recent communications samples that demonstrate the ability to produce clear, public-facing content. Each sample should include a brief note (1–2 sentences) describing the applicant's role in creating it. Samples may include:
Social media posts or campaigns (static, carousel, Reels/TikTok-style short videos).
Web content such as FAQs, landing pages, service updates, or blog‑style articles.
News releases, media advisories, or talking points.
Email newsletters.
Flyers, graphics, or simple visual content (Canva/Adobe Express acceptable).
Short‑form videos captured or edited for social or web.
Journalism samples such as published articles, or scriptwriting.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Portfolio review.
Written performance exam – tentatively scheduled in‑person on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Oral panel interview – tentatively scheduled in‑person on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Candidates who may need special accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
Applicants will receive communication through email only. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices regarding their status.
NEPOTISM POLICY The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non‑disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
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The Community Relations division of the City Manager's Office currently has two (2) vacancies for a Communications Specialist (official title: Administrative Analyst).
DESCRIPTION Under general direction from the Public Information Officer, the Communications Specialist will plan, write, and publish community-facing content across web, social, email, and City print materials. The position will write press releases and other media materials, maintain high‑traffic web pages, manage a weekly content calendar, and help deliver clear, accessible, and multilingual information that fosters transparency and community engagement. Work is performed on deadline and in coordination with subject‑matter experts and City leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
Experience:
One (1) year of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital content creation or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Government communications experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:
Basic principles and methods of public administration and public information in a municipal environment, statistical and research methods; administrative survey techniques; computer applications and presentations, including MS Office, Google Workspace, web‑content management, and social‑media management tools; digital‑communication platforms (e.g., Canva/Adobe Express, Constant Contact, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Sprout, CMS); customer service techniques and principles, and supervisory techniques where applicable.
Ability to:
Make sound analyses and evaluations and effectively present findings; write and edit clear, accurate, and accessible public-facing content in plain language across multiple platforms; apply sound judgment in reviewing information and handling sensitive matters; use data and basic analytics to evaluate outcomes; collaborate effectively and exercise tact and cultural sensitivity; provide customer service; coordinate projects and meet deadlines; work irregular hours; and, where applicable, supervise or provide lead direction to staff.
Other Requirements:
California Class C driver's license is highly desirable.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Translate City policies, programs, and initiatives into clear, public-facing content such as news releases, FAQs, talking points, website updates, newsletters, and social media posts.
Maintain and update City web content, intranet pages, and social media channels to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility across platforms.
Draft and prepare media materials including advisories, quotes, and basic background sheets.
Support responses to routine media and public inquiries by gathering information from departments and providing accurate, timely, and culturally competent responses.
Support communications during emergencies and special events by posting verified updates, assisting with press materials, coordinating translation needs, and supporting on-scene communications tasks as assigned.
Contribute to the preparation of Council briefing materials, community updates, and public information summaries.
Assist in developing communication tools such as procedural guides, talking points, templates, and outreach materials.
Participate in community forums, outreach events, and City-sponsored activities to support public information and engagement efforts.
Coordinate and schedule content across platforms, including gathering quotes, photos, videos, and translations.
Assist with special projects, research, and outreach initiatives related to City programs, public information needs, and emerging community concerns.
May be required to work evenings or weekends during emergencies or major City events.
Perform related duties as assigned.
HOW TO APPLY Online applications can be submitted by visiting www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to ggjobs@ggcity.org.
ONLINE APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:
A completed online application.
A completed supplemental questionnaire.
An updated resume.
An attached portfolio or link to an online portfolio containing 3–5 recent communications samples that demonstrate the ability to produce clear, public-facing content. Each sample should include a brief note (1–2 sentences) describing the applicant's role in creating it. Samples may include:
Social media posts or campaigns (static, carousel, Reels/TikTok-style short videos).
Web content such as FAQs, landing pages, service updates, or blog‑style articles.
News releases, media advisories, or talking points.
Email newsletters.
Flyers, graphics, or simple visual content (Canva/Adobe Express acceptable).
Short‑form videos captured or edited for social or web.
Journalism samples such as published articles, or scriptwriting.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Portfolio review.
Written performance exam – tentatively scheduled in‑person on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Oral panel interview – tentatively scheduled in‑person on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Candidates who may need special accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
Applicants will receive communication through email only. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices regarding their status.
NEPOTISM POLICY The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non‑disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
#J-18808-Ljbffr