Government Jobs
Communications Specialist
This is an AFSCME represented position. This job posting is open continuously until filled or closed. First review of applications will occur at 8am, Monday, 01/05/26. Under the general direction of the Communications Manager, this position serves an integral role in planning, developing, and implementing the City's internal and external communications program across multiple platforms such as website, social media, and quarterly print magazine. This position is responsible for providing professional, accessible, and compelling content and visual storytelling through photography and videography relative to current issues, initiatives, and events impacting the City and our communities. It will also assist with the development of the City's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategic plan. Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following: Attendance: Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Communication Strategy: Coordinate with the Communications Manager on the City's social media strategy including developing, updating, and maintaining content; monitor user feedback and analytics; and recommend changes accordingly. Support graphic design strategy with content developed in alignment with brand standards to produce professional-level digital content for social media and website. Develop and assist with implementation of strategic approaches to communication and engagement efforts to reach a broad base of constituencies with relevant and contemporary communication tools, especially for historically underrepresented groups. Community Engagement: In coordination with City departments, develop and implement public engagement plans for major projects and City events, including generating high quality, informative, and diverse types of multimedia content such as video storytelling and photography. Promote City services and events through a variety of communication platforms, including the City's website, social media, and other technologies. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Assist with the development of the City's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategic plan. Public Information Officer (PIO): Serve as the backup Public Information Officer (PIO) in the absence of the Communications Manager. Support PIO during emergencies as part of the joint information center for the City's emergency response. Publications: Assist with the research, writing, editing, design, layout, and distribution of various print and electronic publications such as the Lakewood Connections Magazine, City Manager's Weekly Bulletin, online news posts, brochures, articles, and marketing materials. Research and Analysis: Assist with researching, compiling, analyzing, and reporting relevant statistical data in support of effective communication and marketing activities. Conduct surveys and studies to gather relevant data in support of initiatives, programs, policies, and procedures. Assist with data analysis and report of 311 submissions. Safety: Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership. Social Media: Monitor and update the City's various social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube, to ensure appropriate, relevant, and current information is published. Website Maintenance: Serve as primary point of contact for maintenance and update of the City's website. Ensure content is accessible, current, and relevant. Recommend design, layout, and content improvements to facilitate easy site navigation, as well as provide captivating information and visuals. Work collaboratively with department representatives to train and assist with updating respective department site page(s). Provide technical guidance, as well as content and format parameters. Perform related duties as required or assigned. Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job. A typical combination is: bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, digital communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields AND two (2) or more years of relevant professional experience. License & Certification Requirements: A valid Washington State driver's license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position. Must be at least 18 years of age (per driving requirement). Preferred Qualifications: Advanced experience in visual storytelling, including experience with video production/editing. Graphic design and layout experience and use of Adobe Creative Suite. Experience and knowledge of WordPress website content management system. Extensive experience with a variety of social media platforms, including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other emerging platforms, as well as data collection and analysis. Knowledge of: Current and emerging social media platforms and effective account management, including use of analytics and statistics. Website content management systems, such as WordPress, effective website design, and analysis of statistics to improve user experience. Associated Press (AP) Style guide, proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as how to strategically apply news and feature writing techniques in a municipal environment. Graphic design, layout, and use of production and editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite. Visual storytelling through photography and videography and other tools. Municipal government operations. Ability to: Generate timely, accurate, and accessible digital content for social media, the web, and print. Provide effective customer service and deal tactfully and courteously with the public. Write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles and communicate effectively across diverse audiences. Develop and deploy creative marketing plans across multiple platforms and media sources. Research, analyze, and present statistical data and information in a clear and meaningful manner. Maintain political neutrality while working with elected officials and staff on City messaging and initiatives. Establish and maintain cooperative and respectful working relationships with co-workers, community members, partner agencies, and the media. Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and multi-faceted environment with competing priorities and deadlines. Operate a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software. Maintain a flexible work schedule to attend meetings and events outside of regular work hours, including nights and weekends. Drive a vehicle as required to attend business related events. Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality. Work Environment: Primarily office environment with occasional to frequent outdoor exposure; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work at various sites. Physical Abilities: Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site meetings and events. The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!
This is an AFSCME represented position. This job posting is open continuously until filled or closed. First review of applications will occur at 8am, Monday, 01/05/26. Under the general direction of the Communications Manager, this position serves an integral role in planning, developing, and implementing the City's internal and external communications program across multiple platforms such as website, social media, and quarterly print magazine. This position is responsible for providing professional, accessible, and compelling content and visual storytelling through photography and videography relative to current issues, initiatives, and events impacting the City and our communities. It will also assist with the development of the City's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategic plan. Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following: Attendance: Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Communication Strategy: Coordinate with the Communications Manager on the City's social media strategy including developing, updating, and maintaining content; monitor user feedback and analytics; and recommend changes accordingly. Support graphic design strategy with content developed in alignment with brand standards to produce professional-level digital content for social media and website. Develop and assist with implementation of strategic approaches to communication and engagement efforts to reach a broad base of constituencies with relevant and contemporary communication tools, especially for historically underrepresented groups. Community Engagement: In coordination with City departments, develop and implement public engagement plans for major projects and City events, including generating high quality, informative, and diverse types of multimedia content such as video storytelling and photography. Promote City services and events through a variety of communication platforms, including the City's website, social media, and other technologies. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Assist with the development of the City's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategic plan. Public Information Officer (PIO): Serve as the backup Public Information Officer (PIO) in the absence of the Communications Manager. Support PIO during emergencies as part of the joint information center for the City's emergency response. Publications: Assist with the research, writing, editing, design, layout, and distribution of various print and electronic publications such as the Lakewood Connections Magazine, City Manager's Weekly Bulletin, online news posts, brochures, articles, and marketing materials. Research and Analysis: Assist with researching, compiling, analyzing, and reporting relevant statistical data in support of effective communication and marketing activities. Conduct surveys and studies to gather relevant data in support of initiatives, programs, policies, and procedures. Assist with data analysis and report of 311 submissions. Safety: Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership. Social Media: Monitor and update the City's various social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube, to ensure appropriate, relevant, and current information is published. Website Maintenance: Serve as primary point of contact for maintenance and update of the City's website. Ensure content is accessible, current, and relevant. Recommend design, layout, and content improvements to facilitate easy site navigation, as well as provide captivating information and visuals. Work collaboratively with department representatives to train and assist with updating respective department site page(s). Provide technical guidance, as well as content and format parameters. Perform related duties as required or assigned. Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job. A typical combination is: bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, digital communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields AND two (2) or more years of relevant professional experience. License & Certification Requirements: A valid Washington State driver's license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position. Must be at least 18 years of age (per driving requirement). Preferred Qualifications: Advanced experience in visual storytelling, including experience with video production/editing. Graphic design and layout experience and use of Adobe Creative Suite. Experience and knowledge of WordPress website content management system. Extensive experience with a variety of social media platforms, including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other emerging platforms, as well as data collection and analysis. Knowledge of: Current and emerging social media platforms and effective account management, including use of analytics and statistics. Website content management systems, such as WordPress, effective website design, and analysis of statistics to improve user experience. Associated Press (AP) Style guide, proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as how to strategically apply news and feature writing techniques in a municipal environment. Graphic design, layout, and use of production and editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite. Visual storytelling through photography and videography and other tools. Municipal government operations. Ability to: Generate timely, accurate, and accessible digital content for social media, the web, and print. Provide effective customer service and deal tactfully and courteously with the public. Write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles and communicate effectively across diverse audiences. Develop and deploy creative marketing plans across multiple platforms and media sources. Research, analyze, and present statistical data and information in a clear and meaningful manner. Maintain political neutrality while working with elected officials and staff on City messaging and initiatives. Establish and maintain cooperative and respectful working relationships with co-workers, community members, partner agencies, and the media. Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and multi-faceted environment with competing priorities and deadlines. Operate a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software. Maintain a flexible work schedule to attend meetings and events outside of regular work hours, including nights and weekends. Drive a vehicle as required to attend business related events. Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality. Work Environment: Primarily office environment with occasional to frequent outdoor exposure; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work at various sites. Physical Abilities: Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site meetings and events. The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!