City of Garden Grove
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
The City of Garden Grove is accepting applications for a Communications Specialist (official title: Administrative Analyst). Deadline to apply is Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
The Community Relations division of the City Manager’s Office currently has two vacancies for this position. 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. This includes writing press releases, managing high-traffic web pages, maintaining a weekly content calendar, and delivering clear, accessible, multilingual information that fosters transparency and community engagement.
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.
Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
Experience:
One year of professional experience in communications or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Government communications experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:
Public administration principles, statistical and research methods, administrative survey techniques, computer applications and presentations (MS Office, Google Workspace), web content and social media management tools, digital communication platforms (Canva/Adobe Express, Constant Contact, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Sprout, CMS), customer service techniques, supervisory techniques where applicable.
Ability to:
Make sound analyses and evaluations, write and edit clear content across multiple platforms, apply sound judgment, use data and analytics, collaborate effectively, provide customer service, coordinate projects, meet deadlines, work irregular hours, and supervise or provide lead direction to staff where applicable.
Other Requirements:
California Class “C” driver’s license is highly desirable.
Physical Demands Incumbents sit, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see small details, use a 10‑key or calculator, and work on a personal computer.
Work Environment Open office environment.
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. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Online application packets must include:
A completed online application
A completed supplemental questionnaire
An updated resume
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. 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
Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.
The Selection Process
Portfolio Review
Written performance exam – tentatively scheduled in‑person on Friday, January 30, 2026
Oral panel interview – tentatively scheduled for 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.
Communication Notice Applicants will receive communication through email only. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices regarding their status.
Contact Information If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org.
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
The Community Relations division of the City Manager’s Office currently has two vacancies for this position. 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. This includes writing press releases, managing high-traffic web pages, maintaining a weekly content calendar, and delivering clear, accessible, multilingual information that fosters transparency and community engagement.
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.
Qualifications Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
Experience:
One year of professional experience in communications or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Government communications experience is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:
Public administration principles, statistical and research methods, administrative survey techniques, computer applications and presentations (MS Office, Google Workspace), web content and social media management tools, digital communication platforms (Canva/Adobe Express, Constant Contact, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Sprout, CMS), customer service techniques, supervisory techniques where applicable.
Ability to:
Make sound analyses and evaluations, write and edit clear content across multiple platforms, apply sound judgment, use data and analytics, collaborate effectively, provide customer service, coordinate projects, meet deadlines, work irregular hours, and supervise or provide lead direction to staff where applicable.
Other Requirements:
California Class “C” driver’s license is highly desirable.
Physical Demands Incumbents sit, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see small details, use a 10‑key or calculator, and work on a personal computer.
Work Environment Open office environment.
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. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Online application packets must include:
A completed online application
A completed supplemental questionnaire
An updated resume
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. 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
Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.
The Selection Process
Portfolio Review
Written performance exam – tentatively scheduled in‑person on Friday, January 30, 2026
Oral panel interview – tentatively scheduled for 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.
Communication Notice Applicants will receive communication through email only. Applicants should check their email and spam mail for all notices regarding their status.
Contact Information If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org.
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