City of Elgin is hiring: Communications and Engagement Specialist in Elgin
City of Elgin, Elgin, IL, United States
Salary: $57,500.00 - $70,997.00 Annually
Location : Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20260325-01
Department: COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: 4/15/2026 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
The City of Elgin is seeking a creative and community-minded Communications and Engagement Specialist to help tell Elgin's story through compelling visual content, digital engagement and community outreach. This role will play a key part in advancing the city's vision for proactive, inclusive and community-centered communications.
As part of a collaborative, fast-moving team, the Communications and Engagement Specialist will develop visually engaging graphics and social media content that inform, connect and inspire residents. This position will lead the creation of digital assets for the city's communication channels, helping translate complex information into clear, accessible and visually compelling messages.
The ideal candidate is a strong graphic designer and storyteller who understands how to engage audiences across digital and print mediums. They are creative, adaptable and community-oriented, with the ability to connect with residents both online and in person. Spanish language skills are preferred to support inclusive communication with Elgin's diverse community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Required Qualifications
Vacation
The accumulation of vacation leave shall be limited as provided by Ordinance No. S11-09, as amended.
Sick Leave - Fifteen (15) days (in 12-hour increments for Fire shift personnel) will be placed on account when commencing employment, plus annual accrual of one day (8 hours) per month. Employees may accumulate sick leave up to a total maximum accrual of 241 sick days, which is the equivalent of 1928 hours of sick leave.
Life Insurance - in an amount equal to the nearest $1,000 of the employee's annual base salary.
Holidays - New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
Longevity Pay - Effective March 14, 2010, employees hired prior to January 1, 2010, shall receive as additional earnings annual longevity pay in the amount of an additional 4% of the employee's annual salary. Longevity pay shall be paid to employees in installments with each payroll. Employees hired on or after March 1, 2010, shall not be eligible for or receive longevity pay.
Sick Leave Conversion
Sworn Police Management - Sworn police management employees may accumulate sick leave up to a total maximum accrual of 241 sick days, which is equivalent to a maximum of 1,928 hours of sick leave time. In recognition of non-use of sick leave time, police management employees shall be eligible for a severance sick leave conversion payment upon separation from employment. Such severance payment shall be equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the value of the employee's accumulated and unused sick leave as of the effective date of the employee's separation from employment and shall be paid to the employee in a lump sum, minus any applicable deductions. For the purposes of this section, the employee's hourly wage shall be equivalent to the employee's hourly wage rate inclusive of annual longevity pay paid to the employee, if any.
IMRF Employees - Upon retirement or leaving city employment in good standing, general employees may be eligible to convert accrued sick leave for severance pay. Employees with accrued sick leave of more than 720 hours may convert up to a maximum of 480 hours of sick leave for severance pay, provided the remaining balance of accrued sick leave does not total less than 720 hours. Such conversion shall be at the rate of 24 hours of sick leave for eight hours of severance pay, not to exceed 160 hours of severance pay.
Accrued sick leave applied by an employee for IMRF service credit shall not be eligible for sick leave conversion for severance pay. The provisions of this section shall not apply to police management employees.
Fire Pension Employees - Upon retirement or leaving city employment in good standing, fire pension-eligible employees may be eligible to convert accrued sick leave for severance pay. Employees with accrued sick leave of more than 1,080 hours may convert up to a maximum of 720 hours of sick leave for severance pay, provided the remaining balance of accrued sick leave does not total less than 1,080 hours. Such conversion shall be at the rate of thirty-six (36) hours of sick leave for twelve (12) hours of severance pay, not to exceed two hundred and forty hours (240) hours of severance pay.
Sick Leave Conversion For Vacation Leave - Accrued sick leave over 480 hours (60 days) (or over 720 hours (60-12 hour days) for fire shift employees) may be converted at the rate of three (3) days of sick leave for one (1) day of vacation leave. Such conversion is limited to a maximum of five (5) days of vacation leave (or 12-12 hour periods for fire shift employees) in any one calendar year. The minimum balance of sick leave after such conversion shall not be less than 60 days.
Medical Insurance
Comprehensive major medical insurance program for employee and dependents with employee option to continue coverage upon separation from employment according to one of the available coverage options. Effective March 1, 2010, for employees hired on or after March 1, 2010, the City will pay 80% of the specified premium for the coverage selected (i.e., single, single plus children, single plus spouse, or family) and the employee will pay via payroll deduction the remaining 20% of the specified premium. Employees who have alternative health insurance coverage may elect to discontinue to participate in the City's health insurance plan pursuant to the City's health insurance opt out program adopted pursuant to Resolution No. 05-38, as amended by Resolution No. 09-24. The opt out benefit to such employees shall be in the annual amount of $3,000 prorated based upon employment with the city during the applicable plan year and shall be paid at the employee's option either to a Health Reimbursement Account or in the form of additional compensation to the employee to be paid in a lump sum, less appropriate deductions, on the first check in December in the applicable plan year.
Paid Parental Leave - Employees subject to this ordinance are eligible to receive a total of eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave within any said 12-month period, measured backward from the date a leave is taken, for the birth and care of the employee's newborn child, or for the placement of a child, younger than eighteen (18), with the employee for adoption or foster care.
To be eligible for paid parental leave, employees must:
Payout Prohibition:
Under no circumstances will unused paid parental leave be paid out, including but not limited to instances of separation from employment.
Fire Battalion Chiefs - Fire Battalion Chiefs shall be paid at their current hourly rate of pay at straight time for hours worked filling a vacant shift position on a scheduled day off which otherwise would have been filled by overtime. This provision shall relate only to shift positions only and not any other duties.
Sworn Police Uniform Allowances - $50 uniform allowance differential for Sworn police management personnel above the authorized annual employee allowances for the Police employee group, in addition to providing replacement for uniforms damaged while on duty.
Sworn Police Court Appearance - Sworn police management personnel shall receive compensation for court appearance on days off at a rate equivalent to 150% of their current hourly rate of pay for actual hours with a minimum of two hours pay. Total compensation for standby for court duty on day off is $40. Police Lieutenants and Police Sergeants shall be paid at a rate equivalent to 150% of their current hourly rate of pay for hours worked over 8.25 hours per day. Police Lieutenants and Police Sergeants shall have the option of compensatory time for hours in excess of their regular 8.25 shift hours with a maximum accrual of 80 hours.
Sworn Police Management Voluntary Fitness Program - Sworn police management personnel shall be eligible to participate in the police department's voluntary physical fitness program under the same terms and conditions provided for other police department employees.
Language Proficiency Stipend - Management employees who are certified by the City or a third party selected by the City to be proficient in Spanish, Laotian or sign language shall be paid a stipend of $50 per month. It must be used in their job.
Additional benefits include
• Vision
• Dental
• Voluntary Life
• Flexible Spending account
• Retirement - IMRF
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Open Door Policy
• Centre membership
• In-house training programs
01
Are you experienced in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite and Canva)?
02
Please provide a link to your portfolio showcasing graphic design and/or social media work.
Required Question
Location : Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20260325-01
Department: COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
Opening Date: 03/25/2026
Closing Date: 4/15/2026 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
The City of Elgin is seeking a creative and community-minded Communications and Engagement Specialist to help tell Elgin's story through compelling visual content, digital engagement and community outreach. This role will play a key part in advancing the city's vision for proactive, inclusive and community-centered communications.
As part of a collaborative, fast-moving team, the Communications and Engagement Specialist will develop visually engaging graphics and social media content that inform, connect and inspire residents. This position will lead the creation of digital assets for the city's communication channels, helping translate complex information into clear, accessible and visually compelling messages.
The ideal candidate is a strong graphic designer and storyteller who understands how to engage audiences across digital and print mediums. They are creative, adaptable and community-oriented, with the ability to connect with residents both online and in person. Spanish language skills are preferred to support inclusive communication with Elgin's diverse community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design visually engaging graphics and digital assets for social media, newsletters, campaigns, presentations and other communication materials.
- Plan, create and manage social media content across city platforms, including graphics, captions, posts and campaigns that inform and engage residents.
- Translate complex information into clear, visually compelling communication materials that are accessible and easy to understand.
- Assist in maintaining the city's online presence, including posting updates, monitoring comments and messages and supporting timely and responsive engagement.
- Capture and develop visual content from city programs, projects and events to support storytelling across digital channels.
- Collaborate with the Communications and Engagement Manager, Multimedia Video Journalist and other staff to ensure consistent and coordinated messaging.
- Support community outreach and engagement efforts by attending events, neighborhood meetings and city programs.
- Help gather community insights and feedback from both digital and in-person interactions to inform communication strategies.
- Provide Spanish-language support for communications and community engagement when possible (preferred but not required).
- Assist with city events and programs, including occasional evening and weekend assignments.
- Strong graphic design and visual storytelling skills with the ability to communicate complex information through engaging visuals.
- Knowledge of social media trends, platforms and best practices for public engagement.
- Ability to develop creative and engaging digital content tailored to different audiences and platforms.
- Strong written communication skills and the ability to craft clear, accessible messaging.
- Comfort engaging with residents both online and in person.
- Creative problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box when developing communication campaigns.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity when communicating with diverse communities.
- Adaptability and ability to respond to evolving priorities in a fast-moving environment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, graphic design or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Two to three years of professional communications experience with an emphasis on graphic design, social media content creation or multimedia communications.
- Proficiency with design and digital content tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms.
- Experience creating visual content for digital and print mediums including graphics, social media posts, and communication campaigns.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and spoken).
- Experience in municipal, government communications or community engagement.
- Experience using analytics tools (e.g., social media insights, surveys) to evaluate and improve communication strategies.
- Familiarity with accessible communication practices (clear language, ADA considerations and inclusive messaging).
- Experience with photography, video or multimedia storytelling to support digital communications.
- Experience supporting bilingual or multicultural outreach initiatives.
- Familiarity with AP style.
Vacation
- 1 to 5 years of service - 2 weeks
- 6 to 10 years of service - 3 weeks
- 11 to 21 years of service - 4 weeks
- 22 or more years of service - 5 weeks
The accumulation of vacation leave shall be limited as provided by Ordinance No. S11-09, as amended.
Sick Leave - Fifteen (15) days (in 12-hour increments for Fire shift personnel) will be placed on account when commencing employment, plus annual accrual of one day (8 hours) per month. Employees may accumulate sick leave up to a total maximum accrual of 241 sick days, which is the equivalent of 1928 hours of sick leave.
Life Insurance - in an amount equal to the nearest $1,000 of the employee's annual base salary.
Holidays - New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
- Fire shift personnel shall receive additional pay for hours actually worked on holidays at a straight-time rate. Twelve (12) hours of personal time off for each holiday which falls on a scheduled day off as well as for each of any undesignated holidays shall also be received by fire shift personnel.
- Police shift will additionally receive President's Day, Easter Sunday, Columbus Day, and Veteran's Day. Police shift personnel will receive additional eight (8) hours holiday pay at their straight-time hourly rate whether the holiday is worked or not.
- Public Safety Communications Shift Supervisors - Public safety communications shift supervisors who are scheduled to and actually work on a holiday shall receive one hour of holiday pay at his or her straight time hourly rate of pay for each hour actually worked on a holiday not to exceed twelve hours of holiday pay for a holiday. A telecommunications supervisor who does not work the holiday will receive eight hours of holiday pay at his or her straight time hourly rate of pay.
Longevity Pay - Effective March 14, 2010, employees hired prior to January 1, 2010, shall receive as additional earnings annual longevity pay in the amount of an additional 4% of the employee's annual salary. Longevity pay shall be paid to employees in installments with each payroll. Employees hired on or after March 1, 2010, shall not be eligible for or receive longevity pay.
Sick Leave Conversion
Sworn Police Management - Sworn police management employees may accumulate sick leave up to a total maximum accrual of 241 sick days, which is equivalent to a maximum of 1,928 hours of sick leave time. In recognition of non-use of sick leave time, police management employees shall be eligible for a severance sick leave conversion payment upon separation from employment. Such severance payment shall be equivalent to twenty-five percent (25%) of the value of the employee's accumulated and unused sick leave as of the effective date of the employee's separation from employment and shall be paid to the employee in a lump sum, minus any applicable deductions. For the purposes of this section, the employee's hourly wage shall be equivalent to the employee's hourly wage rate inclusive of annual longevity pay paid to the employee, if any.
IMRF Employees - Upon retirement or leaving city employment in good standing, general employees may be eligible to convert accrued sick leave for severance pay. Employees with accrued sick leave of more than 720 hours may convert up to a maximum of 480 hours of sick leave for severance pay, provided the remaining balance of accrued sick leave does not total less than 720 hours. Such conversion shall be at the rate of 24 hours of sick leave for eight hours of severance pay, not to exceed 160 hours of severance pay.
Accrued sick leave applied by an employee for IMRF service credit shall not be eligible for sick leave conversion for severance pay. The provisions of this section shall not apply to police management employees.
Fire Pension Employees - Upon retirement or leaving city employment in good standing, fire pension-eligible employees may be eligible to convert accrued sick leave for severance pay. Employees with accrued sick leave of more than 1,080 hours may convert up to a maximum of 720 hours of sick leave for severance pay, provided the remaining balance of accrued sick leave does not total less than 1,080 hours. Such conversion shall be at the rate of thirty-six (36) hours of sick leave for twelve (12) hours of severance pay, not to exceed two hundred and forty hours (240) hours of severance pay.
Sick Leave Conversion For Vacation Leave - Accrued sick leave over 480 hours (60 days) (or over 720 hours (60-12 hour days) for fire shift employees) may be converted at the rate of three (3) days of sick leave for one (1) day of vacation leave. Such conversion is limited to a maximum of five (5) days of vacation leave (or 12-12 hour periods for fire shift employees) in any one calendar year. The minimum balance of sick leave after such conversion shall not be less than 60 days.
Medical Insurance
Comprehensive major medical insurance program for employee and dependents with employee option to continue coverage upon separation from employment according to one of the available coverage options. Effective March 1, 2010, for employees hired on or after March 1, 2010, the City will pay 80% of the specified premium for the coverage selected (i.e., single, single plus children, single plus spouse, or family) and the employee will pay via payroll deduction the remaining 20% of the specified premium. Employees who have alternative health insurance coverage may elect to discontinue to participate in the City's health insurance plan pursuant to the City's health insurance opt out program adopted pursuant to Resolution No. 05-38, as amended by Resolution No. 09-24. The opt out benefit to such employees shall be in the annual amount of $3,000 prorated based upon employment with the city during the applicable plan year and shall be paid at the employee's option either to a Health Reimbursement Account or in the form of additional compensation to the employee to be paid in a lump sum, less appropriate deductions, on the first check in December in the applicable plan year.
Paid Parental Leave - Employees subject to this ordinance are eligible to receive a total of eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave within any said 12-month period, measured backward from the date a leave is taken, for the birth and care of the employee's newborn child, or for the placement of a child, younger than eighteen (18), with the employee for adoption or foster care.
To be eligible for paid parental leave, employees must:
- Have worked for the city for at least twelve (12) months; and
- Have completed at least 1,250 hours of work in the preceding twelve (12) months.
- Paid parental leave must be taken in a continuous block of time.
- Leave must be used within the 12-month period beginning on the date of birth or placement.
- Employees must apply for and be approved to utilize Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), which will run concurrently with paid parental leave.
- Eligibility and use of leave will be subject to guidelines established by Human Resources and approved by the City Manager.
Payout Prohibition:
Under no circumstances will unused paid parental leave be paid out, including but not limited to instances of separation from employment.
Fire Battalion Chiefs - Fire Battalion Chiefs shall be paid at their current hourly rate of pay at straight time for hours worked filling a vacant shift position on a scheduled day off which otherwise would have been filled by overtime. This provision shall relate only to shift positions only and not any other duties.
Sworn Police Uniform Allowances - $50 uniform allowance differential for Sworn police management personnel above the authorized annual employee allowances for the Police employee group, in addition to providing replacement for uniforms damaged while on duty.
Sworn Police Court Appearance - Sworn police management personnel shall receive compensation for court appearance on days off at a rate equivalent to 150% of their current hourly rate of pay for actual hours with a minimum of two hours pay. Total compensation for standby for court duty on day off is $40. Police Lieutenants and Police Sergeants shall be paid at a rate equivalent to 150% of their current hourly rate of pay for hours worked over 8.25 hours per day. Police Lieutenants and Police Sergeants shall have the option of compensatory time for hours in excess of their regular 8.25 shift hours with a maximum accrual of 80 hours.
Sworn Police Management Voluntary Fitness Program - Sworn police management personnel shall be eligible to participate in the police department's voluntary physical fitness program under the same terms and conditions provided for other police department employees.
Language Proficiency Stipend - Management employees who are certified by the City or a third party selected by the City to be proficient in Spanish, Laotian or sign language shall be paid a stipend of $50 per month. It must be used in their job.
Additional benefits include
• Vision
• Dental
• Voluntary Life
• Flexible Spending account
• Retirement - IMRF
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Open Door Policy
• Centre membership
• In-house training programs
01
Are you experienced in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite and Canva)?
- Yes
- No
02
Please provide a link to your portfolio showcasing graphic design and/or social media work.
Required Question