Communications and Engagement Specialist
Society of Professional Journalists, Elgin, IL, United States
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.
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.
Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
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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.
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.
Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
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