Communications and Marketing Specialist

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING SPECIALIST – City of Elk Grove
The City of Elk Grove’s Office of Economic Development, operating under the brand name “Invest Elk Grove,” seeks a highly skilled communication and marketing professional to articulate Elk Grove’s value proposition as a premier place to live, work, and do business. Utilizing a variety of tools and strategies, the incumbent will create dynamic content and experiences to engage, inform, inspire, and connect with businesses, investors, site selectors, brokers, developers, partners, residents, and visitors.

Major areas of work include event production; marketing and outreach campaign management; social media and website management; print and digital content creation; sponsorship activation; industry outreach and relations; media relations; brand management and development; and industry and trade show attendance.

The ideal candidate is a communications and marketing generalist who can work effectively with a small, tight‑knit team while managing and prioritizing multiple varied projects in a fast‑paced, frequently changing environment. The candidate will demonstrate professionalism, tact, empathy, and political acumen; be experienced communicating with a predominantly business audience; have an outgoing and engaging personality; be comfortable representing the city in public and private settings; be committed to public service and passionate about Elk Grove; have direct local government and economic development experience, or experience at closely related agencies in similar industries; and be inspired by the idea of sharing Elk Grove’s story to further the city’s economic development goals.

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match, and more.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs and supports a wide variety of communication, marketing, website, and event projects to promote the City’s brand, department programs, and City projects; develops content and prepares marketing plans and campaigns for city projects; cultivates the City’s social media presence; performs community outreach and events to expand public awareness and education on city services; coordinates the creation, production, and delivery of city print, digital, and website content; utilizes video and other current technologies in content creation; staffs a City Commission or Committee, and performs data tracking and analysis of marketing and engagement efforts. Duties may vary depending on the assigned department and division.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from a higher‑level Supervisor, Manager, or Department Head. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a journey level specialist classification performing the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This classification works directly in support of content creation, communication, and marketing efforts for internal and external customers.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assist with the planning and development of communication and marketing strategies for the City or assigned department’s programs, activities, and services; foster public awareness of available services, programs, and events.

Create, update, edit, and publish content for a variety of messaging platforms (print, electronic, social media, web, mobile, email, and broadcast) and audiences (internal and external); research and write articles, brochures, reports, social media posts, press releases, advisories, proclamations, fact sheets, and other materials; produce or oversee the development and editing of video, print, digital, and web content to effectively communicate the City’s or assigned department’s message.

Implement and administer marketing, outreach, and community engagement initiatives, including social marketing campaigns, training and education efforts, and multimedia promotional materials.

Manage and maintain the City’s or assigned department’s social media presence, including scheduling content, monitoring engagement, and staying current on emerging platforms, tools, and best practices.

Develop, update, and maintain website and web content to ensure accurate, timely, and accessible public information.

Coordinate and/or prepare materials to support the City or assigned department’s marketing and communication efforts, including newsletters and other informational resources.

In coordination with the Public Affairs Department, coordinate and support media relations activities, including drafting and issuing press releases and related materials, responding to media inquiries, facilitating appropriate follow‑up, and maintaining effective working relationships with media representatives and other key stakeholders.

May act as a liaison for a City Commission or Committee or serve on internal or external boards, committees, or task forces.

Perform data tracking and analysis of marketing and engagement efforts.

Research and make recommendations on issues related to public relations.

Deliver clear, concise, and effective verbal and written communications.

Assist in the resolution of customer and media inquiries.

Practice tact, diplomacy, and empathy in all interactions with the public, governmental agencies, media and community organizations.

Stay current and forward‑thinking on new communications and marketing tools, platforms, digital accessibility regulations, and best practices.

Perform related duties as assigned.

When assigned to Public Affairs

Provide technical support to other city staff in developing, maintaining, and implementing comprehensive outreach and education programs.

Research and make recommendations on issues related to public relations.

Coordinate newsletter projects for the City’s internal and external audiences.

When assigned to Economic Development

Plan, organize, and coordinate events and ceremonies supporting economic development programs, initiatives, and activities; secure vendors, donations, and sponsorships; develop and monitor event budgets and schedules; and coordinate with other City departments, outside agencies, and property and business owners to address logistics, permitting, and operational needs.

Plan, organize, and coordinate business district, business support, and development opportunity marketing campaigns; develop and monitor campaign budgets and schedules; and coordinate campaigns with other City departments, outside agencies, and property and business owners.

Solicit and secure sponsorships for department events, initiatives, and activities; identify, secure, and activate external event and program sponsorship opportunities; develop or oversee development of and place advertising for department events, initiatives, and activities; prepare sponsorship and advertising contracts.

Plan, organize, and coordinate participation in events, trade shows, and conferences; disseminate information regarding department programs, initiatives, activities, and development opportunities; and develop and procure promotional and branded materials.

Plan, organize, and coordinate ribbon cutting and grand opening events.

Prepare talking points and remarks for City staff and elected officials; organize City staff and elected official speaking engagements and provide support at speaking engagements.

Prepare and deliver presentations, annual reports, and decks for internal and external customers including the City Council, business and civic groups, and businesses.

Manage consultant solicitation and selection processes for marketing and communications projects and activities; oversee consultants and related contracts and projects.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of

Digital marketing tactics, including social media management, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and content marketing, to engage with residents and businesses online and increase outreach; techniques, processes, and materials used in the development of public information, outreach, and marketing materials.

Strong knowledge of current and upcoming social media platforms; social media techniques, accessibility requirements, and best practices.

WCAG accessibility requirements for digital content including the appropriate use of color contrast, alt text, and video captioning.

Methods of presenting and disseminating public information through various media, including newspapers, radio, television, and websites.

Methods and techniques of research, data analysis, writing, and editing.

Methods and techniques of basic digital design, content maintenance, and management.

Methods and techniques of event production.

Methods and techniques of basic graphic design and video production.

Methods and techniques of marketing campaign design and implementation.

Methods and techniques of media relations.

Methods and techniques of sponsorship solicitation and advertising.

Skilled in project management to oversee multiple communication projects simultaneously, set timelines, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery of communication materials.

Understanding of budgeting principles to manage allocated funds for communication and marketing initiatives effectively.

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.

Emerging trends in public relations, marketing, and social media platforms.

Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, media groups, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

Recent and ongoing developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division or department.

Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports and general business correspondence.

City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.

The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to

Develop messaging that suits the preferences, needs, and communication styles of various audiences and platforms.

Adapt to changing circumstances, think creatively, and find innovative solutions to communication challenges.

Anticipate and effectively respond to crises or emergencies and act as a resource that supports a timely and effective resolution.

Stay abreast of emerging trends in communications, marketing, social media, and web.

Develop, design, and produce a variety of public relations, media and marketing materials.

Analyze data and determine communication needs and create effective strategies for internal and external customers.

Understand, interpret, and deliver the key messages and missions of various divisions and departments.

Plan and coordinate programs and/or special events related to community relations and media liaison.

Work on concurrent assignments under time constraints; meet publication and distribution deadlines.

Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery, and implementing equitable city policies.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience
A bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, public relations, journalism, graphic design, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with two (2) years of responsible marketing and/or public communications experience.

Licenses and Certifications

None.

Retired Annuitants
This is a regular full‑time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement.

Employment Sponsorship
This position is not eligible for H‑1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment‑based visa sponsorship.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field occasionally and be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Employees may be expected to work weekends or evening meetings as required.

FLSA Status
Non‑exempt

EEO Statement
The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478‑2230.

City of Elk Grove participates in E‑Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.

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