Outreach and Communications Specialist
Description
Full-time employment may be offered based on performance.
SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Outreach and Communication Specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications, marketing, and public outreach initiatives that align with the District’s mission. This includes supporting community engagement activities that enhance awareness and visibility of District programs, events, and initiatives. The incumbent will also be expected to create promotional materials and manage digital content.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develops and implements communications and outreach strategies that align with District goals.
- Collaborates with staff to create, write, edit, and distribute a variety of educational and promotional materials including brochures, newsletters, flyers, presentations, videos, signage, and digital content.
- Manages content creation and maintenance for the District’s website and social media platforms; ensures timely updates and removal of outdated information.
- Designs graphics, logos, and marketing visuals; takes photographs and video for promotional use.
- Promotes programs and events through coordinated campaigns using social media, email, and printed materials.
- Coordinates with community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to support outreach efforts and enhance public engagement.
- Assists with planning and implementation of District-sponsored events, meetings, and outreach programs, including logistics, vendor coordination, budgeting, and post-event evaluations.
- Conducts surveys and gathers feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach initiatives.
- Represents the District at public meetings, community events, and outreach activities.
- As directed, operates a District vehicle for official business.
- Demonstrates courteous and professional behavior with the public and District staff, maintaining confidentiality as required.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
Knowledge of:
- Public relations, media relations, and journalistic style guidelines.
- Digital marketing, social media platforms, and website management.
- Graphic design and multimedia tools (Example: Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)
- Photography and videography principles.
- Event planning, logistics, and community outreach strategies.
- Basic budgeting, recordkeeping, and modern office software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Principles of effective communication and inclusive public engagement.
- Strong organizational skills.
Ability to:
- Plan, develop, and manage communications and outreach campaigns.
- Create clear, engaging written and visual content for various media formats.
- Handle multiple projects and deadlines with strong organizational skills.
- Interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and build collaborative relationships with agencies and stakeholders.
- Collect, analyze, and summarize data for reports and presentations.
- On occasion work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, for events and outreach efforts.
- Maintain accurate records and assist with budget tracking.
- Follow oral and written instructions and communicate clearly in both oral and written forms.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE,
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, including a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience in public relations, communications, or event coordination. Higher level education can be substituted as years of experience.
An Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, Public Administration, Journalism, or a related field is preferred. Candidates with experience in promoting programs through social media and a demonstrated interest in water conservation, sustainability, or community-based initiatives are especially encouraged to apply.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
- Lifting: occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.
- Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
- Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing, and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
- Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
- Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone. The employee is also expected to respond in emergency situations.
- Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels