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Communications Specialist

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Communications Specialist

Salary

$7,014.49 - $8,979.15 Monthly

Location

Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2025-00055

Department

Communications

Division

Communications

Opening Date

10/24/2025

Closing Date

11/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

BASIC PURPOSE

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist provides timely, accurate, professional-level communications to community members, council, and staff regarding City-related issues, events, programs, services, and other relevant items. This position is responsible for supporting outreach and engagement for all City Departments, marketing, and "city-branded" efforts to ensure a consistent level of communication and professionalism to accomplish City communication outreach goals. This position also performs a variety of professional-level community liaison, outreach, and other communication functions to enhance relationships with and communications to community members, improve customer service and access to City services, and accomplish City communication outreach goals. This position is responsible for, but not limited to, coordinating various special events; overseeing communications to the City; facilitating the Neighborhood Grant Program; hosting quarterly Neighborhood meetings; planning and facilitating a variety of communication platforms; and attending various community meetings.

Please note: The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.

First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for December 5, 2025.

*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

+ Researches, writes, creates (print/digital materials), and edits professional-level materials for social media, newsletters, web pages, press releases, speeches, correspondence, presentations, and promotional materials. Develops creative strategies to effectively communicate with varied audiences (community members, council, community partners, media, staff, etc.) utilizing existing and emerging technologies.

+ Oversees and reviews all social media accounts related to City of Lacey (LPD, JAS, Councilmembers, etc.) to ensure compliance with all City policies related to social media use. Writes, creates (print/digital materials), and posts content, monitors, reviews, and responds to all City of Lacey social media accounts.

+ Creates professional-level graphics and layouts for City-produced digital, print, and mixed media publications, presentations, correspondences, etc.

+ Serves as a lead website coordinator; creates content, posts, and maintains the City’s website; trains appropriate staff on website posting/editing, and proper content and use of consistent style.

+ Serves as a lead intranet coordinator; creates content, posts, and maintains the City’s intranet; trains appropriate staff on intranet posting/editing, and proper content and use of consistent style.

+ Provides guidance and oversight to City-related materials and correspondence to ensure proper use of the City logo, professional design, etc.

+ Creates professional-level presentations, communications, and other materials, as needed.

+ May serve as a City liaison on a wide variety of communications. Supports communication efforts centered on regular and controversial issues. Collaboratively develops communication strategies and plans that are delivered with a unified voice.

+ Composes professional-level communications on City Councilmembers behalf, writes speeches, and provides talking points on emerging City-related issues, programs and projects, as needed.

+ Supports the Public Information Officer (PIO) on media requests and during emergencies. This includes acting as PIO in the absence of the Communications Manager or designee and may serve in other roles as a part of the City's Emergency Coordination Center.

+ Provides direction and support to all City Departments regarding how to present materials and communications to the public, our stakeholders, and our staff. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation of posters, brochures, presentations, newsletters, etc.

+ Manages and coordinates several community programs, including the Neighborhood Grant Program and Compassionate Communities program. Tracks and reviews all program applications to determine which project to award grants. Analyzes documentation and ensures proper records are submitted.

+ Organizes and facilitates regular Neighborhood meetings hosted by the City. Selects, at minimum, four (4) dates during the year to host meetings, chooses topics for each meeting agenda, coordinates the speakers, advertises meetings, sets up for and manages the meeting.

+ Coordinates community programs in conjunction with community stakeholders, e.g., the annual “Tree Pick up”.

+ Oversee and coordinate the work of seasonal communications project staff, interns, or contractors.

+ Manages contract professional photographer services and other communication contracts.

+ Works collaboratively with City staff to effectively plan and implement a variety of activities, public meetings, and events that support the goals of the City (e.g., Employee Recognition Program).

+ Manages banner program.

Other Duties Assigned

+ Attends various meetings and represents the department on various committees. May conduct and/or facilitate meetings.

+ Participates in special projects and performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields AND two (2) or more years of professional, relevant experience in communications, public relations, special events coordination, community engagement, or related fields;

OR

An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, journalism, print/digital/multimedia, or related fields AND four (4) or more years of professional, relevant experience in communications, public relations, journalism, electronic/multimedia, social media, graphic design, or related fields.

OR

Completion of H.S. or equivalent diploma AND six (6) years of professional, relevant experience in communications, public relations, journalism, electronic/multimedia, social media, graphic design, or related fields.

* May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Experience creating professional-level graphics and layouts for City-produced digital, print, and mixed media publications, presentations, correspondences, etc.

+ Experience serves as a lead website coordinator; creates content, posts, and maintains the City’s website; trains appropriate staff on website posting/editing, and proper content and use of consistent style.

+ Experience in overviewing and reviewing social media.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):

+ Must pass a thorough background investigation and reference checks.

+ Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

+ Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follow all required safety policies, procedures, and techniques.

+ Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire OR must obtain within thirty (30) days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier; OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.

+ Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

+ Associated Press (AP) Style Guide.

+ Website Standards Manual.

+ Best practices and applications of social media for public/government.

+ Best practices and principles for designing and writing for online materials.

+ Principles and best practices of public relations, marketing, and news media techniques.

+ Principles and best practices of effective copywriting and copy editing, using clear, concise, and accessible language.

+ Publications and communications productions using a variety of multimedia platforms.

+ Effective at creating design layouts and using production and editing software.

+ Principles and best practices of effective project management.

+ Research methodology, reporting techniques, and report preparation principles.

+ Methods and procedures of file management and business correspondence.

+ English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

+ Contemporary office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Skill in:

+ Creating timely, accurate, accessible web content, social media content, multimedia content, video content, and print/digital materials that support City outreach goals and municipal government/industry standards and practices.

+ Use of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other emerging platforms.

Ability to:

+ Support City outreach goals and municipal government/industry standards and practices through creation of timely, accurate, and relevant communications content.

+ Communicate with all sectors of the public across diverse issues and audiences, including the media.

+ Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others.

+ Handle sensitive and complex projects or issues to generate relevant, accurate, and appropriate public information, stories, content, and professional guidance, working in partnership with other City staff.

+ Deploy creative marketing plans across multiple platforms and media sources.

+ Analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.

+ Maintain political neutrality while working with elected officials on City messaging.

+ Work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and deadlines.

+ Travel locally to attend meetings or make presentations.

+ Operate a computer and appropriate software.

+ Provide a high level of customer service at all times.

+ Maintain a professional and positive image with those contacted in the course of work.

+ Maintain regular and dependable attendance.

+ Work in a manner consistent with the City of Lacey's mission and organizational values.

The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.

Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page here (http://www.ci.lacey.wa.us/city-government/city-departments/human-resources/union-contracts-and-policies) .

Medical Insurance Benefits:

+ Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.

The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.

+ Vision - VSP with low co-pays

+ Dental – Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.

+ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee’s household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.

Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment

+ Employer paid life insurance plan

+ Employer paid long term disability plan

+ Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan

Leave Benefits:

+ Vacation (which increases with years of service)

+ 96 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Non-Supervisory Employees, LPOG Represented Employees

+ 128 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis After Second Year of Employment for LPMA Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees

+ 135 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Supervisor or Management Employees

+ 11 Paid Holidays

+ Floating Holidays

+ 2 Floating Holidays for Non-Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees

+ 1 Floating Holiday for LPOG & LPMA Represented Employees

+ 8 Hours Sick Leave on Accrual Basis Per Month

+ Jury Duty/Military Leave

+ Bereavement Leave

*All benefits and accruals outlined in collective bargaining agreements can be found here: Policies, Union Contracts, Pay & Benefits - City of Lacey (https://cityoflacey.org/union-contracts-policies-pay/)

Investment and Retirement Programs:

+ State retirement pension plan – Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

+ 457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS

+ Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) – Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.

+ HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family’s medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separation or retirement.

+ 1% Benefit - Employer provides a 1% contribution of your monthly salary pre-tax towards two options; 1) applied to insurance premium amount owed for dependent coverage or invested into a 457 deferred compensation account; OR a cash disbursement amount applied to your check monthly but the amount is taxed.

Voluntary Benefits:

+ Optional plans for additional life insurance, disability, and accident coverage

+ Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - employees can contribute pre-tax contributions toward IRS allowed, qualifying medical and/or daycare expenses.

Wellness Program:

+ The City has a robust employee Wellness program that offers a variety of resources and activities for employee well-being.

Flexible Working Arrangements:

+ In recognition of Commute Trip reduction efforts, the City of Lacey provides flexible and alternative work schedules for many of our workforce positions.

+ City Hall is within minutes driving from I-5 Exit 108, and within walking/biking distance from Park and Ride Transit Martin Way Location and the Chehalis Western Trail.

Tuition Reimbursement:

+ The City promotes a learning environment and encourages opportunities for employees to continue to grow in their positions and careers. The City offers tuition reimbursement (as outline in City Personnel Policies) for eligible employees.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):

+ Employees are also eligible to apply to The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is a United States government program that was created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to provide indebted professionals a way out of their federal student loan debt burden by working full-time in public service.

*Note: Regular part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits (medical/dental/vision) depending on the hours of work assigned to the position. Their spouses and dependents are not eligible for health insurance coverage.