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Communication Specialist

City of Dubuque

1 Positions

ID: 85979

Posted On 01/11/2026

Job Overview

Position Summary

**GENERAL SUMMARY:** The Communications Specialist supports the City of Dubuque’s mission to provide responsive, efficient, and comprehensive public service by developing and implementing communication strategies that inform, engage, and build trust with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. This position assists with the creation and distribution of clear, accessible, and creative communications across multiple platforms, including digital, print, and in-person channels, with a primary focus on social media management, graphic design, marketing, and multimedia storytelling.

**DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:** Work in this classification involves performing a variety of professional communications and administrative duties requiring the exercise of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. The Communications Specialist reports to the Public Information Officer and collaborates closely with staff across City departments to support organizational priorities and communication needs.

Job Duties

+ Design and produce visual materials, including graphics, infographics, brochures, presentations, reports, and other communication assets in accordance with City brand standards.

+ Manage design projects from concept through final production.

+ Coordinate printing and mailing projects, including obtaining bids, awarding contracts, and managing the proofing and production process.

+ Maintain consistency with City communication standards, messaging, and brand identity.

+ Assist in the development and implementation of communication and marketing plans that support organizational priorities and promote City programs, projects, services, and events.

+ Develop content for digital advertising, print advertising, radio, and other paid media.

+ Monitor campaign performance, analyze results, and provide recommendations for improvement.

+ Manage City social media accounts, including content creation, scheduling, responding to inquiries, and monitoring analytics and trends to improve engagement and effectiveness.

+ Write, edit, and proofread content for newsletters, websites, social media platforms, press materials, and other communication products.

+ Draft news releases, media advisories, and public statements.

+ Assist in responding to media inquiries and coordinating interviews with City representatives.

+ Support crisis and emergency communications efforts as directed.

+ Ensure all content is accurate, consistent, inclusive, and written in clear, plain language for diverse audiences.

+ Develop communication materials to promote City initiatives, events, and opportunities for public participation.

+ Assist with planning and executing public meetings, open houses, and community outreach campaigns.

+ Support initiatives that promote transparency, public trust, and two-way communication with residents.

+ Assist with website updates and improvements to ensure content is timely, accurate, accessible, and user-friendly.

+ Utilize Google Analytics and other tools to track engagement and inform communication strategies.

+ Apply website accessibility standards and guidelines (WCAG), including color contrast, luminosity ratios, alt text, and related best practices.

+ Assist with photography and video production projects.

+ Collaborate with City staff across departments to meet communication needs.

+ Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

+ **English Language:** Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

+ **Communications and Media:** Knowledge of media and publication production, communication strategies, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform diverse audiences via multiple media.

+ **Graphic Design:** Requires strong graphic design skills, including creating visual assets, managing design projects from concept to final production, and ensuring all materials align with brand standards.

+ **Marketing:** Knowledge of principles and methods for promoting and publicizing services and programs including marketing strategies and tactics.

+ **Customer and Personal Service** : Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

+ **Writing:** Preparing concise and understandable messages for diverse audiences.

+ **Time Management:** Managing your time and the time of other people.

+ **Critical Thinking:** Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

+ **Judgment and Decision Making:** Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, graphic design, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Experience managing organizational social media accounts and creating digital content.

+ Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

+ Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).

+ Basic knowledge of marketing and advertising principles.

+ Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple projects with deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Experience working in local government or public sector communications.

+ Knowledge of public information practices and open records requirements.

+ Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS).

+ Photography and video production skills.

+ Experience planning and executing marketing campaigns, including digital and print advertising.

+ Bilingual skills, particularly in Spanish.

Supplemental Information

**Work Environment:** This position involves a combination of office work and public engagement and may include occasional evening or weekend assignments to cover events or respond to urgent communication needs.

**RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:** Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

**FLSA (OVERTIME) STATUS:** Exempt

Primary Contact

214881

City of Dubuque Human Resources Department

Human Resources Department, Human Resources Department

563-589-4125

Phone

Phone

Phone

Fax

[email protected]

Email

True

False

True

Job Details

Categories

Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations

Location

Dubuque, IA

Job Type

Employee

Full/Part

Full Time

Pay/Salary

$63,128.00 - $82,534.40 Annually

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

PTO (Paid Time Off)

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

Education

Bachelors

Company ID

931

Job REQ #

\# Positions

1

Start Date

20260111

End Date

20260125

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City of Dubuque

About the Company

Whether at City Hall or out on city streets, our employees serve our residents, businesses, and visitors every day. Join the City of Dubuque team to be part of a high-performance organization dedicated to the community and to delivering excellent municipal services. We are input-oriented, see problems as opportunities, search for creative solutions, and work as a team to accomplish goals and build partnerships. At the City of Dubuque, your work is meaningful and supports the community.

The City of Dubuque values its employees and offers competitive salaries and benefits such as:

+ Health and Dental Insurance

+ 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

+ Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Retirement Savings (IPERS)

+ Deferred Compensation Plan

+ Life and AD&D Insurance Coverage

+ Short-Term Disability

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Tuition Reimbursement Program

+ Longevity Pay Starting After 6 Years of Service

+ Flexible Work Arrangements

+ Paid Time Volunteering

With positions in over 30 departments and divisions, your perfect career fit is waiting for you at the City of Dubuque. Ready to join our team? Visit www.CityOfDubuque.org/Jobs .