SOCIAL MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ASSISTANT
DEFINITION
Under general direction, Communication Specialist plans and , organizes, and directs a comprehensive public information , media relations, and communication program for a City Department; through public outreach and educational programs, promotes a department's goals, mission, and values; provides strategic and public affairs directionassistance for assigned department; and directs publicity ofpublicizes special projects and events.Under immediate supervision, provides social media administrative assistance and support to department(s) or division(s); receives and responds to verbal or written directions on a daily or project basis.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from the Communications Manager . May receive direction from multiple City staff depending on assignment.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey-level classification is populated with multiple incumbents responsible for the design and implementation of public relations, communication, and media programs for a cCity department.
Incumbents are responsible for maintaininghelping maintain cooperative working relationships and communication with the Mayor and City Council, department management, other City departments, the media, and the public. Incumbents are generally highly visible, with extensive public and media contact and media exposure and have considerable latitude for individual judgement and action within established guidelines. The Communications Specialist is distinguished from the Communications Manager in that the latter is a single-position classification that oversees communication plans and media strategies for the entire City as opposed to a single department.This is a part-time classification. Social Media Coordination: research and recommend new social media websites; compose and post content to the City’s social media websites; monitor social media site content and report potential conflicts.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General direction is provided by a department head or management level staff as assigned. Some positions function as internal consultants and require coordination among multiple divisions in a department.
Depending on assignmentassignment, the Communication Specialist may be responsible for direct or indirect leading of technical, paraprofessional, and administrative staff.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
The following duties are illustrative only. They are not meant to be a complete and exhaustive listing of all of the duties and responsibilities of the classification.; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each incumbent holding this classification.
Social Media – Communications SpecialistAssistant
Develops, implements, and oversees external communication plans, media strategies, marketing, and public affairs programs in accordance with department goals, mission, and values; researches public opinion and emerging issues.
Performs graphic design, video production, marketing, and drafting/managing City social media site content and updates the City website.
Works in collaboration with staff to produce a variety of informational and instructional video, audio, media, and broadcast products, including gathering data and conducting interviews, developing ideas, creating content, and scripts, determining shoot locations and production schedule, shooting videos, recording voice over, and editing; coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other departments/divisions and outside agencies. Oversees and participates in taking photographs, slides, and films for news media or City use; coordinates the production of various publications, slide shows, presentations, and similar materials.
Effectively represents the department and the City while collaborating with other governmental agencies to share regional information; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
Provides strategic direction and advice to department head and managers on emerging and urgent communications issues; recommends responses; trains and updates department executive team on media and public relations issues.
Plans, organizes, and implements logistics of press events and media relations that support communication initiatives of the department; coordinates events with public and private sector agencies, businesses and community groups; serves as departmental spokesperson.
Distributes evelops and distributes media releases, media advisories, news releases, newsletters, informational brochures, speeches and other materials to alert public of departmental programs, events, and services.
Develops, implements, and oversees internal communication plans and strategies; prepares content for and/or design of employee newsletters; coordinates development and implementation of intranet- based services; develops and manages web page content.
Interacts withSupports the Mayor and City Council with regard to community meetings, media events, project openings, etc; responds to requests from City Council; prepares and presents briefings to City Council, business leaders and community groups; conducts or advises in the conduct of focus groups, public hearings, town halls, and community meetings; develops curriculum and assists with presentings information to school and community organizations.
Monitors, reports on, and assures compliance with new legislation applicable to the assigned department.
Reviews work for accuracy and consistency; may lead and/or train technical, paraprofessional, and support staff as assigned.
Provides exceptional customer service to those contacted in the course of work.
Other related duties may be assigned.
Update City website and City social media site content.
Social Media – Communications SpecialistAssistant
Write, edit, and prepare digital and print informational materials to inform the community of city issues, services, programs and events.
Develop, plan and implement opportunities to improve public awareness of and involvement in City services, programs, plans and projects. Develop and identify partnership opportunities and coordinate information with outside agencies to foster community relations and education.
Establish, maintain and foster cooperative working relationships with city departments in the course of work.
Under general supervision, assist in cultivating followers, building and maintaining communities, monitoring conversations and trends, and providing customer service when appropriate.
Assist in gathering and preparing content to help tell the Foster City story for dissemination through the City’s main social media channels.
Schedule posts/tweets and manages calendar.
Compile detailed social media metrics, statistics and reports. Collect and maintains files of cases study images for use in reports and presentations.
Update City website and City social media site content. Curate social media content for greater shareability, using online aggregators, i.e. Storify. Research and inform teams of emerging technology and current social media trends. Take notes at meetings and other tasks when requested.
Assist in campaign launch activities. Develop and manage aspects of marketing campaigns including printed materials, web content, and promotional programs. Develop and execute weekly communications to the Foster City Public Engagement Communications Team.
Conduct and report on brand activity and effectiveness, specifically including:
display/presentation, and social media analytics and identify followers and influencers. Develop go-to-market materials and clear information to encourage public engagement. Collaborate with Foster City Public Engagement Communications Team on campaign launches and partner integration activities to drive awareness. Work with the Foster City Public Engagement Communications Team to update the strategic marketing plan for various projects.
Participate in the preparation of advertisements, press releases surrounding public outreach events, web page materials, and promotional brochures that target different groups, educational signage, newsletter articles and columns, and the development and staffing of outreach activities at various venues.
Other tasks may include assisting with organizing and promotion of City-wide events such as Art and Wine Festival, Fourth of July, and collaborative programs with other city departments to promote public awareness and engagement. Assists the Communications/City Clerk Department in regards to the Citywide Records Management Program, Foster City Wellness Committee and other programs/projects as assigned.
Researches and compiles information from various sources; prepares reports and correspondence; creates spreadsheets and other visual information displays. Process detailed paperwork in strict accordance with specific procedures and policies; work cooperatively as a member of a team; work independently and in the absence of direct supervision; establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, outside Social Media – Communications SpecialistAssistant
agencies and the public; follow written and oral directions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and observe safety principles and work in a safe manner. Provides customer service, answers telephones, takes messages and directs calls to appropriate staff members.
Sorts, files, and copies material as directed in compliance with policies and procedures; operates copy machines, fax machines, scanners and other office equipment. Writes emails and prepares correspondence; performs data entry. Utilizes department or City-wide software applications to maintain records or perform related duties.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Planning, developing, and coordinating comprehensive local government public relations, communications, and media relations programs.
Principles and practices of program management, including methods used to evaluate program objectives and goals.
Correct English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation. Emerging trends of public relations, communication, and social media platforms. Principles and techniques of mass and targeted communication, public speaking, and marketing.
City governmental structures and processes, including city-wide and department specific services, programs, and activities.
Principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining good relations with City departments, news media, outside agencies and organizations, and the public. Principles and techniques of consensus building.
office terminology, practices and procedures; filing systems; and telephone etiquette correct English usage including spelling, punctuation and grammar basic arithmetic
common office machines and equipment
appropriate business decorum
Skill in:
the safe and efficient operation of mailroom equipment, multi-line business phones, copiers, scanners, fax machines, calculators, and other common office machines using numerical, alphabetical and alpha-numerical filing systems Ability to:
Speak effectively in public and before groups.
Analyze and evaluate information from a strategic perspective. Evaluate and recommend courses of action to department management on issues related to the department's communication strategy.
EstablishSupport establishment of a departmental media and communications plan that complements the City's overall brand and image.
Understand, interpret, and simplify a variety of technical subjects. DevelopAssist with development, implementation, and overseecoordination of a comprehensive media and public relations program.
Social Media – Communications SpecialistAssistant
Prepare and edit a variety of written informational and promotional materials such as brochures, newsletters, and pamphlets.
Prepare written analysis, evaluation, summaries, recommendations, correspondence, and other reports.
Utilize graphic design and video production software.
Organize and prioritize workload to meet a variety of conflicting deadlines. Utilize applicable computer hardware and software applications, including graphic and web design programs.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; interact with people from a variety of backgrounds. use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and the Internet make accurate arithmetic calculations
understand and carry out verbal and written instructions effectively communicate verbally and in writing
establish and maintain effective working relationship with others provide courteous and efficient service to the public
learn, retain and use technical terminology, equipment, and computer applications respond calmly and effectively to changing priorities
establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the course of the work
Education and experience:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way would be:
Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent; coursework in social media, communications, and journalism is highly desirable, but not required.
Experience:
Two years of progressively responsible professional level experience in public affairs, public communications and/or public relations/outreach. No experience is necessary; 1 year of paid or documented volunteer experience in an office environment is highly desirable.
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. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be 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 occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, 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 25 pounds.
When working in the field environment, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
Social Media – Communications SpecialistAssistant
The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Title Communication Specialist
Classification Code 247
Classification Established
Classification Revised X/2025
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Bargaining Group American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees may work in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and/or hot temperatures, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.