Part Time Communications Specialist

Salary: $35.00 - $42.55 HourlyLocation : Petaluma, CAJob Type: Part TimeJob Number: 2026-00489Department: City ManagerOpening Date: 03/10/2026Closing Date: 3/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Summary/Class CharacteristicsPart Time Communications SpecialistThe City of Petaluma is looking to fill one Part Time Communications Specialist vacancy within the City Manager's Office. This is a part-time, at will, non-benefited position and hours worked will typically not exceed 20 hours per week.SummarySupport a wide range of public information, digital communications, and community engagement activities. Assists in planning, developing, and implementing communication strategies designed to inform and engage the community about City programs, services, initiatives, and events. Contributes to the City's overall communications efforts through content development, digital platform management, media coordination, and outreach support.Class CharacteristicsGeneral supervision is provided by a higher-level supervisor or manager; responsibilities may include the indirect supervision of support staff. DutiesAssist in the development and implementation of public communication and outreach strategies.Create, edit, and publish content for the City's website, social media platforms, newsletters, and other communication channels.Support the maintenance and organization of digital communication platforms.Draft news releases, public notices, email communications, and informational materials.Assist with media relations, including preparing materials and responding to inquiries as appropriate.Develop written, graphic, and basic multimedia content to support public information efforts.Monitor and review engagement metrics to help assess the effectiveness of communication initiatives.Support community engagement activities, public meetings, and special events.Coordinate with City departments to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely messaging.Ensure communications align with the City's brand standards, accessibility requirements, and organizational priorities.Assist with general administrative and project support related to communications functions.Perform other related duties as assigned. QualificationsKnowledge of:Principles and practices of public information, communications, and community engagement.Digital communication platforms and content management systems. Basic media relations practices. Modern office practices and technology. Education and ExperienceAny combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:Education:Equivalent to an Associate's degree with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, business administration, public administration, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree is desirable. Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible work experience in a related field, including experience involving public relations and/or communications. Certifications/Licenses:Bilingual proficiency is desirable. Physical Demands and Working EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Intermittently, twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; stand and walk; bend and squat to perform file searches; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; operate an automobile to attend various meetings and activities. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.01 This is a part-time, at will, non-benefited position and hours worked will typically not exceed 20 hours per week. Please acknowledge that you understand this. Yes No 02 Which of the following describes your years of experience working in public relations, community relations, media relations or marketing communications? Less than two years Two to five years Five years or more I do not have experience in public relations, marketing or communications. 03 In which of the following do you have experience? (Select all that may apply) Social Media Website Content Management Writing and Editing Graphic Design AI Photography Videography None of the Above 04 Please describe your work experience in each of the areas you selected from question #3. In your response, please provide specific examples of projects completed. 05 Please tell us what excites you about working for the City of Petaluma as part of our Communications Team. Required Question

Created: 2026-04-02