Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist supports the City of Buda’s public information, community engagement, and destination promotion efforts within the Community Relations and Destination Services Department. The position develops and shares clear, engaging content across the City’s communication channels, including social media and the website, and creates visual materials through graphic design, photography, and video. The Communications Specialist monitors communication performance and uses available data to inform and improve outreach. The position also supports the Public Information Officer with emergency communications to help provide the community with timely, accurate information. Occasional evenings, weekends, or other non-standard hours may be required to support City events and emergency communication needs.

The following duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logically assigned to the position.

• Develop and maintain social media plans and content calendars to keep the community informed about City services, initiatives, events, and other important information.
• Create, edit, schedule, and publish content across City social media platforms to provide timely, accurate, and consistent information and promote community engagement.
• Coordinate with departmental content managers to support consistent branding, messaging, and social media practices across the City.
• Monitor social media channels for questions, feedback, and concerns, responding within assigned responsibilities or referring matters to the appropriate City staff to support timely and accurate follow-up.
• Coordinate with the PIO on social media messaging during emergencies and other significant incidents to help ensure the City shares consistent, timely information.
• Write, edit, and update website content to keep information accurate, clear, current, and useful to the public.
• Organize and maintain website pages, images, and video to make City information easier to find and use.
• Apply search engine optimization and accessibility practices to website content to improve its visibility and usability.
• Create graphics, infographics, and promotional materials to explain City information and support public outreach and destination promotion.
• Photograph, record, and edit video of City events, projects, programs, and operations to document City activities and provide content for communication channels.
• Coordinate with City departments to gather, edit, and prepare information for internal and external newsletters and other communication materials.
• Distribute external newsletters through platforms such as Constant Contact to share City information with subscribers.
• Prepare or assist with press releases, scripts, reports, advertisements, and other written materials to support City communications.
• Coordinate routine media information or interview requests with the PIO, as assigned, to support accurate and timely responses.
• Monitor social media and website analytics to assess content reach, audience engagement, and communication campaign performance.
• Prepare reports on key performance indicators, audience trends, and other relevant findings to inform the PIO and department stakeholders.
• Use performance data and community feedback to recommend adjustments to content and outreach strategies.
• Assist the PIO in preparing and distributing emergency messages through social media, the City website, and other appropriate channels to provide the public with timely, accurate information.
• Coordinate with the PIO and relevant departments to confirm information and keep public messages consistent as an incident develops.
• Participate in emergency communication coverage as needed, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the PIO or appropriate supervisory staff.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, graphic design, marketing, or a related field, and at least three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, social media management, graphic design, marketing, or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Candidates must have experience creating and managing digital communications and demonstrate proficiency with relevant social media, analytics, website content management, graphic design, and photography or videography tools. Experience in emergency or public safety communications is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Writing and editing standards, including Associated Press Style.
• Crisis communication practices and the role of public information during emergencies.
• Social media platforms, digital communication channels, and emerging communications technology.
• Website content management, search engine optimization, and digital accessibility practices.
• The City’s organization, services, programs, policies, goals, and communication standards.
• The council-manager form of government and the general role of municipal ordinances and policies.

Skill in:

• Writing, editing, and proofreading social media posts, news releases, newsletters, website content, scripts, reports, advertisements, and other public information.
• Creating and managing content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, LinkedIn, and X.
• Using social media, website, and email marketing analytics tools to assess communication performance.
• Using graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, or comparable tools.
• Producing and editing photography and video for digital and other communication channels.
• Using website content management systems and email marketing platforms, such as Constant Contact.
• Coordinating with departments and colleagues to gather information, meet deadlines, and maintain consistent messaging.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, and establishing productive working relationships.

Ability to:

• Adapt messages for different audiences and communication channels while maintaining accuracy, clarity, and consistent City branding.
• Interpret analytics and community feedback and use them to improve communication content and outreach.
• Coordinate multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and adjust priorities in a changing environment.
• Work independently and collaboratively with limited supervision.
• Support timely, accurate communication during emergencies and other high-pressure situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while representing the City.
• Participate in assigned City events and emergency communication coverage, which may require work outside normal business hours.