Communications Specialist II

This is an on-site position, located in Downtown Fresno.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May supervise interns as assigned.

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of Communications Director, coordinates planning, development, and implementation of communications, marketing materials, and community relations activities to support Fresno EOC’s programs. This includes developing and executing strategic print and digital initiatives, creating marketing campaigns, and integrating media into the overall marketing and outreach strategies.

Assist in the fulfillment of the Agency’s vision, “A strong Fresno County where people have resources to shape their future free from poverty.”

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Works directly with Communications Director and team to identify and pursue marketing opportunities and communication improvements.

Demonstrates initiative, follow-through, independent judgment, and execution.

Captures dynamic images that tell the stories of our programs and clients.

Develops impactful video content for social media, TV advertisements and funder needs.

Develops digital and print content for all communications needs.

Regularly posts relevant content on all designated social media outlets and tracks corresponding metrics.

Analyzes data and prepare reports on the effectiveness of promotional materials and efforts.

Travels on short notice for assignments, occasionally outside of Fresno County.

Available in media/public relations crises as needed to make recommendations as to course of action.

Provides event coordination and outreach assistance.

Ensures proper branding identity throughout all communications and materials.

Creates professional outreach materials that effectively describe and promote agency programs including brochures, fact sheets, print ads, newsletters, presentations, and other resources. Drafts television and radio scripts, media advisories, public service announcements.

Proofreads and revises communications as needed.

Advises and supports Agency programs in workgroups, outreach, and other assignments related to communications and promotions. Assists in the development and implementation of special program events and promotional activities.

In addition, the Communications Specialist II will be responsible for performing the duties from one of the specialty positions below, and may be asked to assist in the other specialties as needed:

Photographer/Videographer

• Provides comprehensive video production, including, but not limited to story content, scriptwriting, interviewing, directing, location shooting, and video editing.

• Edits photo and video utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and related programs

• Produces the overall video and photography needs of Fresno EOC programs.

• Full video production from scriptwriting, directing, engaging characters, story content, editing.

Content Creator/Public Relations

• Creates talking points, press releases, news writing, editorials, web content, social media, presentations, story content, ads, newsletters, executive communications, and all other creative writing needs.

• Develops and implements agency-wide strategic communications plan and tracks progress.

• Serves as primary media contact, spokesperson, and provides coaching for interviews.

• Increases opportunities with media outlets and community. Keeping media contacts organized and up to date. Represents the Agency’s programs at events. Ability to spot news trends for content use. Monitors news cycles.

• Creates journalistic verbal and written communications, and writing content for mass distribution in the sender’s voice.

Graphic Designer

• Design utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and related programs

• Develops design marketing materials and concepts to help enhance internal and external communication efforts in accordance with program directives.

• Provides comprehensive graphic design services, including, but not limited to brochures, web design, and photo editing.

• Builds and edits in HTML, CSS, and CMS environments

Travels for agency business using reliable transportation.

Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.

Works evenings and weekends as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED.

Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Marketing, Graphic/Web Design, or related field, from an accredited college or university. Additional work experience may substitute required education on a year-by-year basis.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 5 years of professional industry experience in coordinating and managing projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with limited supervision required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Proficient in proofing, editing, and writing using proper grammar and spelling, looking for accuracy and errors in piece produced in the agency.

Experience and an understanding professional best practices for using social media as part of a communications strategy.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.

Self-starter, able to think critically, organize, manage multiple projects, and prioritize effectively.

Bilingual in English and a second language preferred based on the needs of the clients, agency and community.

Ability to work non-traditional hours and days (evenings and weekends) to meet the needs of this position.

Ability to produce writing/portfolio samples upon request.

Willing to work non-traditional hours and days to meet the needs of this position.

Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Fresno EOC.

REV 3/21/2024