Communication Specialist

**THIS POSTING IS FOR A PART-TIME, TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT ESTIMATED 20 HOURS PER WEEK**

The City of Vista's Communications Division is seeking a part-time Communications Specialist to join our team in support of the Recreation & Community Services Department. This position will play a key role in developing and managing marketing and communications strategies that increase community engagement and participation in City programs, services, and events.

Serving as the lead Communications Specialist for the Recreation & Community Services Department's signature venues, including the Moonlight Amphitheatre, the Wave Waterpark, and the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, the position is responsible for promoting a wide range of programs, performances, and special events designed to enhance the quality of life for Vista residents and visitors. In addition, the Specialist will support communications efforts for youth and adult sports, recreation classes, summer camps, and citywide community events.

The ideal candidate brings experience in marketing, public relations, and social media management, thrives in a collaborative team environment, and has a passion for connecting the community with opportunities to learn, play, and celebrate in Vista.

The part-time Communications Specialist will make a direct impact on the City's communications to the public by assisting the Communications Office in determining the most appropriate media to market various programs, services, and events.

• For the Moonlight Amphitheatre, this position will coordinate marketing communications activities that promote the theatre's five-show summer season, the Moonlight Concert Series, and special events utilizing online and offline channels, including direct mail, database marketing, and digital marketing. The position will also be responsible for coordinating show program content for the Broadway musical series and responding to media requests for interviews and reviewer tickets. During the summer season, there will be occasional evening work. Schedule flexibility is essential during the summer season, from April through September. The selected candidate will write and distribute press releases and pitch stories to media, including obtaining coverage that celebrates The Moonlight's 45th Anniversary in 2026.
• For the Wave Waterpark, this position will coordinate marketing communications activities that promote the venue's summer season, which runs from Labor Day until the end of September, utilizing online and offline channels, utilizing mainly digital marketing.
• For the McClellan Senior Center, this position will coordinate marketing communications activities to support increasing participation across The Center's programs, ranging from weekday lunch service, activities, numerous social services, special events, and the Culture Caravan program.
• For the above-mentioned responsibilities, the selected candidate will work in a collaborative environment with other Communications and City team members to accomplish tasks and goals and share workloads.
• Participate in meetings to coordinate details and tasks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Education/Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be the completion of high school and college coursework in a major such as Communications, Marketing, or Journalism.

License:

Possession of a valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record is required.

Knowledge:

The Ideal candidate will need to be up to date on the latest trends in digital outreach, social media, and communications, and have working knowledge of the following:

• Social Media Applications (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, & Twitter).
• Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word).
• Graphic and Digital Media Design utilizing Adobe Create Cloud products and Canva. Please note that the City of Vista is working to become compliant with the Department of Justice's new rules for governmental digital communications related to accessibility for persons with visual disabilities by April 2026, which will eliminate graphic-heavy digital content. The person selected for this position must be comfortable with photography and video creation. The Communications Division contracts with several freelance photographers and videographers to create digital content.

Abilities:

The Ideal candidate must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, reliable, and punctual. The candidate will also have the ability to learn new processes quickly and efficiently, as well as a passion for community service. The ideal candidate will have a creative mindset, with the ability to quickly identify trending topics and know when to engage, as well as storytelling experience and a proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment, work effectively with a wide range of personalities, and exercise tact and sound judgment when navigating challenging or high-pressure situations.

PHSYICAL DEMANDS

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

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; observe, interpret, and analyze data; and verbally and in writing, observe, interpret, analyze, and solve problems. The employee must be able to work in indoor office environments/outdoor in the field environments (depending on position). The employee may have to move up to 50 lbs. and transport up to 10 lbs. objects frequently (depending on position). Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to detect, determine, perceive, identify, estimate, and assess work-related objects and/or work products based on position-specific designated tasks. The employee may be required to work overtime to complete assignments. Use of a personal vehicle during employment may also be required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Application materials may be obtained online at: Telephone:

SELECTION PROCESS:

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

We welcome and celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

The City provides Workers' Compensation Insurance to all employees.

RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTION

Employee is required to contribute 7.5% of gross earnings to the MissionSquare Retirement Plan, which is offered in lieu of Social Security, OR Current CalPERS members will be required to contribute the full employee contribution of 8%.

• NOTE: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.