Hybrid Social Media and Marketing Specialist bei City of Auburn, WA

About the Department

The City of Auburn’s Communications Division is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Social Media & Marketing Specialist to support citywide communications and outreach initiatives. This role is ideal for a creative, organized, and strategic thinker who is passionate about public service, storytelling, and engaging diverse communities through modern communication platforms.

This position will work across all City departments – ranging from Public Works to Emergency Management, Economic Development, the Mayor’s Office and beyond – to create compelling content that reflects Auburn’s values, enhances public trust, and builds community connection. The ideal candidate is self-directed, understands how to navigate a fast-paced environment, and is comfortable both behind the scenes and in the spotlight.

This is a non-benefited, intermittent position working an average of 18–20 hours per week. While most work will occur Monday through Friday, occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required to support key events and initiatives.

Position Duties

• Develop and implement content strategies for City of Auburn social media channels, including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Lead planning, writing, scheduling, and publishing of original social content and digital campaigns with minimal oversight.
• Serve as a citywide content creator – collaborating with departments to highlight key services, initiatives, events, and public safety information.
• Monitor, respond to, and elevate community feedback and questions via social channels, coordinating with relevant departments to ensure accurate and timely information.
• Track performance metrics and use data to inform future content strategy and growth.
• Write and edit newsletters, blog-style articles, press releases, and web content for a wide range of topics.
• Capture and edit photos and video content for digital distribution; comfort behind a camera is a must. Comfort in front of a camera is preferred.
• Assist in maintaining the City’s brand standards and visual identity across all platforms.
• Support emergency communications, public alerts, and rapid response messaging when needed.
• Use tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and web CMS platforms to create or adapt graphics and layouts.
• Attend and document city events, producing real-time or follow-up content for public engagement.
• Maintain a strong awareness of emerging trends in digital communications and municipal marketing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at time of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing successful organic social media campaigns.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual storytelling skills.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and publishing tools.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Canva, and social video/photo editing tools.

Preferred Education/Experience Requirements

• Associate’s degree (or current enrollment) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 1+ year experience in a professional communications, media, or public sector role.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro).
• Experience with web content management systems and analytics dashboards.
• Previous experience working in a government or nonprofit setting.

Knowledge, skills and abilities requirements:

• Independent thinker with strong project management skills.
• Excellent judgment and ability to work with sensitive or high-profile information.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work across multiple departments with diplomacy and creativity.
• Ability to multitask and deliver high-quality content on tight deadlines.

What You’ll Gain

This position is a unique opportunity to shape the voice of an entire city. You’ll build a versatile communications portfolio, work alongside elected officials and department heads, and be part of a team that values transparency, innovation, and community-first messaging.

Join Team Auburn

If you're excited about public service, civic storytelling, and creating engaging content that helps people better understand and connect with their local government – we want to hear from you.

Apply today and help tell the story of Auburn.

Other Qualifications

RECRUITMENT PROCESS 
The City of Auburn is dedicated to building an inclusive, informed city, with opportunities for all. Please make sure to submit a complete, detailed, and updated job application. You must meet the minimum qualifications to move forward in the screening process.

If identified as a top candidate, a thorough background check, as well as reference check and driving abstract review, will be required before an official position appointment will be offered.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Team Auburn values diverse perspectives and life experiences, and welcomes applications from people who will help us consistently demonstrate the values of equity, respect, and partnership. The department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social, and economic equality for ALL people in our community. 
 
The City of Auburn is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.  No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.