Communications Specialist en City & Borough of Juneau, AK

About the Department

If you’re a collaborative communicator that is excited about providing accessible information to your community, we’d love to hear from you!

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

A successful candidate in this position will possess the understanding and/or experience noted below.

• Understanding of principles, practices, and methods of effective public engagement and communications best practices.
• Demonstrated experience drafting written content for social, digital and traditional communications tools.
• Experience translating complex topics into approachable explanations for multiple audiences.
• Experience communicating with both internal and external stakeholders, as well as members of the media.
• High organizational skill, experience managing content calendars and project tasks and timelines.
• Ability to efficiently evaluate and prioritize various and potentially competing tasks, projects, and demands. 
• Understanding of website development and social media content creation and process as part of a team. 
• Strong capacity in communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Capacity to openly receive new ideas and other perspectives and practice active listening.
• Experience facilitating proactive coordination with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
• Ability to adapt effectively to changes, adjusting behavior to evolving circumstances, and embrace new ideas and diverse perspectives. 

THE BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

In this position you will receive a competitive salary package that includes the opportunity for regular pay increases, 13 paid holidays a year, an excellent health insurance program that includes medical, dental, vision and orthodontia care options, paid leave and retirement credit through PERS (Public Employees’ Retirement System), and a 457(B) deferred compensation program.

We value the health and well-being of our employees. The CBJ provides free parking or a free bus pass, employer contributions to dependent care, paid parental leave, paid time off for parent teacher conferences, the ability to participate in a robust wellness program that includes free entry to CBJ recreational centers and discounts to local fitness programs, free annual health screenings, free flu shots, free classes, challenges and webinars on healthy living to assist you with achieving work/life balance.  

WORKING HOURS AND LOCATION

This position works Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm and may need to be available some evenings to document and support public meetings or events. Your office would be located in downtown Juneau at City Hall.

Position Duties

Under the general direction of the Communications and Engagement Director, the Communications Specialist is responsible for creating and managing the organization’s central content calendar, and drafting informative written content across multiple platforms, including websites, press releases, social media, and email newsletters as a member of the Communications & Engagement team. The position will translate complex topics (e.g., legislative processes, Assembly actions, budget processes, planning projects) into approachable explanations for a variety of communications tools in partnership with the Digital Content Specialist and Engagement Specialist. The Communications Specialist will write, record and otherwise capture and communicate the stories of the CBJ to the public at large. 

To support the City’s prioritization of transparency and accessibility, this position will coordinate across city departments to proactively gather and disseminate timely information, respond to public inquiries, and communicate regarding Assembly actions and activities. The role will work with the Engagement Specialist to identify and promote opportunities for public and community engagement. Additionally, the position will coordinate internal communications to improve information flow among city employees and leadership and ensure messaging accuracy and consistency.

As a member of the Communications and Engagement (C&E) Division, this role is key to fostering civic participation and enhancing the visibility and accessibility of city government through consistent, clear, engaging, and inclusive communications. The Communications Specialist operates within a politically sensitive environment, requiring a strong ability to navigate complex stakeholder and partner relationships and manage messaging with tact and discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: 

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in journalism, public relations, English, communications, business administration, or a closely related field.

Substitution: 

Four years of experience in journalism, information dissemination or related public relations work.

Experience: 

One (1) year of professional communications experience representing an organization or company. 

License: 

Valid Driver’s License at time of appointment and for continued employment. 

Other Qualifications

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED INFORMATION

HIRING MANAGER CONTACT INFO

Hiring Manager: Ashley Heimbigner

Phone Number: 907-586-5240

Email: [email protected]