Communications Specialist

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

The City of Garden Grove is accepting applications for the position of Communications Specialist. Final date to receive applications:
Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PST.

The Community Relations division of the City Manager's Office currently has two (2) vacancies for a Communications Specialist (official title: Administrative Analyst).

Under general direction from the Public Information Officer, the Communications Specialist will plan, write, and publish community-facing content across web, social, email, and City print materials. The position will write press releases and other media materials, maintain high‑traffic web pages, manage a weekly content calendar, and help deliver clear, accessible, and multilingual information that fosters transparency and community engagement. Work is performed on deadline and in coordination with subject‑matter experts and City leadership.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Digital Media, or a closely related field.
• Experience: One (1) year of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital content creation or a closely related field that includes creating public-facing written, digital, or multimedia materials. Government communications experience is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of: Basic principles and methods of public administration and public information in a municipal environment, statistical and research methods; administrative survey techniques; computer applications and presentations, including MS Office, Google Workspace, web‑content management, and social‑media management tools; digital‑communication platforms (e.g., Canva/Adobe Express, Constant Contact, Gov Delivery, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Sprout, CMS); customer service techniques and principles, and supervisory techniques where applicable.
• Ability to: Make sound analyses and evaluations and effectively present findings; write and edit clear, accurate, and accessible public-facing content in plain language across multiple platforms; apply sound judgment in reviewing information and handling sensitive matters; use data and basic analytics to evaluate outcomes; collaborate effectively and exercise tact and cultural sensitivity; provide customer service; coordinate projects and meet deadlines; work irregular hours;
  
  and, where applicable, supervise or provide lead direction to staff.
• Other Requirements: California Class C driver's license is highly desirable.

• Translate City policies, programs, and initiatives into clear, public-facing content such as news releases, FAQs, talking points, website updates, newsletters, and social media posts.
• Maintain and update City web content, intranet pages, and social media channels to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility across platforms.
• Draft and prepare media materials including advisories, quotes, and basic background sheets.
• Support responses to routine media and public inquiries by gathering information from departments and providing accurate, timely, and culturally competent responses.
• Support communications during emergencies and special events by posting verified updates, assisting with press materials, coordinating translation needs, and supporting on-scene communications tasks as assigned.
• Contribute to the preparation of Council briefing materials, community updates, and public information summaries.
• Assist in developing communication tools such as procedural guides, talking points, templates, and outreach materials.
• Participate in community forums, outreach events, and City-sponsored activities to support public information and engagement efforts.
• Coordinate and schedule content across platforms, including gathering quotes, photos, videos, and translations.
• Assist with special projects, research, and outreach initiatives related to City programs, public information needs, and emerging community concerns.
• May be required to work evenings or weekends during emergencies or major City events.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Online applications can be submitted by visiting…