Communications Specialist

General Summary

The Communications Specialist performs digital media, content creation, community engagement, and public information work in support of the City of Atlantic Beach. The position focuses on drafting, creating, and distributing accurate, timely, accessible, and engaging content regarding City programs, services, projects, events, and emergency conditions.

The Communications Specialist coordinates with City departments to gather details, write copy, and produce visual assets that promote transparency and public awareness. The position creates day-to-day content for the City’s social media presence, website, digital newsletters, and print materials, helping to maintain a clear and consistent City brand.

Work requires sound judgment, clear writing ability, creativity, and the capacity to balance multiple routine assignments and rapidly changing priorities. The employee will be periodically required to attend meetings and events outside regular business hours and assist with emergency messaging during severe weather or local public safety incidents.

Content Creation and Digital Media

• Drafts, schedules, and posts day-to-day content across authorized City social media accounts, including graphics, short-form posts, photographs, and event notices.
• Monitors social media comments and direct messages, applies approved moderation and response protocols, and routes public inquiries to the appropriate department.
• Provides real-time social media coverage and photography for City events, community programs, and local activities.
• Assists with updating written copy, images, notices, and routine announcements on the City’s website.
• Drafts copy for electronic newsletters, email notifications, flyers, digital signage, and community engagement tools.
• Creates and publishes digital content in accordance with City accessibility standards, including appropriate alternative text, captions, accessible documents, descriptive links, and other accessibility practices applicable to City web and digital content.

General Writing and Communications

• Researches, writes, and edits copy for internal and external public information materials, including flyers, postcards, brochures, event programs, and educational handouts.
• Translates operational, technical, or regulatory details from City departments into clear, plain-language messaging for the public.
• Proofreads departmental communication materials for grammar, clarity, tone, and brand consistency.
• Assists in compiling routine internal communications, employee announcements, and project highlights.

Graphic Design, Photography, and Video Execution

• Photographs and captures video at City events, facilities, and projects for visual storytelling assets.
• Creates social media graphics, digital ads, print flyers, and presentation templates using design software (e.g., Canva or Adobe Creative Suite).
• Edits short-form video clips, event recaps, and basic multimedia updates for public distribution.
• Maintains an organized digital library of logos, graphics, photos, and video files.

Media and Event Support

• Assists in compiling background details, fact sheets, FAQs, and event information to support public information outreach.
• Routes incoming media inquiries to the Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager, or other designated spokesperson in accordance with City media-response protocols.
• Assists with setting up promotional materials, signage, displays, and audio/visual needs for town halls, ribbon-cuttings, and public meetings.

Emergency and Crisis Communications Support

• Prepares and posts approved emergency alerts and public notices across the website, social media channels, and email systems during severe weather or service disruptions.
• Assists with distributing…