Public Affairs Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Public Affairs Specialist for a contract opportunity in Palmdale, CA. This role supports a public sector organization by developing strategic internal and external communications, managing public information efforts, supporting media relations, and helping build trust with customers, community members, employees, elected officials, and other stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity for a communications professional who enjoys translating technical information into clear, accessible messaging for the public. The work environment offers supportive leadership, cross-functional collaboration, meaningful community programs, and the opportunity to contribute to public-facing initiatives that directly support local residents and essential services.

• Develop, write, edit, and distribute public information materials for websites, newsletters, bill inserts, fact sheets, reports, advertising, press releases, social media, scripts, and presentations.
• Work with internal subject matter experts to gather, fact-check, and simplify technical information, government documents, project updates, and policy details for diverse audiences.
• Support media relations activities, including press events, interviews, editorial visits, site visits, and preparation of informational materials for news media and stakeholders.
• Create, monitor, edit, and post social media content while responding to inquiries and comments in alignment with established communication guidelines.
• Capture and manage photography and video content for use in digital communications, publications, advertising, media relations, and community outreach.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, community groups, employees, news media, and other stakeholders to support organizational trust, reputation, and engagement.

• Pay range: $35.00 to $50.00 per hour.
• Job type:
  Contract/Temporary.
• Contract length:
  Approximately 3 to 4 months, with potential to extend.
• Location:
  
  Palmdale, CA.
• Schedule:
  
  Monday through Thursday, 4/10 schedule.
• Hours:
  
  Approximately 24 to 32 hours per week.
• Scheduling:
  Some flexibility based on the selected candidate and client needs.

• Develop and implement internal and external communication materials for public programs, projects, policies, and community initiatives.
• Coordinate media relations, public information campaigns, stakeholder communications, and community outreach activities.
• Create written, digital, visual, and social media content for multiple public-facing communication channels.
• Review technical materials and government documents, then translate complex information into clear messaging for general audiences.
• 6 to 10 years of relevant experience in public affairs, public information, media relations, communications, journalism, community relations, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs, Journalism, Graphic Design, Communications, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary skills.
• Knowledge of public information methods, strategic communications, media relations, social media, publications, and community outreach.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics in simple, accurate, and audience-appropriate language.
• Knowledge of local and state government functions, public sector processes, and stakeholder communications.
• Proficiency with website content, publications, social media content, and public information channels.
• Experience with photography, video capture, image selection, and visual communication.
• Knowledge of graphic arts, InDesign, printing methods, production terminology, and communication design principles.
• English and Spanish grammar, writing, composition, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with staff, media, community groups, customers, and public stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, shifting priorities, and deadline-driven work in an unpredictable public information environment.
• Sound judgment in preparing, reviewing, and disseminating public communications.
• Ability to work irregular hours as needed for media inquiries, public meetings, community events, or urgent communications.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to…