Summary
Description
Starting hiring salary – $68,116.39 to $72,203.37 annually
DEFINITION
The Senior Communications Specialist serves as a key member of the City of Brighton’s Communications team, responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, managing media relations, producing city publications, and supporting municipal access television operations. This role engages with the community through multiple channels, including social media, press releases, video production, and public presentations, ensuring accessible and timely, and accurate information for all audiences.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
This position reports to the Communications & Marketing Manager. The Senior Communications Specialist may provide supervision to an intern.
ESSENTIALJOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as a member of the City’s Communications team, assisting in the development of strategies, communication plans, and public information campaigns.
Understand the mission and services of city departments to communicate effectively with the community.
Identify, write, and distribute press releases; respond to media inquiries; and serve as a city spokesperson.
Manage the City’s social media platforms, creating engaging content and exploring new opportunities to connect with residents.
Monitor media and social media coverage; recommend communications initiatives to broaden City exposure.
Draft talking points and speeches for elected officials and staff; review and edit materials following AP style guidelines.
Research, coordinate, and write content for city-wide publications and internal communications.
Initiate and participate in interdepartmental meetings to gather information, photos, and support material.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community members, public interest groups, and media representatives.
May oversee or support the daily operations of the City’s municipal access cable channel (KBRI-8), ensuring 24-hour programming and accessibility.
May produce original television and social media video programming, including concept development, scriptwriting, videography, lighting, editing, directing, and on-camera work.
Conduct live broadcasts of public meetings and special events, upload and archive video content for public access.
Coordinate equipment use, acquisition, maintenance, and repair for broadcast and production needs.
Ensure all communication and media content is accessible and inclusive for diverse audiences.
Collaborate with regional partners on shared media and communication projects.
Assist with budget development for media operations and production resources.
Keep current with advancements in communications and production technology; research new marketing and media opportunities.
Represent the City at public events and presentations as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Advanced written and verbal communication, including journalism, marketing, and public relations principles.
Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn) and engagement strategies.
Video production equipment, editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro), lighting, audio capture, and broadcasting techniques preferred.
Visual storytelling through photos, video, and multimedia content.
AP Style and journalistic best practices.
Accessibility standards for all media formats.
Ability to:
Communicate clearly and effectively to diverse audiences in writing and verbally.
Translate technical information into accessible content.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Produce and direct video productions from concept through completion, including live broadcasts.
Operate video and audio equipment safely and effectively in field and studio settings.
Research, plan, and develop communications campaigns and video programming.
Handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
Inspire creativity and teamwork while maintaining professional leadership standards.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, broadcasting, television production, or a closely related field.
Four years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, media production, or related field. Must demonstrate strong competency in writing and public information, including social media. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is primarily sedentary in nature and performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical demands of the job, which include but may not be limited to lifting and/or carrying up to 10 pounds, walking, standing, hand/eye coordination to operate a computer system, speech and hearing to maintain communication during the normal course of work.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid Colorado driver’s license with a safe driving record.
Completion of FEMA IS 100 and IS 700 within six (6) months of hire.
