Public Affairs Specialist I or II

Public Affairs Specialist I Salary Range 41: $7,530 to $9,174 monthly or Public Affairs Specialist II Salary Range 45: $8,311 to $10,129 monthly Department: Public Affairs Supervisor: Public Affairs Manager Term/Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday (9/80 workweek optional) and will include occasional weekend and evening work to attend events. The work is in person at our office located at 1200 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264. Job Definition: Under general supervision, this Public Affairs Specialist I or II will focus on the development and execution of social media content across multiple platforms, and the creation of graphics and other visual elements that support Agency communications. In addition to these primary responsibilities, the position will perform a variety of professional, technical, and support duties, as assigned, to assist with the Agency’s overall public affairs, education and communication efforts. Position Level Distinction: The Public Affairs Specialist II position is distinguished from the Public Affairs Specialist I position based on years of experience, caliber of qualifications, and knowledge/mastery of required programs and work processes. The position will be filled at the level that best matches the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications, at the discretion of the Agency. Job Duties/Responsibilities: The Public Affairs Specialist I or II will conduct duties such as, but not limited to: Create, schedule, publish, and monitor content across DWA’s various social media platforms, including graphics, videos and reels. Maintain a content calendar, suggest topics and campaigns, and monitor the latest social media trends ensuring that social content is timely, accurate and consistent with DWA’s brand and communication goals. Review social media analytics to inform future campaigns, content and strategies. Create compelling visuals such as graphics, infographics, flyers, brochures, presentations, videos and other outreach collateral, adhering to DWA brand guidelines and using approved graphic design software or programs. Coordinate and provide photography, videography, and other multimedia assets in support of communication and outreach efforts, including attending DWA internal and external events to chronicle and promote programs. Develop and write engaging content for social media, advertising, marketing, website, newsletters, press releases and other communication outreach, adhering to DWA branding and style standards. Assist in updating the DWA website and events calendar to ensure information is refreshed and up to date. Develop and provide presentations to schools and other community groups to further Agency messaging. Attend events and assist in event planning, including the coordination and promotion of DWA events such as tours, workshops and special community meetings. Attend and assist in planning DWA’s participation at public meetings and community events such as back-to-school programs, picnics and festivals, some of which occur on the weekends and after hours. Assist in responding to media requests and maintain a positive relationship with media outlets (print, television, radio, online, etc.) May assist with on-camera related assignments. Assist with public and community inquiries received in person, via email or social media, referring issues to appropriate staff, as needed. Support and collaborate with other DWA departments on their communication needs and promotion of internal and external programming. Support and assist with organization and implementation of a DWA photo/video library. Support and assist with ordering and organization of promotional inventory. Work on and assist with regional public affairs efforts with other agencies. Qualifications: Education Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in a related field such as journalism, mass communication, public relations, or graphic design . Experience Public Affairs Specialist I Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, journalism, education, graphic design, copy writing, advertising or a related field. Experience managing or contributing to professional social media accounts for a government agency, nonprofit organization, business or other organization responsible for public-facing communications. Public Affairs Specialist II Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, journalism, education, graphic design, copy writing, advertising or a related field. Experience managing a professional social media account for a government agency, nonprofit organization, business or other organization responsible for public-facing communications. Technical Proficiency: Strong visual design skills with proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva, and similar platforms. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), Google Workspace applications, website content management systems and social media management tools. License(s): Possession of a valid drivers' license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles appropriate for the use of Agency vehicles required in the fulfillment of the job duties for this position, with an acceptable driving record. Knowledge of: Principles, methods and practices applied in communications. Social media strategy, platform functionality, analytics, and content and design best practices for Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Nextdoor. Principals and techniques of media relations, advertising, branding and public information campaigns. Methods and techniques of writing for a variety of audiences and communication channels. Website content management and analytics. Best practices for representing DWA interests with stakeholders, governing boards and other decision-makers. Principles and practices of sound business communication. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and AP Style. Principles of graphic design, layout, branding, and print production. Current trends and best practices in digital communications and public affairs. Ability to: Work independently with minimal direction and oversight from Public Affairs Manager and effectively carry out implementation of assigned tasks. Write clearly and effectively for diverse audiences and communication platforms. Conduct limited mathematical calculations for agency statistics. Understand and effectively carry out general oral and written instructions. Operate a computer and related software, including word processing, graphic design, presentation, website and content management applications. Operate photography, video and audiovisual equipment. Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing. Exercise sound judgement and initiative within established guidelines. Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and adapting to changing priorities. Maintain accurate files and records. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, elected officials, stakeholders, community organizations, the media and the public. Work Environment: Generally, the duties to be performed by the Public Affairs Specialist I/II will be in an office environment within the DWA Operations Center (main office) or other places of business, including schools, auditoriums, and clubs, or, on occasion, outdoor community spaces. Within the Operations center, there is moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, both overhead lighting and natural light from windows. There is office equipment that operates within the confines of the work areas, including, but not limited to: telephones, computers, printers, etc. The working hours will be traditional Agency office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday with the option of a 9/80 schedule which entails having alternating Fridays off. However, due to the nature of the position, there will be travel requirements to different locations both locally and out-of-town, and attendance at events before or after hours and on occasional weekends will be required. Physical Demands/Requirements: With or without accommodation, must be able to work in a standard office setting and use typical office equipment; sit at a desk and use a computer; operate a vehicle and the DWA Public Affairs van for events; climb stairs, ladders and stepping stools; pick up boxes and lift audiovisual equipment and presentation materials; stand and walk on concrete and uneven ground at DWA facilities. This position will close to applicants on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m