Communication Specialist II

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communication Specialist II serves as the primary communications professional for Venues Parks & Arts (VPA). This position develops and implements internal and external communication strategies that support departmental goals, strengthen public awareness, increase community engagement, and ensure consistent messaging across VPA divisions.

The position leads media relations, public information, social media strategy, content development, executive communications, and organizational storytelling. It works closely with department leadership, City departments, community partners, elected officials, media representatives, and other stakeholders to communicate VPA services, programs, facilities, projects, events, and priorities.

This role supports VPA by providing timely, accurate, and engaging information to residents, employees, partners, and visitors while strengthening the department’s reputation and connection to the community.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements list below are representative of the knowledge, education, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead VPA’s internal and external communications, developing plans and consistent messaging that support department priorities.
• Manage media relations, social media, website and newsletter content, and storytelling about VPA programs, facilities, events, and community impact.
• Prepare staff updates, leadership materials, and public outreach communications; coordinate timely information during emergencies and service disruptions.
• Work with City departments and community partners, use audience feedback and engagement data to improve communications, and support events and special projects as needed.
• Attends VPA programs, events, facilities, project sites, public meetings, and community activities to provide communications support, gather information, develop content, coordinate media activities, and capture photography or video as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUCCESS MEASURES

• Consistent and effective department-wide messaging.
• Increased public awareness of VPA programs, services, facilities, projects, and initiatives.
• Improved internal communication and employee awareness.
• Timely and accurate public information and media response.
• Strong relationships with media and community stakeholders.
• Growth in meaningful digital engagement and effective use of communication channels.
• Increased visibility of VPA’s impact on residents and neighborhoods.
• Effective communication support for major projects, events, initiatives, and strategic priorities.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY

• Excellent writing, editing, verbal communication, and storytelling skills.
• Knowledge of communication planning, media relations, public information practices, social media, and digital communications.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible messages for different audiences.
• Ability to plan strategically while also managing day-to-day communication needs.
• Strong organization, project management, and deadline management skills.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, marketing communications, public information, or related work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in local government, parks and recreation, arts and culture, nonprofit, venue, or other community-focused organizations.
• Experience managing organizational social media platforms and digital communication channels.
• Experience developing communication plans, media campaigns, and public engagement efforts.
• Experience with photography, videography, graphic design coordination, website content management, or digital content creation tools.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Driver's License

EQUIPMENT

Computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other standard office equipment. Multi-function printer, copier, scanner, and presentation equipment. Digital camera, video camera, microphones, tripods, lighting equipment, and related photography or video equipment. Audio/visual and presentation equipment used for meetings, public events, press conferences, and community engagement activities. City vehicle or personal vehicle for travel to VPA facilities, events, meetings, and project locations.

Software and digital platforms used for word processing, presentations, email, social media management, website content management, graphic design, photography/video editing, scheduling, analytics, and other communications functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primarily sedentary work with periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout office, facility, event, and outdoor environments. Ability to frequently operate a computer, smartphone, camera, and other communications equipment. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, electronically, and in group or public settings. Ability to visually review written materials, digital content, photographs, video, signage, and other communications materials.

Ability to occasionally lift, carry, position, or transport communications, photography, audio/visual, or event-related equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to travel between VPA facilities and other locations throughout the community and navigate a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Ability to occasionally remain standing or walking for extended periods while supporting events, media activities, public meetings, photography, or community outreach.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment, with regular work at VPA facilities and occasional work at parks, venues, community events, construction or project sites, public meetings, and other indoor and outdoor locations. The position may occasionally be exposed to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, crowds, noise, vehicle traffic, construction activity, and other conditions associated with parks, facilities, public events, and active project sites.

Work may occasionally require evening, weekend, or holiday hours to support events, public meetings, emergency communications, media requests, or other department needs. The position requires regular interaction with employees, elected officials, media representatives, community partners, residents, visitors, and members of the public. The position may involve responding to time-sensitive, sensitive, high-profile, or emergency-related communications and requires the ability to work effectively under deadlines and changing priorities.

Local travel between VPA facilities, City facilities, event locations, and other community sites is required.

UNION AFFILIATION

N/A

Driver’s License

Pre-Employment Drug Screen

Background Check

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.

Requirements

• Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values
• All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:
• Excellence – Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation – Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion – Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment – Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.
• This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

Summary

Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement

The City of South Bend is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.