Communications Specialist (Bilingual - English/Spanish)

Job Description:

Communications Specialist (Bilingual - English/Spanish)

Description

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs . Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Pay & Benefits

Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome all and offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Strong supportfor professional development
• Vacation & Holiday Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• CalPERS Retirement
• Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay
• Eligibility as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Salary Range (DOQ):

• Communications Specialist - $80,013.03 - $107,218.18 Annually DOQ

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced, strategic, and community-focused Communications Specialist to join the City Manager’s Office. Under general supervision, the Communications Specialist develops, plans, coordinates, and implements comprehensive marketing, public information, public relations, and community engagement strategies that support City programs, services, and initiatives.

This position requires fluency in both English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally. The Communications Specialist will actively engage with Spanish-speaking community members and stakeholders to ensure inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive communication and outreach.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops and implements citywide communications, public relations, marketing, and community outreach strategies in alignment with City priorities.
• Serves as a communications advisor to City leadership, departments, commissions, and committees; develops strategic communication plans for programs, initiatives, and major projects.
• Writes, edits, and distributes a wide range of materials in English and Spanish, including press releases, articles, newsletters, presentations, speeches, website content, social media posts, public notices, and promotional materials.
• Engages directly with diverse stakeholders, including Spanish-speaking residents, businesses, and community organizations, to support outreach efforts, public meetings, and City initiatives.
• Coordinates media relations activities, including preparing and distributing media releases, arranging press coverage, producing public service announcements, and managing advertising placements.
• Manages and administers digital communication tools, including the City’s website, social media platforms, and employee intranet; monitors engagement metrics and evaluates outreach effectiveness.
• Develops and oversees the production of informational materials such as brochures, reports, strategic planning documents, and campaign collateral; coordinates graphic design, photography, and distribution.
• Plans and supports City Council presentations, special events, community meetings, and stakeholder engagement efforts; prepares briefing materials, speeches, and event communications.
• Assists with fundraising campaigns, grant writing, sponsorship coordination, and donor outreach related to City projects and programs.
• Analyzes communication and outreach data to assess effectiveness and recommend improvements aligned with community needs and City goals.
• Attends meetings, workshops, and conferences; provides presentations and public information as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications - Required

A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field, and two years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, media, fundraising, public relations or communications, including some supervision and coordination of major functions is required.

Licenses: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver license may be required.

Language: Advanced oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish is required. Candidates must be able to perform verbal and formal written translations that will have widespread public exposure/distribution.

About the Department

The City Manager’s Office serves as the administrative leadership of the City, operating under the authority granted by the City Charter adopted in 1934. The City Manager acts as the chief administrative officer and is responsible to the City Council for the oversight and administration of all City affairs.

The Office provides strategic guidance to the City Council, supports the development and implementation of City policies and priorities, and oversees the preparation and administration of the City’s annual budget. The City Manager also appoints and directs department leadership to ensure alignment with Council goals and organizational objectives.

With a focus on responsive governance and operational excellence, the City Manager’s Office provides overall organizational leadership to ensure the effective daily delivery of City services, programs, and projects. The work of the department is guided by the City’s General Plan and is centered on meeting evolving community needs while maintaining transparency, accountability, and high-quality public service.

How to Apply & Selection Process

Submit your online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes may be attached but will not replace a completed application or supplemental questionnaire. All communication regarding your application will be via email, so please check your inbox regularly and ensure your contact information is current.

Application Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Selection Process Timeline:

• Thursday, March 19, 2026 - Oral Panel Interviews (A timed writing prompt will be administered as part of the interview process. Candidates will receive specific instructions on the day of the interview).
• Thursday, March 26, 2026 - Department Interviews
• Week of March 30, 2026 - Bilingual Fluency Examination (Candidates must successfully pass an approved written and verbal Spanish language fluency exam prior to appointment)

Learn more about the Communications Specialist on the job description here .

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page .

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:
[email protected]

(805) 654-7802

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: [email protected].

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

Salary:

$80,013.03 - 107,218.18 Annually