CLASS TITLE:           Communications and Public Relations Specialist

REPORTS TO:           City Administrator

FLSA STATUS:          Exempt

SALARY:  $55,640 – $76,731 annually.  Starting salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, typically falling between the minimum and the midpoint of the advertised range to maintain internal equity.                       

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: 

Reporting to the City Administrator, the Communications and Public Relations Specialist develops multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns and manages the production of all City-wide digital, print, and video communications.

This position facilitates public participation through events, public engagement efforts, and livestreamed meetings, while ensuring clear and transparent communication during emergencies or high-profile public issues.

Working collaboratively across City departments, the Communications and Public Relations Specialist plays a central role in shaping Lamar’s public image and strengthening relationships with residents and businesses.

What You’ll Do

• Strategic Communications
  • Develop and implement city-wide communication, marketing, and branding strategies.
  • Support departments, boards, and administration with strategic messaging and public outreach.
• Media & Public Relations
  • Write and distribute news releases and official communications to local, state, and national media outlets.
  • Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries and support proactive media engagement.
  • Manage media buying and advertising copy.
• Multimedia Storytelling
  • Create compelling content for newsletters, social media, websites, and public communications.
  • Design and produce digital graphics, photography, and video content.
  • Coordinate video presentations and livestream City Council meetings and work sessions.
• Digital Communications
  • Manage City messaging across digital platforms including website updates, newsletters, and social media.
  • Produce content that improves public awareness and engagement.
• Community Engagement
  • Facilitate focus groups, task forces, and outreach efforts to encourage public participation in civic issues.
  • Work collaboratively with departments to resolve community concerns and communicate city initiatives.
• Event Coordination
  • Manage planning and promotion of community events including logistics, vendor coordination, and publicity.
  • Represent the City during public events and engagement initiatives.
• Crisis Communication
  • Support the City’s crisis communication efforts.
  • Provide 24-hour on-call support during emergencies to ensure accurate and timely public information.

Physical Demands

This position is primarily sedentary but includes occasional physical activity during events and production work.

Employees must be able to:

• Occasionally lift or carry up to 40 pounds and frequently lift up to 10 pounds.
• Distinguish colors and work in varying lighting conditions.
• Hear, speak, and write clearly.
• Read and interpret written materials and reports.
• Use hands and fingers continuously to operate computers and equipment.
• Sit or stand for extended periods and walk or stand during events.
• Occasionally stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, climb, or reach overhead.
• Maintain coordination necessary to operate office equipment and a vehicle.
• Communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Work under tight timelines, particularly when coordinating public events.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to levels of noise commonly associated with outdoor environments during the conduct of events where temperatures also could be variable and inclement weather is possible.

SUPERVISION:  This position does not supervise other employees.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  Valid Colorado Driver’s license.  

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a closely related field is required.

Experience: Three (3) to five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, digital design, or communications management.

Equivalency: A combination of education and significant professional experience that demonstrates the ability to perform high-level strategic tasks may be considered.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Every City staff member must possess or work to attain the following five core competencies:

• Communication: Communicate effectively by actively listening and sharing relevant information with co-workers, supervisors, and customers. Maintain excellent writing, grammar, and presentation skills in both internal and external communications.
• Interpersonal Relations: Interact professionally and courteously with coworkers, residents, and community stakeholders. Maintain strong working relationships across departments and handle public inquiries tactfully and effectively.
• Customer Service: Work effectively with internal and external customers to meet service expectations and support community needs.
• Accountability and Dependability: Demonstrate responsible professional conduct and support the City’s goals and objectives. Work independently with minimal supervision, maintain confidentiality, and complete assignments within established timelines.
• Job Knowledge:Maintain proficiency in:
  • Adobe Creative Suite / Photoshop or similar design software
  • Microsoft Office products
  • Digital photography and visual design
  • Social media platforms and messaging
  • Modern office and communications practices

              Employees will also receive training in City livestream software and public address systems and are      expected to maintain ongoing professional development.

Important Workplace Policy

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:  Because the possession and use of marijuana whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City of Lamar is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting the use of marijuana.  The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change the policy.

THE CITY OF LAMAR PROVIDES EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT OF ANY TYPE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY STATUS, GENETICS, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC PROTECTED BY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS.

THIS POLICY APPLIES TO ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING RECRUITING, HIRING, PLACEMENT, PROMOTION, TERMINATION, LAYOFF, RECALL, TRANSFER, LEAVES OF ABSENCE, COMPENSATION AND TRAINING.