Communication Specialist

Applications Close at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2026

Essential competencies of this job are described below. They may be subject to change at any time. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position, if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and may be changed by the employer at any time.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

Performs professional communication duties for the City including media relations, press releases, social media oversight, website content updates, and production of public information materials such as the City’s quarterly newsletter. Develops and coordinates communication strategies to inform the public of City programs, services, and activities. Assists departments with public information needs, graphic design, and digital content creation. Ensures accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of City communication across platforms. Works under the direction of the City Manager or designee, who participates in the establishment of major objectives and reviews work for effectiveness and results obtained. May provide guidance to interns, volunteers, and entry-level staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Unless specifically identified as a “Non-Essential Job Function”, the information included in this job description, and any referenced supplemental documents, is considered an “Essential Job Function”. Temporary modifications to provide reasonable accommodations, or transitional work assignments, do not waive any of the essential functions for this position.

The following information is not all-inclusive.

• Develop, write, edit, and distribute press releases, public notices, talking points, and official statements.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate communication with news outlets.
• Be available for on-camera interviews with news agencies and provide coaching, tips, and preparation support for staff participating in on-camera or on-air interviews or presentations as assigned.
• Provide information to the public regarding City programs, services, and activities.
• Assist with writing and preparation of the City’s Year End Report and the Mayor’s annual State of the City Address.
• Under the direction of the City Manager or designee, collaborate with the Mayor and City Council with regards to public relations.
• Plan, write, edit, and coordinate production of the City’s quarterly newsletter.
• Prepare and design brochures, flyers, graphics, and other communication materials.
• Assist with preparation of presentation materials, including PowerPoint and other audio/visual tools.
• Create basic video and multimedia content for City communication platforms.
• Identify equity and inclusion considerations in communication materials.
• Stay apprised of emerging communication tools, technologies, and trends.
• Oversee the City’s social media presence, including content planning, posting standards, and analytics.
• Monitor social media activity and ensure compliance with public record requirements.
• Manage social media archiving software.
• Collaborate with departments to gather content and ensure consistency with City messaging.
• Collaborate with departments to update and maintain City website content.
• Ensure accuracy, accessibility, and usability of online information.
• Troubleshoot content-related issues and identify improvements.
• Assist in planning and coordinating communication strategies to inform the community of City services, programs, and accomplishments.
• Support community relations programs and outreach for public meetings and events.
• Assist departments with public information needs and communication planning.
• Identify grant opportunities and assist departments with grant writing and communication components of grant administration.
• Independently manage special projects assigned by the City Manager or designee.
• Serve on internal committees and subcommittees as assigned.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of public information, media relations, and communication practices.
• Working knowledge of City municipal government structure, policies, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Windows-based operating systems and standard Microsoft software applications.
• Working knowledge of photo and document editing and design programs, including graphic design principles and software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suites).
• Knowledge of social media platforms, trends, and analytics tools.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of public records retention and disclosure requirements.
• Expertise and experience handling sensitive and confidential issues.
• Skills in computer operation including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and email.
• Skills in writing clear, concise, and accurate communication materials.
• Possession of strong organizational skills.
• Excellent team building skills.
• Ability to proofread material rapidly and accurately, checking for several details simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate information clearly and concisely in a manner easily understood by the general public.
• Sufficient speech and hearing abilities, or alternative communication capabilities, to communicate effectively and perform the essential functions.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet tight time lines, self-initiate, set goals, organize, plan and coordinate projects, establish procedures and anticipate and implement changes as needed.
• Creative abilities and the ability to maintain a positive outlook.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with other employees, public and private officials, constituencies, and the general public.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and adjust to evolving work demands and changes.
• Ability to make independent decisions and exercise judgement consistent with appropriate policies, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret and apply provisions of procedures, laws and technical documents.
• Ability to recognize, analyze and recommend workable solutions to problems.
• Ability to be self-motivated, work under pressure and handle stressful situations with minimal supervision.

WORK STANDARDS

• Regular attendance and punctuality.
• Speak and act truthfully.
• Conduct oneself with integrity, morality, character, and trustworthiness.
• Exhibit self-control.
• Detail-oriented.
• Thorough when completing work tasks.
• Accept supervision and constructive criticism.
• Reliable, responsible, and dependable.
• Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Independence of action within industry standards and departmental guidelines is stressed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education and experience requirements listed are minimum standards. Other equivalent combinations of education, certifications, training, and experience may be considered.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, graphic design, or related field.

Experience: Three years of experience in public communications, media relations, digital communications, or a position with similar responsibility.

Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS & CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid driver's license by date of hire. New employees establishing resident status in the State of Oregon must obtain an Oregon driver's license within 30 days.

Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The City of Roseburg is committed to complying fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Oregon’s Disability Accommodation and Discrimination laws. We are also committed to ensuring equal opportunity in employment for qualified persons with disabilities. The City of Roseburg will make reasonable efforts to accommodate a qualified applicant or employee with a known disability to perform the essential jobs functions, unless such accommodation creates an undue hardship on the City of Roseburg’s operations, or a safety risk to employee or coworkers, or removes an essential job function. Employees should request an accommodation as soon as it becomes apparent that a reasonable accommodation may be necessary, to enable the employee to perform the essential duties of a position, or to participate in the employment process. To discuss an accommodation request, please contact John VanWinkle, Human Resource Director.

While performing the duties of this job, work is performed primarily indoors in mostly office settings, with a noise level that is usually quiet; at times work may be performed outside with a noise level and weather which may vary. May require bending, hearing spoken communication and telephone conversation, seeing, keyboarding, and sitting and standing for extended periods of time. May be required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying supplies, materials, equipment and/or items weighing up to 25 pounds. On occasion, may have to work long hours in emergency situations. May be exposed to moving vehicles and equipment.

The factors described herein are representative of, but not all-inclusive of, those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform as a Communication Specialist.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full-time fixed work schedule. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative work schedules, including 4/10s or 9/80s, may be available with prior approval and are subject to operational needs. May be required to work after hours in certain situations.

BENEFIT SUMMARY

The City of Roseburg provides a comprehensive benefit package to employees including Medical, Vision, Dental, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance and various voluntary benefits including MASA Medical Transport Solutions and Aflac. The City participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and currently pays the entire contribution on behalf of employees. All full-time employees working over 20 hours per week are eligible for medical benefits the first of the month following their date of employment. Links to the complete benefits resource guide can be found at: https://roseburgor.gov/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

Insurance Benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family, paid at 100% by the City with the opportunity to buy up to a lower deductible plan.
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance – policy value of $25,000 paid by the City.
• Long-term disability insurance provided by the City.
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA-VEBA) contributions provided by the City.

Additional Benefits:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• The City has a fully equipped fitness center available 24 hours a day.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

The City of Roseburg follows Oregon law regarding Veterans’ Preference; you must complete the Veteran’s Preference Form and attach a copy of your DD214 or DD215 (Copy 4), or NGB Form 22. If you are a disabled veteran, you must also include a copy of your Veteran’s Administration benefit summary/award letter with your application.

HOW TO APPLY?

Complete an application form available via one of the following methods.

Electronically: https://roseburgor.gov/departments/human-resources/employment

In-Person: City of Roseburg – Administration, 900 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, OR 97470

Email: jobs@roseburgor.gov

Submit completed application to Human Resources by the closing date listed in the job announcement. Applications must be received or postmarked no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. All required documents should be presented with the application. Resumes are accepted in addition to, not in lieu of, the City of Roseburg application form.

Selection Process: Applications are thoroughly reviewed and screened by the Human Resources Office. Since these are competitive selection processes, applicants whose backgrounds appear to most closely match the needs of the particular vacancy will be considered. Once the screening is complete, Human Resources notifies all candidates of their status. This process can take from one to four weeks after the closing date. Due to the number of applicants and the limited number of job opportunities, not all applicants proceed in the recruitment process.

The City of Roseburg does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities. The City of Roseburg does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.

Questions: Please direct questions to the City of Roseburg Administration Office at 541-492-6866.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Roseburg – The Hub of Southern Oregon

The City of Roseburg is situated at the heart of the Hundred Valleys of the Umpqua in scenic, Southwestern Oregon. On Interstate 5, it is 67 miles south of Eugene, and 123 miles north of the California border. Traveling by State Highway 38/138 or 42, Roseburg is about 80 miles inland from the Pacific coastal communities Reedsport and Coos Bay. Highway 138 continues east from the city along the North Umpqua River. It is 79 miles to Diamond Lake at the summit of the Oregon Cascades and just 20 miles more to Crater Lake National Park.

The elevation is 465 feet, and features a mild, fair seasonal climate. Winters are cool without much freezing and provide most of the rainfall that brings blossom-filled springs. A warming trend begins in April and May, continuing into the summery days of July and August. Fall weather is pleasant and crisp, producing brilliant leaf colors in late October. The Hundred Valleys of the Umpqua have been compared geographically and climatologically with Italy and Southern France. Extremes of heat and cold are rare. The summer humidity is low, and snowfall is rare on the valley floor. The normal growing season is 217 days. Roseburg enjoys one of the lowest average wind velocities in the United States.

Roseburg is the county seat and largest city in Douglas County. The population is 24,258 with an urban daytime population of approximately 60,000. Roseburg is the hub of retail, government activity and medical services for Central Douglas County. The City is served by Roseburg School District #4, which has an excellent reputation and community support. Umpqua Community College is 5 miles north of the City and offers a varied curriculum with extensive adult education and community-oriented classes. Multiple locations at the college are available for cultural activities, and there is a thriving community theater group with its own venue in a city park.

The city boasts numerous park areas, including tennis courts, soccer and ball fields, a 9-hole golf course, skate park, disc golf course, dog park and walking trails. Roseburg is the location of choice for many who seek a high-quality living environment at a reasonable price. Various community events, including Graffiti Week, Art and Wine Festivals and Music on the Half Shell, among others, are held throughout the year for local residents and tourists.

For Roseburg area tourism information go to www.experienceroseburg.com

There are numerous shopping opportunities from specialty shops in historic downtown to nationwide chain stores. Housing is available in various price ranges. Roseburg's economy has diversified in recent years while still retaining strong ties to its natural resource base. Efforts to bring clean industries and new jobs to the area have been fruitful and are continuing through support by a coalition of government agencies and funding. In recent years, the retirement and senior population has grown considerably, and various residential facilities have been constructed to meet the needs of this segment of the population.

Local wineries are an expanding area of economic development with many being recognized in national and international competitions. Umpqua Community College built the Southern Oregon Wine Institute as a center for classes, a training winery and activity center to prepare students for jobs in the industry and to function as a research industry for all Southern Oregon.

Pay: $34.51 - $44.18 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person