Communications Assistant

Description

This individual operates with independence under general supervision, demonstrates initiative, and understands the importance of clear, timely, and responsible public communications in a municipal setting.

Core Competencies

1. Professional Communication Expertise

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to draft clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate content including press materials, social media posts, newsletters, website updates, and event materials.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with attention to grammar, formatting, and compliance with City standards.
• Comfortable responding to media inquiries under leadership direction with professionalism and discretion.

2. Digital & Social Media Proficiency

• Experience managing or supporting official social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X).
• Knowledge of content scheduling tools and analytics platforms.
• Ability to interpret engagement data and prepare performance summaries.
• Understanding trends in digital engagement and public-facing communications.

3. Public Sector Awareness

• Familiarity with municipal operations and the importance of public transparency.
• Understanding appropriate tones and messaging in government communications.
• Awareness of public records considerations and crisis/emergency communication sensitivity.

4. Graphic & Visual Communication Skills

• Ability to design basic graphics using platforms such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools.
• Photography skills are sufficient to document City facilities, programs, and events.
• Strong visual storytelling ability that enhances written content.

5. Project Coordination & Organizational Strength

• Excellent time management and ability to track multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience maintaining calendars, tracking systems, and project workflows.
• Ability to coordinate across departments to gather information and develop draft materials.
• Strong follow-through and reliability in meeting deadlines.

6. Event & Community Engagement Support

• Experience assisting with event logistics, outreach campaigns, and public engagement activities.
• Comfortable working occasional evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours when required.
• Calm and adaptable during high-profile or fast-moving events.

7. Judgment & Initiative

• Exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive or time-critical information.
• Works independently with minimal supervision while seeking guidance appropriately.
• Demonstrates accountability and professional discretion.

Examples of Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Responds to and assists with media inquiries and coordinates media requests under the direction of Media Information Office leadership
• Supports the development, scheduling, and publication of content across the City’s official communication and social media platforms
• Researches, tracks, and compiles analytics and performance data related to media and social media activities
• Drafts, proofreads, and reviews public information and communications materials for accuracy, clarity, formatting, and compliance with City standards
• Designs basic graphics and visual materials to support City programs, events, and outreach efforts
• Takes photographs and assists with visual documentation of City facilities, programs, and special events
• Assists with the planning, setup, and execution of City events and public engagement activities
• Coordinates with City departments to gather information and prepare outlines or draft materials for communication requests
• Maintains Media Information Office calendars, deadlines, and media request tracking systems
• Provides administrative and logistical support for public information and communications
• activities
• Participates in emergency communications support, including availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or non-traditional hours as required
• Performs other duties as assigned

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or a closely related field.

Experience:
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications or a related field.

License/Certifications:
Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record. Other certifications may be required depending on program assignment.

Supplemental Information

Having trouble logging in? Contact the NEOGOV Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at (855) 524-5627.

Need an Accommodation? If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488. The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.