Media Specialist

The Media Specialist / Graphic Designer performs professional communications and creative services work in support of the City’s public information, branding, marketing, and digital media initiatives. The position is responsible for designing visual communication materials, managing digital and social media content, assisting with public relations efforts, and supporting citywide communication strategies.
The employee produces marketing and public information materials, writes press releases and scripts, develops multimedia content, coordinates with media outlets, and assists departments in translating technical or policy-driven information into clear public-facing messaging. Work includes supporting City events, managing social media channels, responding to public inquiries, and helping maintain the City website.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Public Information Officer and is evaluated through quality of materials produced, communication effectiveness, project completion, and collaboration with departments and stakeholders.

Reports To:
Chief Public Information Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Public Information & Media Relations

• Coordinates with television, newspapers, digital media, and other communication outlets regarding City matters.
• Writes press releases, public announcements, speeches, scripts, and media advisories.
• Provides story ideas and assists media representatives, writers, editors, and producers.
• Assists with City programming for online video and Government Access Channel.
• Responds to calls and emails from residents, visitors, and researchers seeking information.
• Reviews publications and media sources for content relevant to the City.
• Supports public safety messaging, emergency notifications, and outreach campaigns.

• Designs and produces visual communication materials including flyers, brochures, reports, presentations, signage, banners, invitations, programs, and digital graphics.
• Develops creative concepts aligned with City branding standards and communication goals.
• Ensures consistent application of logos, typography, colors, and visual identity across all materials.
• Prepares graphics for print production and digital distribution with proper formatting and resolution.
• Proofreads materials for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and consistency.
• Assists departments in translating technical or policy-driven information into visually engaging public content.

• Creates graphics and multimedia assets for the City website, social media, email campaigns, and digital signage.
• Produces and edits basic multimedia content including short videos, photography, motion graphics, and animations.
• Manages and monitors City social media channels.
• Supports live or recorded coverage of City meetings, programs, and community initiatives.
• Works with ITS to maintain and update website content and calendar.

• Assists with marketing and promotion of municipal programs, events, parks, cultural initiatives, and economic development activities.
• Helps coordinate special events including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and grand openings.
• Provides communications support for Mayor and Council initiatives and City projects.
• Attends meetings and events after hours as required.

• Manages multiple communication and design projects simultaneously and meets deadlines.
• Consults with departments to determine messaging, audience, and distribution methods.
• Maintains organized archives of digital files, templates, and approved assets.
• Coordinates with printers, vendors, and contractors in accordance with procurement procedures.
• Tracks timelines and deliverables using established City systems.

• Serves as steward of the City’s brand identity and communication standards.
• Reviews materials for compliance with branding and communication policies.
• Ensures accessibility standards are met (ADA formatting, readable fonts, color contrast, captioning where applicable).
• Provides guidance to staff on branded templates and visual standards.

• Uses professional design software including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Maintains knowledge of graphic design trends, digital communication tools, and public sector communication practices.
• Assists in maintaining shared templates and design systems to improve efficiency.

• Supports development of communication campaigns and strategies.
• Provides assistance to City departments and leadership on communications initiatives.
• Performs related duties as assigned in support of City Manager’s Office priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, business administration, or other related fields required with three (3) years of experience in Communications, specifically graphic design.
• Excellent English-language written and oral communication skills, including vocabulary, syntax, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and proofreading ability.
• Well-developed ability to draft clear, concise, and effective work product, based on a main idea and the purpose of the document.
• Must possess the ability to create aesthetically pleasing presentation, posters, newsletters, monthly city manager reports, and any other reports as assigned.
• Must possess working knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop, InDesign, Microsoft Word, Canva, Constant Contact, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Spanish language, written and oral communication skills preferred.
• Capable experience in package, brochure, newsletter, press release, and ad copy design and layout.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Must pass a background screening process.

• An equivalent combination of High School Diploma, training, and at least 10 years of experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements. Substitution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine relevance and comparability.

Core Competencies:

• Judgment - Sound decisions based on fact; uses logic to solve problems.
• Quality of Work - Performs work thoroughly, accurately, and professionally.
• Reliability - Timely and consistently completes assigned work; consistently reports to work and is punctual.
• Safety - Committed to ensuring a safe environment and complies with applicable safety standards.
• Technical Capability - Applies knowledge to identify issues and works to develop skills; demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, and equipment.

• The employee must successfully pass a background screening process and comply with the City’s Drug-Free Workplace policy.
• The City will also verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired so the proper completion of Form I-9 is required, which includes the employee providing documents evidencing identity and employment authorization.