Communication Specialist III

City of Greeley; Greeley (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Greeley is hiring a Communication Specialist III to drive communication efforts for key initiatives and projects. This role requires collaboration with city leadership and stakeholders, ensuring timely and effective communication with the public and media.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and 5–7 years of relevant experience, with strong project management and media relations skills. The position offers opportunities for community engagement and strategic involvement in city development.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of experience in professional communication roles.
• Strong understanding of communication strategies aligned with industry standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic communication plans for public engagement.
• Partner with various stakeholders on communication initiatives.
• Manage large, cross-departmental projects and oversee timelines.

Skills

Media relations

Project management

Bilingual in Spanish

Social media knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communication or related field

Tools

Media monitoring software

Job description

Job Summary

This position plays a key role in advancing the City’s communication, outreach, engagement, and public information efforts for citywide priority initiatives as well as Public Works, Transportation, and ongoing development projects. Serving as a strategic communications lead and liaison for large‑scale, highly visible projects, this role partners with City leadership, project managers, engineers, consultants, and department staff to ensure timely, accurate, and effective communication with residents, stakeholders, and the media. The Communication Specialist III is responsible for developing and executing communication and engagement strategies that keep projects moving forward and keep the public, media, and organization informed throughout the life of a project.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree through a four‑year college/university or equivalent technical training in Communication and Engagement or a related field.
• No less than five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience involving 21st‑century communication practices (e.g., marketing, communications, media relations, public engagement, brand management, or related fields).
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that enables successful performance of the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with media monitoring software such as Meltwater or Cision.
• Proficiency in project management, including scheduling, leading, and facilitating communication.
• Familiarity with municipal large‑scale projects, Public Works and Transportation projects.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current social media applications and online platforms for communication and engagement.
• Skills in media relations: writing press releases, pitching stories, and coordinating interviews.
• Understanding and application of effective communication and public relations strategies aligned with industry standards.
• Ability to operate autonomously, drawing connections between current situations and long‑term impact to determine necessary or proactive action.
• Strategic thinking, connecting broad organizational goals to specific messages, and communicating complex, technical, or sensitive topics clearly and effectively.
• Creation and editing of high‑quality professional content using AP style and grammar, with emphasis on accessibility and clarity.
• Conducting thorough research to deepen understanding of departmental objectives, emerging trends, and broader City development goals.
• Active listening to ensure communications are relevant and well‑informed.
• Capacity to set strategy while building, maintaining, and navigating relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the organization.
• Comfortable engagement in public settings, including meetings and outreach events, to represent the department and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Skill in balancing competing priorities, shifting timelines, and evolving stakeholder needs while maintaining quality and momentum.

Essential Functions

• Develop citywide strategic communication plans supporting the IAP2 model of public participation.
• Partner with department leaders, city engineers, consultants, and project management teams to create communication and engagement strategies that inform, educate, and engage residents and stakeholders about critical infrastructure, transportation, and development projects.
• Collaborate with and provide recommendations and communication support to facilitate the planning, execution, and resourcing (including team members and applicable budgets) of public infrastructure and transportation projects.
• Lead and manage multiple large, cross‑functional, cross‑departmental projects, overseeing resources, personnel, and timelines to ensure deadlines are met and successful project completion.
• Exercise independent judgment in identifying communication risks, recommending solutions, and making decisions that support project momentum and keep the public informed.
• Proactively identify barriers, gaps, and emerging issues that could delay communication efforts or affect public understanding, and take initiative to resolve them.
• Lead highly visible and complex communication and engagement strategies for projects and initiatives within scope, schedule, and cost.
• Facilitate regular updates for the team and decide on suitable strategies to make recommendations for efficient and effective communications.
• Coordinate with multiple team members to assess capacity, make recommendations, assign resources, and establish timelines for project completion.
• Implement project management principles and systems to enhance efficiencies across teams.
• Resolve conflicts to ensure a productive environment and adjust schedules and targets on projects as needs and priorities change.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Strategic Communication & Engagement Operational Support

• Work with the digital team to create proactive communications, community outreach, and engagement across social media channels and GTV8, and develop ongoing educational campaigns related to large citywide projects.
• Collaborate with department staff to support and/or perform face‑to‑face outreach at special event booths and community forums.
• Coordinate and gather materials for meetings and public events that may include displays and signage.
• Facilitate communication and engagement efforts with media through strategies related to major citywide initiatives and projects.
• Manage project production logistics for communication materials, including printing needs, ordering promotional items, and collaborating with graphic design, digital, and video teams.
• Assist with photography or videography projects related to communication projects as needed.
• Ensure communications are timely, accessible, audience‑appropriate, and align with City standards and project objectives.

Copywriting and Editing

• Write and edit a wide range of communication materials: news releases, advertising/promotional copy, annual, technical, and program reports, talking points, media pitches, e‑newsletters, blog posts, social media content, video scripts, website updates, presentations, and handout materials.
• Translate complex, technical, or sensitive information into clear, accurate, and accessible content for residents, stakeholders, and the media.
• Edit and revise written materials created by City officials and staff to ensure clarity, consistency, accuracy, accessibility, and adherence to AP style and City standards.

Travel

• Standard local travel: occasional travel within the County; may include walking or driving short distances to attend meetings, trainings, or perform work at other city buildings or partner sites.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based work with periodic field work at City facilities, community locations, and public events.
• Frequent public contact in person, by phone, email, and virtual platforms.
• Frequent interaction and coordination with City departments, leadership, and external partners.
• Regular participation in meetings, outreach activities, and community forums, sometimes in formal or high‑visibility settings.
• Fast‑paced environment with frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and firm deadlines.
• May occasionally address sensitive, adverse, or confrontational situations with internal and external customers or media.
• Marginal to moderate hazards that are typically predictable or well protected against (e.g., going to construction sites to research and take photos or video).
• May be required to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays for meetings, events, and time‑sensitive communications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, including moving between buildings, meeting spaces, and event sites.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and through phone and virtual platforms, including public speaking and facilitation.
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Vision sufficient to read and produce written materials and review digital and print content.
• Ability to lift, carry, and set up event and meeting materials, typically up to 25 pounds.
• May be required to drive a city vehicle and/or personal vehicle for business purposes, including travel within Greeley and adjacent areas, in varying weather conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Greeley 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.

ADA Statement

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Conditions of Employment

The City of Greeley is an at‑will employer. Employees and the City may terminate employment at any time for any reason. Candidates must successfully complete all pre‑employment screenings and employment eligibility verification, including a drug test, background and national sex offender search, motor vehicle record search, and, for some positions, a physical demands evaluation.