Senior Communications Analyst

City of Norwalk (CA); Norwalk (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norwalk invites applications for Senior Communications Analyst to lead public communication, crisis communication, community engagement, media relations, digital communications, and strategic messaging within the Communications and Public Affairs team.

The successful candidate will supervise staff, work with department heads and community groups, and deliver high-quality communications on time and within budget. Please attach a copy of your degree to this application.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in communications, public administration, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• At least three years of responsible public sector experience in strategic communications or program administration.
• A master's degree in public administration, communications, or related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts or directs assigned communications projects or public information programs.
• Performs research and analytical evaluation regarding community sentiment, digital engagement, policy impacts, media coverage, or public communication strategies.
• Prepares and presents reports of findings and recommendations as to appropriate action.
• As assigned, administers contract or grant-funded communications initiatives, directing and monitoring work performed.
• Prepares or drafts related proposals, reports, media materials, and records; monitors budget expenditures.
• Compiles information and prepares reports, manuals, agenda items, resolutions, publications, public statements, or strategic messaging materials relating to administrative, fiscal, operational, or policy issues.
• As designated representative, leads or participates in committee activity; coordinates or conducts communications-related activities with other City departments, agencies, organizations, and the community, contributing views and interests of the department in execution of assigned duties.
• Provides assistance to department management, other City personnel, and the public regarding communications strategy, media relations, digital engagement, crisis communication, or public information policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development of departmental goals and objectives; participates in the development of assigned departmental budgets and in budget administration.
• May coordinate responses to media inquiries and support executive-level communications under direction.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Digital analytics

Stakeholder management

Public information policy

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Bachelor's degree in public administration

Bachelor's degree in journalism

Bachelor's degree in public relations

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of applications are received. The City reserves the right to limit the applications considered to the first 50 qualified applicants.

This recruitment may close at any time, apply immediately.

The City of Norwalk invites applications from highly qualified candidates for the Senior Communications Analyst position to join its Communications and Public Affairs team. The Senior Communications Analyst will strategically conduct, and direct different projects or programs related to public communication, crisis communication, community engagement, media relations, digital communications, and strategic messaging. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication and analytical skills, experience with digital marketing and social media platforms, and a creative approach to delivering effective communications. The position requires close attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a track record of delivering high-quality communications projects on time and within budget. In addition, the Senior Communications Analyst will exercise direct supervision over subordinate staff and will work with various stakeholders across the City, including department heads and community groups, and must be able to build strong relationships, manage competing demands, and navigate complex political environments. The position offers an opportunity to work with a dynamic, innovative team of communications professionals in a fast-paced, exciting environment.

Please attach a copy of your degree to this application.

Essential Duties

• Conducts or directs assigned communications projects or public information programs.
• Performs research and analytical evaluation regarding community sentiment, digital engagement, policy impacts, media coverage, or public communication strategies.
• Prepares and presents reports of findings and recommendations as to appropriate action.

• As assigned, administers contract or grant-funded communications initiatives, directing and monitoring work performed.
• Prepares or drafts related proposals, reports, media materials, and records; monitors budget expenditures.
• Compiles information and prepares reports, manuals, agenda items, resolutions, publications, public statements, or strategic messaging materials relating to administrative, fiscal, operational, or policy issues.
• As designated representative, leads or participates in committee activity; coordinates or conducts communications-related activities with other City departments, agencies, organizations, and the community, contributing views and interests of the department in execution of assigned duties.

• Provides assistance to department management, other City personnel, and the public regarding communications strategy, media relations, digital engagement, crisis communication, or public information policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development of departmental goals and objectives; participates in the development of assigned departmental budgets and in budget administration.
• May coordinate responses to media inquiries and support executive-level communications under direction.

Knowledge of:

Principles of municipal administration; public sector communications strategy; media relations; digital engagement and analytics; community relations; budget and grants management; related laws, ordinances, and regulations including public records and open meeting laws; principles of research, statistical analysis, and report preparation; methods and techniques of supervision.

Ability to:

Perform complex professional analytical and communications work requiring sensitivity to public issues; interpret and apply related laws, ordinances, and policies; conduct research and evaluate data; prepare and present reports and strategic recommendations; provide liaison to City personnel, agencies, media representatives, and the public; work independently; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; direct the work of others involved in related activity.

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Example combinations include:

Completion of a four-year college curriculum in communications, public administration, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field; and at least three years of responsible public sector experience related to strategic communications, public information, or program administration. A master’s degree in public administration, communications, or a related field is preferred.

Required Licenses and Certificates:

Depending upon assignment, possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees perform sedentary work. While performing the duties of this job, employees are required to sit, talk and hear. Employees are occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, crouch and reach with hands and arms. Employees occasionally must lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by these positions are those required to perform office machine operations. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

The City provides preference to military veterans under consideration for initial employment. To claim veteran's preference an applicant must submit their most recent DD214 form. An eligible veteran is one who has served in the United States armed forces and who has received an honorable discharge.

Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be requested by calling the Department of Human Resources at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled examination/interview date. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Norwalk, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation in its employment actions, policies, procedures or practices.