Communications Specialist

About the role

The Communications Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in Hudson, OH, responsible for supporting the City's internal and external communications. This position develops and distributes clear, consistent messaging across channels such as the City website, social media, newsletters and community outreach materials.

Responsibilities

• Drafting press releases, preparing public announcements, assisting with speech and presentation content, and coordinating communication related to City programs, events and initiatives
• Collaborating with various departments to ensure timely internal communications, supporting crisis or urgent messaging, and helping maintain the City's brand and voice
• Monitoring media coverage and public feedback, maintaining communication calendars and contributing to strategies that enhance community engagement and transparency
• Managing the intake, review and fulfillment of public records requests, including the identification and redaction of exempt information
• Coordinating directly with the Communications Manager and the City Solicitor to ensure strict compliance with Ohio Sunshine Laws

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications or related study preferred
• High school diploma or GED certificate required
• Considerable responsible experience in communications and public relations work
• Valid Ohio driver's license

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; work should require only minimal editing
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent graphic design skills requiring minimal editing
• Knowledge of website content management systems and various social media platforms, including the ability to write, edit, and distribute information on these sites
• Ability to ensure confidentiality of privileged information, files and records, using discretion in controlling access to and release of information
• Ability to work under minimal supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with citizens, staff, high-level business executives, City officials and the media
• Knowledge of computer operations, word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing (Adobe Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva) and database software; and in the preparation and maintenance of automated records and files
• Knowledge of department operations and organization structure, and administrative policies and procedures
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn policies, procedures and equipment of the Communications Department, the organization and mission and staff of the various Hudson departments
• Ability to compose letters and other correspondence on a variety of administrative matters, and to prepare and maintain administrative and fiscal records
• Preferred knowledge of social media scheduling, analytics and reporting
• Preferred knowledge of photography, videography and editing software
• Preferred knowledge of Ohio Sunshine laws and record retention practices

Pay

$23.54-$35.55/hour or $48,963-$73,944/annual (depending upon qualifications)

Schedule

Full-time, non-bargaining, hourly position (40 hours a week)