Personnel Communication and Engagement Specialist

About the Role

Under the direction of the Personnel Officer, the Personnel Communications & Engagement Specialist develops, coordinates, and manages internal communications and employee engagement initiatives. This position ensures employees receive clear, accurate, and accessible information related to benefits, policies, onboarding, training, workplace programs, and departmental updates. In addition to communication and engagement responsibilities, this role provides general human resources support by assisting with onboarding activities, responding to employee inquiries, preparing personnel documentation, and supporting policy implementation and other HR processes.

Work is performed with technical proficiency, attention to detail, confidentiality, and adherence to parish policies, Civil Service rules, and applicable employment laws. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is essential for success in this role. The position works in coordination with Personnel staff to ensure consistent, compliant, and timely messaging aligned with Parish standards and Personnel Office goals.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages a Parish-wide personnel communications calendar to coordinate essential messaging and timelines.
• Creates, produces, and distributes internal personnel communications using a variety of formats, including email announcements, memoranda, newsletters, in-person educational sessions, internal TV or digital broadcast platforms, and other approved communication channels; ensuring all messaging is clear, accurate, consistent, and aligned with Parish branding and Personnel Office standards.
• Supports personnel communications and content within Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
• Standardizes templates and messaging for all personnel communications.
• Coordinates with the Public Information Office to maintain consistent Parish branding and supply personnel-related content for communication initiatives.
• Creates educational materials to improve understanding of benefits, open enrollment, wellness programs, retirement planning, personnel policies, etc., and supports communications related to these personnel activities.
• Assists with planning, communications, and promotional materials for employee events, recognition programs, and engagement activities.
• Participates in process reviews and helps draft and implement updated SOPs, forms, and employee-facing guidance.
• Tracks employee and applicant frequently asked questions and produces clarifying content, quick reference sheets, and additional resources.
• Supports the recruiting process by assisting the Personnel Generalist as needed with drafting job advertisements; coordinates applicant communications, scheduling interviews, and drafting applicant-related messaging to ensure timely, professional, and consistent content.
• Supports the integration of new employees into the organization by enhancing onboarding communications, preparing personnel materials for orientation, conducting new hire orientation sessions, presenting benefits and policy information, and helping ensure a well-organized, welcoming, and consistent onboarding experience.
• Coordinates training notices, attendance tracking messages, and completion reminders for required annual training.
• Responds to routine employee inquiries regarding benefits, policies, procedures, and HR processes, with professionalism and accuracy.
• Gathers feedback from employees/supervisors on communication effectiveness and recommends improvements.
• Collaborates with personnel staff to translate technical personnel information into accessible content.
• Manages and organizes content within Human Resources Information System (HRIS); improves findability and accessibility of employee resources.
• Supports data tracking related to communication engagement.
• Maintains up-to-date personnel communication archives and supports records organization and retention in compliance with Personnel standards.
• Supports the Personnel Officer in planning and directing activities conducted within or sponsored by the Personnel Office.
• Exercises confidentiality and discretion in processing matters of a sensitive nature.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support departmental operations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of internal communication practices and techniques for conveying clear and accurate information to employees.
• Basic knowledge of HR functions, including onboarding, benefits, training coordination, and policy interpretation.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and regulations, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Civil Service rules, and other federal and state requirements impacting HR operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing clear employee communications and presenting information; creating user-friendly educational materials and translating technical HR information into accessible content.
• Advanced organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), communication platforms, basic design tools (e.g., Canva), and other HR-related software platforms; ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply personnel policies, Civil Service rules, and employment laws, and to provide clear guidance to supervisors and employees.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment, while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to interact effectively with employees at all organizational levels, fostering cooperation, trust, and positive working relationships.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, manage multiple assignments, and recommend improvements to communication and HR processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations, human resources, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint), digital communication tools, and content management platforms; and experience drafting professional communications for internal or organizational audiences.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Work Environment

The primary duties of this position are performed indoors in a standard office setting. The role requires routine use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment, involving hand–eye coordination, fine motor skills, and finger dexterity. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while working on a computer are required, with occasional standing, walking, or reaching. Ability to lift, carry, or move up to 15 pounds occasionally, such as files, office supplies, or small office equipment. Must be able to visually review documents, enter data into computer systems, and read screens for extended periods. Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both in person and by telephone, email, and virtual platforms. Occasional bending, stooping, or kneeling may be required for filing or accessing stored material.