Public Communication Specialist II

Salary: $66,041.92 - $79,282.02 annually. This position is FLSA exempt and subject to budget-required furloughs in the 2026 calendar year.

About the Role

In this position, you will serve a strategic role in providing public relations and communications support for City Council by ensuring a proactive rather than reactive communications environment. You will assume accountability for a broad range of communication responsibilities, including social media content, town halls, press releases, and news media coordination. This role develops and delivers communication strategies and programs that elevate the work of the Legislative Branch of Colorado Springs. The position works closely with stakeholders to ensure messaging is clear, timely, and reflective of organizational priorities. All duties will be performed under the direction of the City Council Administrator and City Council, and in close coordination with the Executive Branch and City Communications Department.

Responsibilities

• Analyze department communications and public relations needs; develop a comprehensive communications strategy; and ensure compliance with City Communications policies and industry best practices.
• Identify, research, and play a key role in the resolution of issues affecting public opinion; engage proactively with news media, community partners, and constituents.
• Oversee City Council communications, including promotion of upcoming public engagement meetings and town halls; develop newsletters; and manage City Council email distribution lists.
• Develop and maintain an engaging, strategic, and timely website and social media presence, including creating photographic and video content across multiple platforms.
• Coordinate all news and media contact, including scheduling interviews and public appearances, drafting press releases, and developing talking points for Councilmembers.
• Attend media events and Councilmember appearances to provide direct support to Councilmembers through media coordination and taking photographs.
• Plan and implement larger annual events and publications including the Swearing-In ceremony for new Councilmembers and the Annual Report to the Citizens.
• Support City Councilmembers with the planning and execution of town halls, Special Meetings, and other special issue events.
• Advise individual Councilmembers on communications strategies, best practices, and pertinent communications information on individual initiatives.
• Coordinate with Main Communications to produce clear and timely content for internal channels, including newsletters, intranet, and email updates.
• Coordinate City Council responses to CORA (Colorado Open Records Act) requests, including coordination with Councilmembers to obtain responsive records.
• Host trainings, school group tours, art walks, and other public events on- and off-site.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, marketing, journalism, media, or a related field.
• Three years of full-time public relations, communications, digital media content creation, marketing experience, or a related field.

We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. Each year of further education is equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience is equivalent to each year of required education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a fast-paced, political environment or for a board or commission.
• Experience working for a municipal entity and familiarity with pertinent laws, codes, and regulations.
• Three years of complex social media communications experience.
• Experience coordinating citizen engagement activities.
• Experience with public speaking and communicating to large audiences.

Pay

Starting pay will be within the posted hiring range ($66,041.92 - $79,282.02 annually) based on years of experience and education. See the 2026 Salary Schedule for growth potential.

Benefits

The City of Colorado Springs offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to meet the needs of employees and their families. Additional compensation may include shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead pay, hazard pay, longevity pay, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation assistance, awards, standby pay, call-out pay, compensatory time off, tuition reimbursement, overtime, extra duty pay, incentive pay, holiday premium pay, proficiency pay, and vacation sell-back. For more details, visit the Total Rewards Site.