Project Assistant
The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Project Assistant to fill one (1) vacancy in the Arts and Cultural Affairs Division of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and / or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. Under general supervision, to perform a variety of para-professional, technical, financial, and administrative tasks involved in the planning, development, and marketing projects; to provide support in an assigned specialized function; and do related work as required.
Parks make life better! Our parks are an important resource for the community, providing venues for people to recreate, improve their health and well-being, and connect with neighbors and nature. The City has over 50 parks totaling close to 3,000 acres of parkland. We have pocket parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, regional parks, joint use and special use facilities. Our park system includes both developed parks and natural open spaces for recreation and habitat conservation. Across the various park types there are numerous recreational opportunities including active sports fields, playgrounds, splashpads for water play, recreation centers, passive recreation amenities as well as access to 12 community centers, 3 senior centers, 8 swimming pools (including one joint-use pool), 23.7 miles of beautiful trails, and 2 dog parks. The City also owns several undeveloped sites throughout the City that are earmarked for future parks.
Work Performed
Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :
- Assist in the coordination, dissemination, and presentation of program / project informational materials; participate in the updates of program / project activities.
- Assist in the preparation of reports and agenda items of assigned phases of development projects; coordinate and prepare public notices as required for all departmental hearings and other public legislative sessions.
- Assist in compiling and analyzing data on a variety of assigned projects and programs; compile and maintain status reports on assigned project / program activities.
- Coordinate and participate in meetings with community groups to discuss and plan projects and community events related to program / project activities.
- Respond to complaints and requests for information; refer complex or technical requests to appropriate staff.
- Lead and coordinate work projects of administrative support staff.
- Participate in the inspection of building sites for rehabilitation of property improvements, demolition of property improvements, verification of commercial, industrial and residential work performed for payment of services rendered, and for potential development of property.
- Meet with developers on the planning, construction, and closing phases of new projects; review contractor bids, appraisals, preliminary title reports, and escrow instructions; ensure acceptance by program loan underwriter.
- Keep abreast of all current underwriting guidelines issued by the City, private lenders working with the City, and others, in order to accurately process and package loans.
- Advise program applicants of requirements and eligibility for various projects and programs.
- Prepare loan files; order any and all documentation necessary to complete loan files; review verifications and credit history; complete borrower's analysis; witness borrower's signature on loan documents as necessary; submit accurate and complete loan packages; coordinate and facilitate the closing of loans.
- Assist in coordination of divisional activities with other City departments, divisions, or outside agencies.
- Assist in budget control for assigned division or section; monitor program / project fund allocations, balances, revenues, and agency loan payments; maintain confidentiality of any and all financial data.
- Assist with processing of financial transactions.
- Maintain records and databases.
- Use computerized systems and programs for providing reports, presentations, statements, data, or other project and / or program information.
When assigned to the Office of Communications, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :
Assist with creative storytellingContent writing for a wide range of subjects / programs / City InitiativesMaintain organization's brand and integrity through consistent voiceCreate messaging to be used in print and digital marketing materials, videos, email, social media posts, magazine advertisements, webpages and moreConduct research on City related topics / initiativesGenerate ideas for new contentDevelop and create content pieces that attract the target audienceReview / Proof materialExpand all email listsIdentify outreach opportunities across departmentsDevelop and implement drip campaigns and automation effortsMentor / train users on sending email bulletins on a web-based e-mail subscription management system that allows a member of the public (user) to subscribe to news and eventsOptimize emails bulletins and templates for deliverability, mobile rendering and open ratesUpdate and maintain branding standards and consistency within email bulletins and templatesMaintain and analyze reports for email KPI results for open rates and click-through ratesManage / update subscribers and administrators by topics and groupsProvide support for any technical or troubleshooting issues related to GovDeliveryPerform related Communications duties as assigned.In addition to the above, when assigned to the Economic Development Division, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :
Prepare marketing materials using desktop publishing programs and / or minor graphics.Assist in coordinating printing jobs for Department collateral materials.In addition to the above, when assigned to the Redevelopment Division, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :
Coordinate and participate in meetings with community groups to discuss and plan projects and community events related to program / project activities.Participate in meetings with developers on the planning, construction, and closing phases of new projects; review contractor bids, appraisals, preliminary title reports and escrow instructions.Assist with the preparation of power point presentations.Assist with special events and trade shows; assist with setting up events; coordinate reservations and make invites; prepare materials for distribution at trade shows; and perform follow-up phone calls as necessary.Work with administrative staff to establish purchase orders : obtain bid quotes, prepare comparison bid sheets, and track contracts through the signature process.Conduct research including collecting, compiling, maintaining and assisting with analysis of data, demographics, and other relevant information for regular website updates, marketing pieces, public information requests, business community analysis and market data analysis requests.Draft written narratives as needed for a variety of programs and applications, including staff reports, press releases, newsletters, blogs, awards, website content, and marketing pieces.Maintain records and databases of meeting notes and call logs.Prepare for and participate in business / developer / investor outreach and visits; handle follow-up information and correspondence.Assist with customer requests and business liaison services.Assist in coordination of activities with other City departments, divisions, or outside agencies.Other duties as assigned.When assigned to the Museum Department, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the museum's communications.Enforce the museum's brand and graphic standards and assist in refining them.Provide input for design and printing of marketing materials.Plan content, write copy, and obtain visuals as needed.Maintain communications with program staff on production of temporary exhibition and program materials to ensure consistency of graphic communications.Coordinate video production for exhibition and special event advertising.Maintain and / or secure key advertising venues.Maintain up-to-date media and VIP contact databases.Organize media presence at events, as required.Participate in maintenance and updating of the museum's website.Maintain Museum's active social media accounts.Qualifications
Education : Equivalent to an Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in public and / or business administration, economics, urban planning, community development, real estate development, housing development, accounting, arts, design, marketing or advertising, humanities, arts and cultural management or a related field. Two additional years of experience may substitute for the required education.