Communications & Marketing Specialist

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.

Position Function :

Under the guidance and direction of the Communication and Marketing Manager, The Marketing Specialist is responsible for creating and managing compelling content that highlights the City's programs, services, businesses, events, and initiatives. This position will lead video production from concept to final delivery, maintain a consistent and professional brand identity across all platforms, and ensure the City's marketing materials and digital presence are engaging, accurate, and up to date. The Marketing Specialist combines strong creative skills in video, photography, writing, and design with the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to cover special events and emergency operations.

Essential Duties :

• Produce video content from start to finish, including planning, filming, editing, and distribution, to highlight city functions, programs, businesses, and events.
• Capture high-quality photography for use in publications, digital platforms, and branding materials.
• Design and produce brochures, flyers, newsletters, advertisements, and other print and digital marketing collateral.
• Maintain and promote a consistent brand identity across all city communications, ensuring unified messaging and design.
• Write clear, engaging, and professional content for social media, website updates, press releases, and other communication materials.
• Manage and update website content to ensure accuracy, professionalism, and consistency with city branding (note : not responsible for technical backend maintenance).
• Support social media management, including scheduling posts, responding to engagement, and implementing creative campaigns.
• Assist with public information campaigns, civic engagement initiatives, and emergency communications.
• Collaborate with city departments to develop and coordinate marketing and outreach efforts.
• Stay current on communication trends, marketing strategies, and community engagement practices.
• Provide after-hours coverage for special events, emergency operations, and community functions as required.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Environment :

Duties are performed within an office and outdoor environment and events. Possible exposure to dust, mold and allergens; inclement weather; noise; and electrical and chemical hazards. Position may be subject to inclement weather associated with traveling to and from City owned buildings and facilities and / or City sponsored events.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

• Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Visual Design, or related field preferred.
• At least one (1) year of professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, graphic design, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Advanced proficiency with content creation and design platforms, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects), Canva, or comparable software.
• Strong experience with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve) and photography editing tools (e.g., Lightroom).
• Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, or similar, with a strong focus on content updates, layout, and visual presentation (not backend technical maintenance).
• Ability to manage social media management platforms and track analytics.
• Strong written communication skills, including ability to craft professional copy for print, web, and social platforms.
• Ability to learn new tools quickly and adapt to emerging digital platforms.
• Excellent project management skills : able to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple projects under deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Physical requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while covering events.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of video, photography, or event equipment.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach in the performance of event setup and media coverage.

Other Requirements :

• Must possess a Valid Florida Class E driver license.
• Must pass applicable pre-employment testing and background and credit checks.