Digital Communications Specialist

Summary

Performs complex mid-level web design and development work. Work involves web environment design, deployment, development, and maintenance activities. Maintaining the day-to-day operation and administration of websites for internal and external communications. Works under general supervisor, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties & Required Qualifications

• The work schedule is Monday through Friday. May be needed to work other than the regular daytime schedule such as on call, or emergency response situations (i.e., early-mornings, afternoons, evenings, and late-nights, weekends).
• Maintains the City’s external website, including creating and maintaining web pages, web parts, modules, tabs, links and other navigation tools.
• Creates and updates pages and content, in coordination with other communications professionals and web contacts for department.
• Creates engaging and sharable content across all content management system (CMS) channels, including social media platforms, websites and mobile apps.
• Conducts photography and videography, design, editing and dissemination of information through the use of social media, website and media outlets. 
• Works with the Communications and Community Engagement team to develop effective storytelling across all communication channels.
• Coordinates content with internal departments to support their respective missions, ensuring consistency in voice and cultivating an engaged digital community. This includes advising departments, programs and campaigns for website strategy, content and organization.
• Ensures website design and content meet style guide, user-experience, and graphics standards.
• Creates and adheres to regular review of website content to ensure accuracy and consistency with the City’s branding, user experience design principles and edit and cut content based on site traffic and research patterns. This includes checking for broken links, outdated information, and incorrect style/template, developing a schedule for retiring pages no longer in use, and troubleshooting plug-in issues/updates.
• Performs regular audits of the website to ensure accuracy and consistency with the City’s branding user experience design principles, and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) standards. 
• Assists in monitoring web usage and providing reports.
• Tests and reviews website accessibility, compliance and functionality.
• Analyzes data and develops testing plans to continuously improve campaign and website performance.
• Designs and conduct regular training sessions for users, including on our templates, our website, our style, user experience, plain writing, website best practices, etc.
• Maintains a list of website contacts for department/programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or its equivalent.
• Minimum of six years of full-time work experience in managing websites or a closely related work experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Experience using digital photography and videography equipment.

OR:

• Associates degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in a related field.
• Minimum of four years of full-time work experience in managing websites or closely related field.
• Experience using digital photography and videography equipment.

OR:

• A minimum combination (six years) of education and full-time work experience in managing websites or closely related fields. 

Required Certificates and Licenses

• Valid Class "C" Driver's License from any U.S. State. Must be able to obtain a Texas license within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in developing solutions for webpage design, development and implementation.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Experience training users to use software or a website.
• Experience in creating website pages
• Experience designing website pages
• Experience working for a government entity such as a City, County, or a State agency. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the limitations and capabilities of computer systems, techniques used in the design of web applications, and programming languages.
• Knowledge of current and emerging web publishing standards and best practices related to accessibility, usability and writing for the web.
• Knowledge of multimedia formats related to audio, video, and interactive technologies.
• Knowledge of user-centered design process, specifically related to accessibility and web standards.
• Skill in design, illustrations, infographics and data visualizations.
• Skill in CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and prototyping and wireframe creation tools.
• Skill in computer programming, in the use of computer and applicable software, and in modifying or developing programs for computer applications.
• Ability to work with Adobe programs.
• Ability to design web pages; to handle multiple projects; to schedule, test, and install web pages.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions. 
• Ability to work hours other than the regular daytime schedule such as on call, or emergency response situations (i.e., early-morning, afternoons, evenings, and late-nights shifts, weekends).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle and feel items, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift or move 10 lbs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.