Communications and Marketing Specialist

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Communications and Engagement Manager or Supervisor, the position assists in implementing the City of Fruita’s communications, engagement, outreach and marketing strategy through creative content development, storytelling, digital marketing, and community-focused communications.

The position will work across a wide range of topics and audiences and will lead the development and distribution of content for the city’s various communication networks, including tourism marketing GoFruita as a destination to visitors, telling the stories behind the people, projects, and services of City departments, and advertising the city’s various programs with emphasis on recreation programs, community initiatives and special events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Assists in planning and executing the City’s overall communications and marketing strategy, translating broader goals into creative campaigns, stories, digital content, advertising, and other public-facing communications.

· Develops, writes, and manages engaging content across City of Fruita, GoFruita tourism, Parks and Recreation, and other City programs. Creates content for social media, newsletters, websites, print publications, and other communication channels, including photography, video, graphics, advertisements, signage, brochures, and other marketing materials, while maintaining established brand standards.

· Creates content and disseminates stories about City services, employees, projects, community members, local businesses, recreation, tourism, and special events.

· Collaborates with employees across City departments to identify communications needs and ways to better connect City programs and services with residents and visitors. Translates technical or complex information into clear, approachable public-facing content.

· Supports and assists in executing marketing campaigns for City programs, recreation offerings, tourism initiatives, and special events, including organic social media, email marketing, radio appearances, print materials, and other promotional efforts.

· Supports GoFruita tourism marketing by creating content such as written materials, video, and photos that promotes Fruita as a destination while highlighting the community, local businesses, outdoor recreation, culture, events, and visitor experiences.

· Supports City special events through pre-event promotion, on-site content capture, social media coverage, photography and video, and post-event storytelling.

· Regularly maintains and updates content across City and program websites, portals, and digital platforms. collaborate with City staff to create and maintain web content on the City’s public and employee websites to help ensure information is accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent with established standards.

Conduct quality assurance checks and content audits to verify accuracy, standardization, functionality, and compliance with ADA accessibility; troubleshoot website issues; test website appearance and functionality.

· Plans and manages paid advertising campaigns using platforms such as Meta and monitors basic performance data across advertising, social media, email, and web channels to help improve future campaigns.

· Maintains organized photo, video, graphic, and other digital asset libraries and stays current on social media trends, content creation tools, digital marketing practices, and emerging communication platforms.

· Assists with other communications, marketing, tourism, and community engagement projects as assigned.

· Coordinate and participate in public meetings and open house programs to promote City services and to provide a better understanding of the organization; provide public education and information; create and implement programs, citizen outreach activities and special events; work with City staff across multiple departments to identify and develop solutions for engagement needs.

· Monitor, interact, and respond to citizen interactions on the City’s website and social media channels to cultivate engagement;

· Review analytics across all social, print, and broadcast media and translate data into recommended plans to revise City strategic communications plans; lead survey initiatives and analyze public opinion; implement actionable insights. Gather information and prepare a variety of reports and records; maintain logs and records of activities and events.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Experience and Certifications. Minimum requirements include:

Ø Associate degree in Marketing Communications, Travel and Tourism Management, Communication, Public Relations, Brand Communication, Digital Marketing and Social

Media or related field from an accredited college or university.

Ø Two years of professional experience in communications, marketing, social media, content creation, public relations, tourism marketing, or a related field preferred.

Ø Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

Ø Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Ø Modern practices, procedures, strategies and techniques of communications, marketing, branding, media relations, governmental relations, and community/public relations .

Ø Effective communication and public speaking techniques.

Ø English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ø Principles and practices of communicating and coordinating programs and initiatives.

Ø Principles and applications of graphic design and layout.

Ø Modern practices, procedures, strategies and techniques of communications, marketing, branding, media relations, governmental relations, and community/public relations.

Ø Principles, practices and tools of website management. Experience in web design and content production.

Ø Experience in copywriting and editing.

Ø Modern practices of organizational development and constructive problem solving.

Ø Modern practices and techniques of social media content creation, digital storytelling, and current platform best practices.

Ø ADA Compliance and best practices

Ability to:

Ø Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications including Microsoft Office products and communication software such as Canva, Bitly, and Mailchimp.

Ø Professionally write, edit, and proof-read.

Ø Adapt content for different audiences and communication platforms.

Ø Creatively capture, compose and edit photos and video and produce short-form digital content for visual storytelling.

Ø Use interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to represent the City of Fruita professionally when interacting with residents, visitors, businesses, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Ø Learn digital advertising platforms such as Meta Ads and Google Ads.

Ø Organize and manage multiple projects, brands, content calendars and deadlines.

Ø Create and maintain the content of complex web sites and pages.

Ø Design, write, edit and oversee materials for publication.

Ø Monitor and analyze social media trends and their impact on the City's brand.

Ø Interact effectively with City staff, elected and appointed officials, the media and the public.

Ø Identify and develop opportunities to publicize City programs.

Ø Use sound judgment in evaluating and implementing decisions.

Ø Be attentive to details and possess strong organizational skills.

Ø Coordinate and plan City-sponsored community events.

Ø Elicit community and organizational support for City programs.

Ø Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.

Ø Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ø Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Ø Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ø Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently

Ø Work flexible schedule, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Other and Physical Requirements of the Position:

· Ability to work flexible schedule, evenings, and weekends as needed.

· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion.

· Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.

· Regular attendance is an essential function of this position to ensure continuity.

· Satisfactory driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

The work environment includes office, event, and outdoor settings, with the majority of the position being office related with regular exposure to computer screens. The position works in all City facilities (indoor and outdoor) and attends community programs and special events to gather content and provide communications support.

TO APPLY

Submit an application, including a cover letter, resume, and portfolio or work samples online at fruita.org/jobs.

Application deadline

Friday, November 10, 2026.

Pay: $33.60 - $35.58 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person