Salary: $7,322.33 - $8,900.33 Monthly
Location : Victorville, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-051
Department: City Manager
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Summary
Under the direction of the Public Information Officer, the Strategic Communications Specialist assists with the development and implementation of the City's comprehensive communication strategy; creates graphic materials to increase awareness of and participation in City programs; and produces content to be for citywide public information, media relations, and communication programs.
Positions in this class perform complex communication and content development activities, including video production, video editing, graphic design, photography and script writing. This position differs from the lower-level Strategic Communication Technician by developing more complex communication materials; providing strategic insight and recommendations; and evaluating the effectiveness of communication tactics.

Essential Functions
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assists with planning and organizing of public relations and media programs in accordance with the City's goals and objectives.
• Works collaboratively with department staff and other management representatives to obtain and share information.
• Designs and creates graphic materials, including newsletters, flyers, brochures, logos, and other printed or graphic materials to promote City programs and activities for both internal and external audiences.
• Writes, edits, produces, and distributes publicity materials, videos, and other media for various communication platforms, including print, online, and social media.
• Gathers information and prepares news releases, fact sheets, and other reports.
• Drafts information for dissemination to the general public, news media, government officials, employees, private organizations, and businesses.
• Answers inquiries from the public regarding available services.
• Prepares correspondence in response to inquiries, general complaints, and suggestions related to City programs and activities.
• Consults with appropriate staff members to obtain pertinent facts and information.
• Designs and coordinates the production of posters, signs, and displays.
• Designs City presentations, videos, and other audiovisual materials; operates related equipment.
• Authors special correspondence and maintains accurate project records, documents, and supporting materials for the department.
• Assists in planning, organizing, and executing special events.
• Represents the City, as needed, at professional organization meetings, committee meetings, department-related meetings, workshops, and other events in the absence of the Public Information Officer.
• Prepares weekly, monthly, and annual reports.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of communication tactics.
• Develops and implements creative and innovative strategies.
• Safely operates City vehicles and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent, supplemented by an associate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and three (3) years of related public information or public relations experience.
License(s)/Certifications:

Must possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License upon hire and maintain it throughout employment with the City of Victorville.
Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including software and database programs.
• Principles and techniques used to plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate government public relations, communication, and media relations programs.
• Techniques for preparing, producing, and disseminating information to employees, the general public, news media, and the community utilizing various communication methods.
• Principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining effective relationships with the news media and other public groups.
• Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism and editing; preparation, composition, layout, production, and dissemination of informational and promotional materials.
• Styles and techniques for writing, talking points, brochures, social media content, and web copy.
• Principles and practices of marketing.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic mathematical principles.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Media trends and strategies to increase brand awareness.
• Special event planning.
• Sound mixing techniques, podcast creation, and distribution methods.

Skill In and Ability to:

• Practice photography, videography, video editing, graphic design, and social media content creation.
• Provide efficient customer service.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Prioritize work and exercise independent judgment, discretion, common sense, and initiative.
• Define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Manage situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information within established guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and files.
• Maintain accurate and efficient typing speed for successful job performance.
• Operate computers, office equipment, and related technology efficiently to perform assigned duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public.
• Prepare written analyses, evaluations, summaries, recommendations, correspondence, and reports.
• Prepare illustrations, charts, graphs, and other visual aids for presentations.
• Apply safe work practices.

Physical Demands & Working Environment
(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)

• This position works primarily in an indoor office environment and in close proximity to other workers and may occasionally work outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, including wind, heat, cold, and rain.
• Positions in this class typically require the ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, talk, hear, see and perform repetitive motions.
• Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (up to one-third of the workday), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (one-third to two-thirds of the workday), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (two-thirds or more of the workday) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
• Incumbents must be able to see and hear in the normal range, with or without correction, and communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood.
• Incumbents must have the stamina to work extended hours and overtime, if assigned, and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and varying shifts.

SALARY: Employees typically start at Step "1" of the salary range. Part-time employees do not receive benefits or merit increases and are hired at an hourly rate.

VACATION: Paid vacation is based on years of City of Victorville service: 80 hours for 0-5 years; 120 hours for 6-10 years; 160 hours for 11-15 years; 200 hours for 16+ years effective July 1, 2015.

SICK LEAVE: 96 hours of paid sick leave per year, including a sick leave pay back program upon resignation with five years of service.

HOLIDAYS: 13 Holidays per year plus one floating holiday for eligible full-time employees.

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: Available for full-time employees and their eligible dependents, with a fringe subsidy.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457 PLAN: Available to interested employees.

LIFE INSURANCE: City-paid Life insurance coverage for full-time employees equivalent to one times annual salary, plus additional AD&D coverage. Supplemental life, accidental/death and dismemberment insurance available, paid for by the employee.

RETIREMENT: For employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, Public Employee's Retirement system contributions will be implemented according to Assembly Bill 340, Pension reform. Classic member's formula: 2.5% @55/ New member's formula: 2% @62. Effective July 1, 2015, employees pay CalPERS 8% employee contribution. The City does not participate in the Social Security program. Part-time employees are provided a supplemental retirement program under the deferred compensation program. The City is required to participate in the Medicare Program and contributes a matching 1.45% of salary.

SHORT-TERM DISABILITY: Employee-paid benefit provides 60% of salary after seven-day waiting period, up to a maximum $1,600 weekly benefit.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY: City-paid benefit provides 66-2/3% of salary after 90 days of disability for full-time employees, up to a maximum of $5,000 monthly.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Provided for all full-time employees and their eligible dependents.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Paid Parental Leave, Bilingual Pay, Tuition Reimbursement.
01

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently hold an associate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field?(Proof must be attached for consideration.)

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of related public information or public relations experience?(Experience must be clearly reflected in your application for consideration.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question