Apply by December 06, 2025 to be considered for this position.
Job Classification: 5513 - Communications Specialist
Hiring Range: $54,142 - $64,958 Annually
Job Type: Classified
Salary Grade: 11
Position Description
The Pima Public Library is expanding and improving the Library’s outreach to the Spanish-speaking community. The Library Communications Specialist will work with the Library Service Manager of Marketing to develop an effective strategy for engaging with Spanish-speaking constituents and improving their awareness, understanding, and use of Library programs and services. This will include translating key messages and policy and procedures from English to Spanish, as well as developing original messages using culturally appropriate language that will resonate with constituents who consume content in Spanish. The hired candidate will develop strong connections with the County’s Spanish-speaking community, and experience working in Spanish-language outreach or marketing.
This position may be required to work rotating shifts, including evenings and weekends.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the application or incumbent by the supervisor.
- Writes content for all Office communications and marketing materials, including but not limited to: press releases, newsletter articles and feature stories, advertising content and slogans, webpages, social media posts, fliers, posters, and other collateral materials;
- serves as secondary contact between the Communications Office and assigned client departments or within an Elected Official's office and develops relationships with departmental staff and an understanding of the department's communications and marketing needs and goals;
- Maintains an awareness of the status of current or planned projects for the assigned departments and acts as a secondary monitor of work quality and progress completion;
- Analyzes issues and generates story ideas for the approval of the client department;
- Acts as an advocate for the client department's interests or Elected Official with the Communications Office and acts as a Communications Office advocate with the client department;
- Researches and gathers information from various sources within County government to compose articles in non-technical, readable prose for posting to the County website or other media outlets;
- Edits text produced by client staff;
- Works with Communications Coordinator to cultivate and maintain working relationships with external media representatives;
- Advises media representatives on complex issues and connects reporters to proper sources within County government.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in journalism, communications, public relations, media communications, English or other closely-related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment, AND one (1) year of experience in journalism, public relations, technical writing, or media relations.
(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
OR:
Five (5) years of experience in journalism, public relations, technical writing or media relations.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications:
(Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish speaking, reading, and writing.)
- Experience with/knowledge of the linguistic conventions, norms (e.g. grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, etc.) and colloquialisms of the English and the Spanish languages.
- Experience producing fully accurate and reliable Spanish translations of texts ranging from simple to complex, not simply conveying content and register but also capturing all nuances intended in the source document.
- Experience with/knowledge of the traditions, values, and customs of the Mexican American and Latinx communities of Southern Arizona with strong cultural sensitivity and competency abilities.
- Minimum two (2) years experience with/knowledge of storytelling and crafting original written content for print and digital platforms.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates: Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.
Special Notice Items: Some positions may require completion of a satisfactory personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems. The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.
Working Conditions: Primarily office environment. Occasional outside work staffing booths at events, supporting press conferences and assisting media at site visits.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.
