Parks and Public Relations Specialist

Town of Clarkdale•Clarkdale, AZ

4d•$21 - $33

About The Position

DESCRIPTION: Performs administrative and public information duties in support of the Parks and Recreation Department under the direct supervision of the Parks and Recreation Manager. This position coordinates and executes communications and public relations efforts for the department and Town, including digital content, media coordination, public outreach materials, and community messaging, while also supporting parks operations, programs, and events. This role regularly engages with residents, visitors, media, and internal stakeholders and represents the Town in a highly visible, public-facing capacity requiring sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion. The position provides infrequent, backup front-desk coverage as part of a shared administrative team model and will require occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work. This is an execution-focused specialist role responsible for independently carrying out assigned programs, communications, and special projects within established policies, budgets, and strategic direction set by Town leadership.

Requirements

Minimum of high school or equivalent.
Experience in local government, public agencies, or public-facing communications roles is strongly preferred. Candidates with demonstrated strengths in communications, community engagement, or public information - whether gained in the public or private sector - are encouraged to apply.
Must possess a valid Arizona drivers’ license at time of appointment and maintain an excellent driving record.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to Parks and Recreation.
Strong knowledge and understanding of social media and digital media platforms.
Skilled in the use of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and software such as Microsoft Office Suite and Canva or Adobe Pro.
Ability to maintain a courteous, helpful, and professional image in dealing with public, elected officials and coworkers.
General and accepted accounting practices.
Data entry accuracy.
Establish effective working relationships that support collaboration and successful program delivery.
Effectively communicate whether orally or in writing.
Be available on call or after hours as needed.
Set goals, organize, prioritize, and work well as in a team and independently while under time constraints and deadlines.
Exercise initiative and apply sound judgment.
Be flexible in the face of change.

Nice To Haves

Preferred applicants will have an associate’s degree and 3 years of experience in parks and recreation and/or communications, OR any combination of education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
Preferred applicants will be Certified Parks and Recreation Professionals.

Responsibilities

Communications and public relations
Management of social media, website, and newsletters.
Media interaction and press release creation and dissemination.
Ensures public-facing information project accuracy and tone.
Parks operations, programs and events
Event planning and on-site execution.
Highest level of customer service supporting inquiries and requests from the public.
Facility rental support.
Verde River at Clarkdale operations.
Trails Master Plan and Volunteer Program coordination.
Special projects as assigned.
Stakeholder, Parks Commission, and interagency liaison
Parks and Recreation Commission support.
Clark Memorial Library, Historical Society, and Museum liaison.
Facilitate working groups, interaction with elected officials, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
Administrative, grants and compliance support
Grant coordination and applications.
Record keeping and reporting.
Facility rentals and contracts.
Customer inquiries and issue resolution.
Town Strategic and General Plan implementation.
Perform other duties as needed or assigned.