PORT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST V (MEDIA RELATIONS)

Job Description:

PORT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST V (MEDIA RELATIONS)

Description

DESCRIPTION

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the entire country.

THE TEAM

The Communications & Community Relations Division is a dynamic team of creative individuals who enhance a positive image of the Port by building awareness and understanding of Port operations among the international maritime industry, port complex stakeholders, and local and regional communities. The Division provides strategic communications services, messaging, media relations, brand awareness, community and educational programs, as well as addressing both anticipated and unforeseen communications challenges and opportunities.

THE ROLE
Under supervision of the Media Relations Officer, the Media Relations Specialist serves as a key content and copywriter for the Communications & Community Relations Division. The position contributes written content to the Port's public relations, media relations, marketing, publicity, internal communications and external outreach programs through platforms including newsletters, news releases, digital media, advertising, video scripts, PowerPoint presentations and more. Assists in developing, implementing and evaluating the Port's cutting-edge communications program to build a positive image. Writes key messages and talking points for Port officials to interface with the media, public and industry. Develops and coordinates strategic communications plans. Communicates with a variety of audiences, including residents, Port employees, civic leaders, the general public and the media to inform, engage and build support for Port operations, goals, projects, and programs. Uses social media, digital resources, the web and other technology tools to reach audiences.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Contribute to the Port's internal and external communications programs and outreach to achieve strategic communications goals.
• Research and write news releases, fact sheets, messages, talking points, scripts, speeches, web posts, advertising copy, articles for publication, media statements and multimedia presentations.
• Create and edit PowerPoint presentations.
• Develop and execute plans for generating media coverage - including media pitching.
• Assist project leaders and management with various writing and editing assignments.
• Gather and provide information to the media, public and others regarding Port programs, events and issues.
• Serve as media representative and respond to media requests.
• Arrange and coordinate media interviews for Port executives and subject matter experts.
• Develop and oversee communications and marketing plans.
• Provide general presentations to various audiences to educate as well as inform about Port operations.
• Narrate harbor tours for the public, industry groups, media, special guests and others.
• Escort reporters, photographers and other members of the media in the Port.
• Assist with social media, digital media and other outreach.
• Represent the Port at public events, activities and meetings.
• Maintain positive relationship with consultants, contractors, vendors and Port tenants.
• Perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, PR, Media Relations or related field is required.
• Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Five years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations or journalism is required.
• Knowledge of news media operations and constraints
• Knowledge of public and community relations techniques and strategies is required.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, along with extended hours.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) writing style and best journalism practices.
  
  

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Superior writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Interface with the media, including web/print interviews, live television, live radio interviews.
• Experience in both traditional and digital media is required.
• Web experience is a plus.
• Use of MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) and other related applications is required.
• Must have a valid California Driver's License to perform work-related duties/events, including driving to meetings.

DESIRABLE:

• Master's Degree in above fields is not required but desirable.
  
• Skills in online content presentation, digital media and web resources is desirable.

SPECIAL NOTE:
This is an "at-will" position. The appointed candidate will serve at the discretion of the Port of Long Beach and can be terminated at any time. In such an event, the candidate has no right to any appeal or grievance procedure under any rule or regulation of the City of Long Beach.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/ .

The final filing date for this recruitment is Tuesday, October 1, 2025 @ 11:59 pm PDT.

To be considered for this opportunity , please submit a cover letter, a resume and up to three press releases, brochures or other writing samples with your application in PDF format. Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related video interview assessment to further evaluate candidate qualifications. We will conduct Spark Hire video interviews the week of October 14 - 19, 2025 (asynchronous video interviews) and final round interviews the Week of November 3-7, 2025 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check. The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an hourly range of $ 41.36 - $ 56.30 (placement depends on qualifications).

An attractive package of benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university - or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. www.polb.com

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 10/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$41.36 - $56.30 Hourly