Media Specialist

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Media Services Director, the Media Services Specialist supports the Municipality of Bethel Park’s communication and engagement efforts through video production, social media management, and digital communications. This position plays a key role in keeping residents informed, strengthening community engagement, and promoting the municipality’s initiatives. In addition to technical skills, the ideal candidate is comfortable being a forward-facing representative of the municipality, appearing on camera in talking head segments, interviews, and other video productions as needed. The Media Services Specialist also works closely with community volunteers of all ages, providing training, direction, and support in media projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Engagement

• Work with municipal departments to communicate programs, events, and announcements
• Develop creative campaigns to increase resident awareness and involvement
• Represent the department at events, providing on-site media coverage and support
• Act as a public-facing spokesperson in select video productions

Video Production

• Produce, shoot, and edit video content highlighting municipal services, events, and community initiatives
• Operate studio, field, and live-streaming equipment
• Serve as on-camera talent for talking head segments, interviews, and public announcements
• Collaborate with local stakeholders, schools, and nonprofits to develop original video content
• Maintain video archives and ensure quality standards for all productions

Digital Media & Communications

• Support the Media Services Director with updates to the municipal website when needed
• Prepare and schedule content across official social media platforms
• Monitor analytics and community feedback to inform communication strategies
• Ensure ADA compliance and accessibility standards are met for content contributions

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train, and direct community volunteers of all ages in video production and media-related tasks
• Provide mentorship and hands-on guidance to ensure a positive learning experience
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where volunteers feel engaged and valued

Technical & Administrative Support

• Assist with maintaining AV equipment, media servers, and content management systems
• Provide media support for public meetings and special events
• Contribute to the development of department branding, templates, and style consistency
• Performs other assigned tasks as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience working with and mentoring volunteers, students, or community members
• Graphic design or motion graphics experience (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
• Knowledge of livestreaming and broadcast systems
• Familiarity with public sector communications or government media operations
• Strong public speaking and interviewing skills
• Communication, including written, verbal, listening, and public presentation skills
• Business software applications, including but not limited to word processing, relational databases, and presentation software; ability to learn software programs and applications used by the Municipality
• Publishing software applications, including but not limited to graphic design, photo editing, page layout, social media publishing and scheduling, and content management
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse group of Municipal officials, staff, and residents throughout the Municipality and outside of the organization

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or Bachelor degree in Communications, Media Production, Digital Media, Broadcast Journalism, or related field; or 3 years equivalent experience
• On-camera experience (news, hosting, interviews, or equivalent)
• Experience with video production software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of social media platforms and analytics tools
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for coverage of events
• Possession of a valid PA driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the Municipality. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear; and sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive Municipal benefits package
• Professional development and training opportunities

DRUG TESTING

Employment is contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment) drug screen.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a thorough investigation, consisting of a criminal history check, certification check, and education verification check.