Company Description

Incorporated in 1957, the Town of Clarkdale operates under the council-manager form of government. The Town Council consists of the Mayor and four Council Members, all elected at large to serve staggered four-year terms. A Vice Mayor is chosen internally by a vote of the Council every two years. The Town Manager is appointed by the Town Council. The Town Council also appoints the Town Attorney and Town Magistrate.

The Town employs approximately 58 employees and its Fiscal Year 2025 budget is $43 million with a five-year capital improvement plan budget of $19.3 million. Clarkdale provides residents with an array of municipal services, including planning, permitting, zoning, economic development, special events, parks and recreation, public safety, utilities, and public works. The organization also provides financial, human resources, risk management, information technology, and emergency management functions for the Town.

Job Description

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.

CLASSIFICATION: Positions in this class are characterized by having abilities to handle a variety of tasks and interactions. An employee successful in this position performs duties efficiently under supervision. Job functions require the ability to think independently, use discretion and good judgment, apply good customer service skills, and to follow and carry out written and verbal direction. This is a full-time FLSA non-exempt “at will” position with full benefits. The hourly range for this position is $20.74 - $33.19/hour depending on experience. Highly qualified candidates may start above the minimum. Eligible employees must participate in the Arizona State Retirement (ASRS) which includes a 100% Town match.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Essential functions and duties may be modified at any time at management’s discretion.  Typical duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

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.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• 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.
• 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.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certificates

• Must possess a valid Arizona drivers’ license at time of appointment and maintain an excellent driving record.
• Preferred applicants will be Certified Parks and Recreation Professionals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This classification involves working indoors and outdoors with various weather conditions.
• Mainly work in an office environment that requires sitting for prolonged periods.
• This position will require bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects requiring general manual dexterity.
• Will assist with or participate in the setup of event infrastructure including tables, chairs, and canopies with or without accommodations.
• Must be able to visit job sites and other office locations, that may require the ability to maneuver over rough terrain with or without accommodations.
• This position will require the ability to lift, carry, or move items up to forty (40) lbs. with or without accommodations.
• May be required to work outside normally scheduled hours, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• May require travel to assist with projects or attend meetings or training events.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION AND CLEARING OF A POST OFFER, PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING PROCESS (AT THE TOWN’S EXPENSE) IS MANDATORY, CONSISTING OF A BACKGROUND CHECK. 

THE TOWN OF CLARKDALE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE).

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the Town and requirements of the job change.