PROJECT ASSISTANT

Job Description:

PROJECT ASSISTANT

Description

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Project Assistant to fill one (1) vacancy in the Arts and Cultural Affairs Division of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of para-professional, technical, financial, and administrative tasks involved in the planning, development, and marketing projects; to provide support in an assigned specialized function; and do related work as required.

Parks make life better! Our parks are an important resource for the community, providing venues for people to recreate, improve their health and well-being, and connect with neighbors and nature. The City has over 50 parks totaling close to 3,000 acres of parkland. We have pocket parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, regional parks, joint use and special use facilities. Our park system includes both developed parks and natural open spaces for recreation and habitat conservation. Across the various park types there are numerous recreational opportunities including active sports fields, playgrounds, splashpads for water play, recreation centers, passive recreation amenities as well as access to 12 community centers, 3 senior centers, 8 swimming pools (including one joint-use pool), 23.7 miles of beautiful trails, and 2 dog parks. The City also owns several undeveloped sites throughout the City that are earmarked for future parks.

Work Performed

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the coordination, dissemination, and presentation of program/project informational materials; participate in the updates of program/project activities.
• Assist in the preparation of reports and agenda items of assigned phases of development projects; coordinate and prepare public notices as required for all departmental hearings and other public legislative sessions.
• Assist in compiling and analyzing data on a variety of assigned projects and programs; compile and maintain status reports on assigned project/program activities.
• Coordinate and participate in meetings with community groups to discuss and plan projects and community events related to program/project activities.
• Respond to complaints and requests for information; refer complex or technical requests to appropriate staff.
• Lead and coordinate work projects of administrative support staff.
• Participate in the inspection of building sites for rehabilitation of property improvements, demolition of property improvements, verification of commercial, industrial and residential work performed for payment of services rendered, and for potential development of property.
• Meet with developers on the planning, construction, and closing phases of new projects; review contractor bids, appraisals, preliminary title reports, and escrow instructions; ensure acceptance by program loan underwriter.
• Keep abreast of all current underwriting guidelines issued by the City, private lenders working with the City, and others, in order to accurately process and package loans.
• Advise program applicants of requirements and eligibility for various projects and programs.
• Prepare loan files; order any and all documentation necessary to complete loan files; review verifications and credit history; complete borrower's analysis; witness borrower's signature on loan documents as necessary; submit accurate and complete loan packages; coordinate and facilitate the closing of loans.
• Assist in coordination of divisional activities with other City departments, divisions, or outside agencies.
• Assist in budget control for assigned division or section; monitor program/project fund allocations, balances, revenues, and agency loan payments; maintain confidentiality of any and all financial data.
• Assist with processing of financial transactions.
• Maintain records and databases.
• Use computerized systems and programs for providing reports, presentations, statements, data, or other project and/or program information.

When assigned to the Office of Communications, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with creative storytelling
• Content writing for a wide range of subjects/programs/City Initiatives
• Maintain organization's brand and integrity through consistent voice
• Create messaging to be used in print and digital marketing materials, videos, email, social media posts, magazine advertisements, webpages and more
• Conduct research on City related topics/initiatives
• Generate ideas for new content
• Develop and create content pieces that attract the target audience
• Review/Proof material
• Expand all email lists
• Identify outreach opportunities across departments
• Develop and implement drip campaigns and automation efforts
• Mentor/train users on sending email bulletins on a web-based e-mail subscription management system that allows a member of the public (user) to subscribe to news and events
• Optimize emails bulletins and templates for deliverability, mobile rendering and open rates
• Update and maintain branding standards and consistency within email bulletins and templates
• Maintain and analyze reports for email KPI results for open rates and click-through rates
• Manage/update subscribers and administrators by topics and groups
• Provide support for any technical or troubleshooting issues related to GovDelivery
• Perform related Communications duties as assigned.

In addition to the above, when assigned to the Economic Development Division, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare marketing materials using desktop publishing programs and/or minor graphics.
• Assist in coordinating printing jobs for Department collateral materials.

In addition to the above, when assigned to the Redevelopment Division, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate and participate in meetings with community groups to discuss and plan projects and community events related to program/project activities.
• Participate in meetings with developers on the planning, construction, and closing phases of new projects; review contractor bids, appraisals, preliminary title reports and escrow instructions.
• Assist with the preparation of power point presentations.
• Assist with special events and trade shows; assist with setting up events; coordinate reservations and make invites; prepare materials for distribution at trade shows; and perform follow-up phone calls as necessary.
• Work with administrative staff to establish purchase orders: obtain bid quotes, prepare comparison bid sheets, and track contracts through the signature process.
• Conduct research including collecting, compiling, maintaining and assisting with analysis of data, demographics, and other relevant information for regular website updates, marketing pieces, public information requests, business community analysis and market data analysis requests.
• Draft written narratives as needed for a variety of programs and applications, including staff reports, press releases, newsletters, blogs, awards, website content, and marketing pieces.
• Maintain records and databases of meeting notes and call logs.
• Prepare for and participate in business/developer/investor outreach and visits; handle follow-up information and correspondence.
• Assist with customer requests and business liaison services.
• Assist in coordination of activities with other City departments, divisions, or outside agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

When assigned to the Museum Department, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the museum’s communications.
• Enforce the museum’s brand and graphic standards and assist in refining them.
• Provide input for design and printing of marketing materials.
• Plan content, write copy, and obtain visuals as needed.
• Maintain communications with program staff on production of temporary exhibition and program materials to ensure consistency of graphic communications.
• Coordinate video production for exhibition and special event advertising.
• Maintain and/or secure key advertising venues.
• Maintain up-to-date media and VIP contact databases.
• Organize media presence at events, as required.
• Participate in maintenance and updating of the museum’s website.
• Maintain Museum’s active social media accounts.

Qualifications

Education: Equivalent to an Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in public and/or business administration, economics, urban planning, community development, real estate development, housing development, accounting, arts, design, marketing or advertising, humanities, arts and cultural management or a related field. Two additional years of experience may substitute for the required education.

Experience: Two years of advanced administrative support or technical experience depending on assignment, in economic development, redevelopment, urban planning, real estate development, loan processing, housing development, accounting, marketing or advertising, or a related field. A Bachelor's Degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Necessary Special Requirement

• Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Highly Desired Qualifications

• Experience with successful fund development including but not limited to grant writing, and sponsorship.
• Experience with marketing of events including but not limited to social media, basic graphic design, and preparation of press releases.
• Experience with venue management and administration including but not limited to marketing, contract management, and venue maintenance.
• Experience with budget development, management and procurement.

Selection Process

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:

1) Completed Employment Application

2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire

FOR DIRECTIONS ON ATTACHING A DOCUMENT TO AN ON-LINE APPLICATION, OR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: ( Application Guide ).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:

If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver’s License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at https://naces.org/members/ or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/ .An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

Benefit Level I includes Para-Professional and Supervisory classifications (Non-exempt)

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,734 per month for HMO plans(family coverage).
  
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
  
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
  
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment equal to two times the annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000 (up to $700k) plus AD&D. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employee and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
  
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $125 per month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
  
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan for specific details.
  
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
  
• Long Term Disability - The City offers optional enrollment in the Long-Term Disability Plan.
  
• LegalEase Plan - Optional legal services plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  
• Critical Illness Plan - Optional critical illness insurance plan for employees and eligible dependents.
  
• Vacation Accrual - 0-9 yrs = 128 hrs., 10+ yrs = 168 hrs.
  

For additional benefits information, please visit the following page: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/ about-1

For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.

Closing Date/Time: 10/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$31.65 - $38.42 Hourly