Job Description

Performs communications and marketing work using many types of media, and assists in creating the information flow to the public on a broad range of town programs, projects, activities and services. Assists with internal communications efforts, including newsletters and awards programs. Coordinates with departments to support their internal, external and strategic communications for the Town. This position will work directly with all town departments and provide guidance on communications efforts while intermittently assisting with media relations.

Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Communications Manager.

Essential Duties of the Position

The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

Writes, edits, designs and coordinates the creation of content for electronic distribution across a wide variety of platforms; aids in the creation of the Town’s newsletters; creates reports, brochures, fliers, etc.; prepares or acquires graphic materials as needed; and writes press releases and news articles for assigned departments that will be reviewed by the Communications Manager prior to distribution.
Schedules, creates and coordinates the creation of videos, graphics and other informational pieces to inform stakeholders on town projects, decisions and other pertinent information and/or to educate residents on town processes and other items of interest.
Assists in maintaining the Town’s website; coordinates website update needs with assigned departments.
Assists with the Town’s social media presence and other tools to provide information to residents, promote the town and the work of its departments.
Assists with the Town’s Huntersville 101 civic engagement program and other civic/community outreach efforts and projects as needed.
Attends wide variety of town functions and meetings, such as planning workshops, board meetings, special events and others to help communicate and promote them; assists with marketing plans for events and various town activities.
Receives and responds to requests from the general public; answers questions and responds to information requests from elected officials.
Participates in crisis management and aids in the execution of crisis communications to stakeholders and assists with updates to the crisis communications plan.
Serves as the primary point of contact for communications needs in the absence of the Communications Manager.
Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Thorough knowledge of municipal government operations, policies and structures; excellent research and organization skills; knowledge of practices of journalism and marketing required to prepare press releases, reports and related documents; town programs, policies, and structure; public information and modern principles and practices of public relations media; general experience in media and public relations; ability to write, edit and communicate effectively to create a positive and professional image of the town; ability to write public information reports and releases; knowledge of grammar, punctuation, editing, layout and related skills; good research and organization skills; ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, the media and the general public. Considerable knowledge of computer skills and technology (MS Word, MS Powerpoint, MS Outlook, etc.) and specialized software such as Photoshop, InDesign, iMovie, etc.

Bachelor's degree with coursework in journalism, marketing, communications or related field, or related field and at least three years of experience, preferably in the public sector or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. Work may require an irregular schedule, with occasional work after regular business hours being completed as necessary.

Supplemental Information

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and repetitive motions, frequently reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing and walking; work requires visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer and do extensive reading; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work has limited exposure to environmental conditions on as needed basis; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with computer printers, light traffic).

Agency

Town of Huntersville

Address

101 Huntersville-Concord Rd

Huntersville, North Carolina, 28078

Phone

704-875-6541

Website

http://www.huntersville.org

Town of Huntersville

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Communications Specialist