- Salary
- $72k – $81k/yr
- Location
- 805 S. Walker Street, Burgaw, NC
- Department
- Marketing
- Education
- Bachelor
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
Pender County is seeking a talented and creative Communications Specialist to support its communications and public information efforts. This position offers the opportunity to work across County departments, develop engaging content and help keep residents informed about the programs, services and initiatives that affect their communities.
The Communications Specialist will assist with media relations, press releases, speeches, newsletters, graphic design, multimedia production, social media, website content and community engagement. The position also supports special events and emergency communications.
The ideal candidate is a strong writer, creative storyteller and collaborative professional who can translate complex information into clear, accessible communications for a variety of audiences.
THE COMMUNITY
Located in southeastern North Carolina, Pender County spans more than 870 square miles and continues to experience significant population and economic growth. The county's coastal communities, historic towns and rural landscapes contribute to its distinctive character.
Pender County has a rich history, from the Revolutionary War victory at Moores Creek National Battlefield to Topsail Island's role in Operation Bumblebee, a pioneering Navy missile testing program following World War II. The county is also home to expansive natural areas, including Holly Shelter and Angola Bay game lands, which preserve thousands of acres of forests, wetlands and wildlife habitat while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Today, Pender County continues to grow, with expanding residential communities, business development and increasing demand for public services. Its proximity to Wilmington, coastal amenities and extensive natural areas contribute to the county's appeal as a place to live and work.
For prospective employees, this continued growth presents opportunities to contribute to a local government serving an expanding community. County employees play an important role in delivering essential services, supporting community development and meeting the needs of residents and businesses.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong writing skills suited to public-sector products, including press releases, speeches, talking points, and executive communications;
- Graphic design and layout proficiency using the Adobe Creative Suite to translate complex information, data, and ideas into clear, accessible visuals;
- A data-informed approach that uses analytics to measure the impact of communications efforts and guide future strategy;
- Experience helping to plan and coordinate public events, from ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings to community engagement programs; and
- Experience developing digital, video, social media, and website content that reaches and engages a broad public audience.
Writing, Media Relations, and Public Information
- Assists in writing and producing communications products, including press releases, speeches, Commissioners' comments, briefings, talking points, newsletters, written responses to public inquiries, and other written work.
- Coordinates with local and regional media to distribute news releases, respond to media inquiries, and build positive working relationships.
- Collaborates with the Director of Communications on crisis communications and serves as the County's secondary Public Information Officer, supporting implementation of the County's emergency communication plan.
- Participates in emergency preparedness and response activities, helping ensure the public is well-informed during severe weather and other emergencies.
Graphic Design and Visual Communications
- Develops creative concepts, layouts, and designs, including graphics, infographics, and digital assets, that convey complex information, data, and ideas in a visually appealing and accessible format.
- Utilizes graphic design software and tools such as the Adobe Creative Suite to create high-quality graphics and multimedia content for use across social media, the County website, and print, ensuring alignment with the County's branding and style guidelines; stays informed about design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to enhance design capabilities and effectiveness.
- Collaborates with County departments to conceptualize and execute visual communications that align with organizational objectives and target audience needs.
Digital, Social Media, and Web Content
- Develops and executes effective digital communications, including short- and long-form video.
- Develops and implements social media content and monitors the County's social media platforms for public inquiries, ensuring accurate and responsive communication with the community.
- Maintains the County website, ensuring content is current, accurate, user-friendly, and reflective of County programs and priorities.
- Uses content management systems and scheduling tools to ensure consistent updates and alignment with the County's editorial calendar.
- Uses multimedia storytelling techniques to highlight the work of County departments and promote the positive impact of government initiatives; manages timely messages and notifications distributed through the County's mobile application.
Reputation Management and Analytics
- Monitors public sentiment and media coverage to help manage the County's online reputation, proactively addressing misinformation and responding to inaccurate or negative coverage. other communications metrics to
- Tracks and analyzes social media engagement, website traffic, and assess the reach, impact, and overall effectiveness of communications efforts and to identify areas for improvement.
- Compiles regular reports summarizing the performance of communications initiatives and recommends adjustments to enhance impact and inform future strategies.
Public Engagement, Events, and Departmental Support
- Provides guidance and training to help users effectively navigate communications products and platforms.
- Assists with planning and coordinating County events, including ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and other special events, and represents the County at public events to provide information and foster community engagement.
- Provides technical support during Board of Commissioners meetings, including screen sharing, streaming, and the smooth operation of virtual and in-person presentations for public viewing. live
- Assists with the marketing, communications, and outreach activities of County advisory boards and special programs.
- Serves as an integral member of the planning and implementation team for County academies and public engagement programs, including the Citizens Leadership Academy.
Project Coordination and Records Support
- Manages multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing deadlines and delivering projects on time.
- Assists with processing public records requests while maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Journalism, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Experience
- A minimum of three to five (3-5) years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, or digital media, ideally in the public sector or local government. Experience managing social media and web content, with basic to intermediate graphic design proficiency, is preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Licenses and Certifications
- Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license, or the ability to obtain one upon appointment.
Software and Technical Proficiency
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook Word and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro.
- Working knowledge of Google Analytics.
- Relevant experience with Canva, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn), Constant Contact is a plus.
- Experience using CivicPlus, Granicus, Drupal, or a similar website content management system.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Public-sector communications and media relations practices, including the County's internal and external outreach efforts.
- Digital communication and social media strategies that support effective public engagement.
- Graphic design principles, including detail, composition, and typography.
- Reputation management, including strategies for monitoring public sentiment and responding to media coverage.
- Website content management systems and digital publishing practices.
- Communications and web analytics used to measure and improve performance.
Skill in:
- Crafting compelling narratives and written communications products.
- Creating visually appealing graphics and layouts. Capturing professional photographs for use in publications, social media, and promotional materials.
- Managing social media platforms for Pender County.
- Using social media management tools, content management systems, and analytics platforms to track and improve communication performance. Utilizing graphic design and multimedia software, including the Adobe Creative Suite, to produce high-quality content.
Ability to:
- Interpret and translate complex information into engaging, visually appealing designs.
- Tailor messages to different audiences across multiple channels.
- Work effectively and collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Organize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, and printers; the noise level is usually quiet.
- Requires the ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, speak, listen, and use hands to operate office equipment, and to work at a desk for extended periods.
- Occasionally requires lifting and moving office supplies and materials of up to 20 pounds.
- Some local travel to community events and meetings is required, and the work may occasionally involve outdoor conditions.
- The position may require working outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, and the ability to work extended hours as necessary.
Additional Information
- This position is deemed essential. Job performance may be required during severe weather events and other emergencies, which may include reporting to work during non-routine times and working modified or extended hours.