Communications Specialist

Position Purpose

This position performs difficult administrative and professional work managing the Town’s website and social media accounts, overseeing, and coordinating public information programs and publicity activities, creating comprehensive community outreach programs, and communicating Town initiatives, projects, plans, and practices to Surf City residents and stakeholders. Develops strategic guidelines and operational processes for effective, high-impact public communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for content management of the Town’s website and social media accounts, coordinating with individual department heads; produces, writes, edits, and distributes media releases, regular newsletters, and other content as required.
• Oversees and coordinates public information programs and publicity activities for the Town; develops and expands communication resources for citizen outreach.
• Produces reports, presentations, recruitment messaging, and public service announcements; produces public educational materials about the Town’s operations, programs, and initiatives.
• Acts as the Town spokesperson and is the liaison between the Town and the media, coordinating responses to media inquiries and efforts.
• Develops, coordinates, and executes internal and external communication strategies; presents recommendations to elected officials, town management, and key personnel.
• Captures and disseminates information to the public through various channels.
• Supports elected officials, town management, and key personnel with training on media relations, social media best practices, and communication policies and procedures.
• Attends public meetings and internal operational meetings to stay abreast of Town activities and initiatives.
• Assists as necessary with planning and support for community events and festivals.
• Creates calendars for the overall communication strategy of the town systems and coordinates all town social media to provide a consistent, timely release of information on events, activities, improvements, etc.
• Works with staff to develop and implement Emergency Communications Policy and Procedures.
• Attends conferences and training to stay informed of current public information and communications best practices.
• Attends committee meetings as assigned; may be assigned as a participating member.
• Develops community relations and partnerships.
• Collaborates with other Town departments to complete or assist with projects as needed.

Qualifications & KSA's

• Education and Experience: Graduation from high school. Secondary education is a plus. Experience in public administration, communications, related fields, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Marketing or social media experience, preferably in the public sector.
• Licenses and Professional Certifications: NC Driver’s License. NIMS/ICS (At hire or within 3 months): IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800. NIMS/ICS (Preferred or within 18 months): G-300, G-400, FEMA PIO Basic Course.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. Skill in the use of social media and related software applications. Ability to operate standard office and computer equipment, including the ability to operate cameras. Ability to express ideas effectively and professionally both orally and in writing. Ability to work within strict deadlines and re-prioritize responsibilities as needed. Ability to perform work during emergencies or disasters upon request and as assigned by management. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, elected officials, media, organizations, industry professionals, and the general public. Basic understanding of the four (4) phases of Emergency Management. All Hazard Operational methodology. Ability to transform strategy into action. Ability to represent the Town professionally and respectfully while interacting with diverse individuals within the workplace and the community.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Working Conditions: Employee is generally subject to inside environmental conditions having the lighting, temperature, and noise of an open floor-plan office environment. The noise level in the work environment is typically mildly loud; at times, the noise level may be loud, with frequent interruptions and multiple demands. The employee is routinely required to work outside normal business hours. In times of emergency, the employee may be exposed for prolonged periods to outdoor weather conditions that may vary from extreme heat to extreme cold and debris, fumes, odors, airborne particles, and dust; may be exposed to the possibility of bodily injury from electrical shock or mechanical hazard; and may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Ability to operate an emergency vehicle, mobile and portable radio, mobile data terminal, computer, printer, telephone, cellular phone, and other office-type equipment. This position is considered emergency essential personnel and is required to be readily available during times of natural or man-made disaster.
• Physical Requirements: Work is performed within an office environment, primarily behind a desk, and frequently includes computer operation. The employee must read, write, and interact with others in person, over the phone, and via other devices. The employee may move within the facility to access file cabinets, documents, office machinery, and other equipment. Travel may be required to outside sites to attend meetings, training, events, and other business activities. Persons in this position frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 10 lbs. sometimes, but rarely, up to 50 lbs. Additionally, work may require bending, climbing, carrying, crawling, kneeling, reaching, or stooping.

The Town of Surf City Offers

• Health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plan (HRA), Flexible Spending Account, NC Local Government Retirement System, 401K and 457 plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plans, and various supplemental insurances.
• FREE access to the Community Center’s fitness rooms, gymnasium & athletic fields/facilities and discounts on all programs, athletics, wellness classes, and events.