City of Hampton is hiring: Communications Specialist/Graphic Designer in Hampton

The Communications Specialist develops and distributes information to promote an organization and publicizes Sheriff’s Office information as directed. Responsible for developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies and comprehensive supporting plans to achieve the communication goals that support the mission of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office (HSO).

Performs duties under the direct supervision of the Community Relations / Public Information Officer (PIO) and is accountable for the use of delegated authority.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintain a database of media organizations and contact information.
• Present material in writing, through graphic presentations and other communications media.
• Manage the Hampton Sheriff’s Office social media communications.
• Develop and implement communication strategies that include media outreach and social media content creation.
• Supervise and estimate the success of media campaigns and report them to the Sheriff and management team.
• Analyze digital marketing metrics.
• Regularly meet and conduct interviews with media personnel.
• Plan, arrange, and coordinate press conferences and events.
• Create and produce internal newsletters, calendars, and annual reports for the organization.
• Develop, implement, and maintain working relationships with journalists and key external partners in multiple media outlets.
• Write, edit, and distribute various types of content, including material for the website, press releases, marketing material, etc.
• Participate in management and project implementation.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and progressive actions through professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and the public.
• Create visual design concepts to communicate ideas and messages using a variety of design elements, including images, typography, and layouts, to create logos, advertisements, brochures, magazines, websites, product packaging, and social media content.
• Assist with the preparation of news releases and, after submitting them to the Sheriff or his designee for approval, send them to various media outlets.
• Assist in the preparation of brochures and information packets for use in informing public and private agencies and the general public of Sheriff’s Office activities.
• Maintain a photograph catalogue for use during presentations.
• Assist in the preparation of all formal correspondence, i.e., letters, reports, memorandums, proposals, recommendations, etc., on the Sheriff’s behalf.
• Meet with public and private groups to explain Sheriff’s Office programs, procedures, and operation of the department.
• Ensure all products are of the highest technical standards in the areas of content, design, and impact (re-branding).
• Participate in discussions, seminars, and other related events; cooperate as fully as possible with the media in releasing information to the public.
• Perform workshops and training sessions for Sheriff’s Office employees, when applicable.
• Adhere to all policies, procedures, guidelines, and directives of the office on an ongoing basis.
• Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times.
• Protect confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and / or writing.
• Follow all Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Perform any other tasks as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in English, journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, public speaking, or any related field. A minimum of two (2) years experience in communications strategy development and implementation. Extensive computer skills to include graphics layout and design. Experience may substitute for education on the basis of one year of appropriate experience for each year of education.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

The job may risk exposure to extreme heat and / or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, fumes, odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, traffic, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Risk of exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have the capability to hear, speak, and see to communicate with the general public. Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs, bend, twist, reach; sit for prolonged periods of time; move / push / pull or lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lbs; Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies. Requires annual physical. Requires operation of standard office equipment.

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