What are the responsibilities and job description for the MEDIA SPECIALIST position at City of Newport News?
JOB DESCRIPTION
MEDIA SPECIALIST
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision, this position supports the multimedia needs of the City Clerk’s and
Mayor’s Offices, which may include the design and publishing of a variety of audio and visual
graphics, presentations and printed materials to effectively communicate City initiatives and programs
with citizens and stakeholders. Reports to the Special Assistant to the Mayor.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Collaborates with citywide marketing and communications teams to ensure effective, consistent and
cohesive messaging of City initiatives, programs and services between the Mayor’s Office and other
departments.
Creates and manages communication content for City Council and the Mayor through interviewing
stakeholders, developing storyboards, writing, editing and recording original, creative and
appropriate media materials through a variety of platforms. Ensures adherence to guidelines for
digital and video content accessibility to include closed captioning of recorded materials.
Responsible for producing print, audio and video content within established timelines to assist with
operational and program communications from the Mayor’s Office. Designs digital ads, brochures,
flyers, posters, newsletters, and other promotional materials. May work with external vendors to
produce final products; coordinates with Purchasing to obtain quotes in accordance with established
procurement requirements, checks proofs, ensure timeline completion of projects.
Coordinates photo shoots, recording sessions and other events as necessary. May perform on-camera
or voice over recording. Serves as webpage designer for the City Clerk’s and Mayor’s Offices;
collaborates with the Department of Information Technology to ensure compliance with regulatory
standards and City policy.
Responsible for attending scheduled City Council meetings and scheduled events to assist with public
communication and reporting. Coordinates emergency responses with citywide communication
teams.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
- Public Relations and Communications – Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and
of multimedia graphics, brochures and other visual aids. Knowledge of advertising and publicity
techniques. General knowledge of effective methods and techniques of researching, preparing and
disseminating public information.
- Local Government – Knowledge of functions and operations of local government, departments,
- Customer Service — Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer
customer satisfaction.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluates situations and
conclusions or approaches. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions.
- Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, database,
to-read and understand materials.
- Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
and organizations, and elected officials as well as the public and news media.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
- Communication – Excellent ability to communicate ideas effectively to diverse audiences to include
Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
- Time Management – Ability to plan and organize daily work routine and to manage multiple
time-management methodology to meet strict deadlines in an ever-changing environment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, English, Marketing, or
a related field and 1-2 years of directly related experience in communications, marketing or public
relations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background investigation to include a local and state criminal history check and
a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
This position is considered Essential Personnel and will be required to work during and following
natural disasters and emergency situations.
- Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
- Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10
- Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.
- Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
- Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
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