Communications Manager

About NRHA Founded in 1940, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) provides low-income families in Norfolk, Virginia with safe and well-maintained housing. It also plans and administers large-scale residential redevelopment programs within Norfolk.

NRHA is an award-winning public housing authority that has been effective in obtaining private investment partners to fund new neighborhoods; improving low-income public housing; planning and building mixed-income communities; and offering programs that support residents receiving rental assistance on their path to self-sufficiency. NRHA aims to create and apply meaningful housing and neighborhood development programs to serve all residents of Norfolk, Virginia.

NRHA looks for people who want to work in a challenging and progressive environment and make a positive difference in the community.

NRHA seeks qualified candidates for Communications Manager.

Essential Functions

Oversee the internal and external communication of NRHA to ensure consistent and engaging messaging. Directs content, develops and executes story ideas and content creation and directs creative execution to provide a consistent, targeted, and impactful message.

Develops, delivers and posts written and visual content to internal and external platforms. The content may include press releases, marketing materials, websites, blogs, internal announcements, calendars and newsletters. Develops an understanding of short- and long-term department goals and planned initiatives.

Keeps up to date with trends and advancements in marketing and communications within the industry to inspire new ideas and drive innovation. Builds and maintains solid partnerships with assigned internal clients to better develop, coordinate, direct, and facilitate strategic communications designed to meet business goals.

Adjusts and communicates plan changes as necessary to ensure costs for materials, media, and labor are in line with the sales potential for a specific product or campaign.

Works with NRHA leadership to take the pulse of overall business activity to identify cross-marketing opportunities. Stays informed of developments in the field of marketing and communications within the industry to foster ideas and innovation.

Produce media activity reports, write letters, interdepartmental memos and other business correspondence. Consult with executive management to develop effective communication procedures and policies for various situations or crises.

Performs other tasks as required.

Education, Experience, and Licenses

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, strategic communications, or equivalent. Minimum three years of advertising or marketing experience. Demonstrated experience with all types of social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.). Experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, SharePoint and Microsoft Teams platforms

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge

• Marketing and Communications Principles: Knowledge of strategic communication practices, marketing strategies, and content creation methodologies.
• Social Media Platforms: Familiarity with various social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) and how to leverage them for effective internal and external communication.
• Writing and Content Development: Knowledge of writing styles, formats, and media types including press releases, marketing materials, newsletters, blogs, and internal announcements.
• Media Relations: Understanding of media activities, public relations, and effective ways to communicate with journalists and other media outlets.
• Brand Messaging: Knowledge of brand development and maintaining consistent, targeted messaging across multiple communication platforms.
• Crisis Communication: Familiarity with developing and executing communication plans during crisis situations.
• Communication Technology: Knowledge of tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, SharePoint, and Teams for collaboration and content management.

Skills

• Content Creation: Ability to develop engaging and compelling written and visual content for both internal and external communication channels.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and multitasking skills to manage high volumes of work and adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative Execution: Ability to conceptualize and execute creative ideas that align with strategic communication goals and business objectives.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong ability to align communication strategies with business goals and adjust plans accordingly based on feedback or changing conditions.
• Media Outreach: Skill in building relationships with media professionals and utilizing media outlets to share key organizational messages.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to monitor communication effectiveness and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work closely with internal clients and leadership to develop and execute communication strategies that meet business needs.
• Editing and Proofreading: Strong attention to detail in reviewing and refining written materials for accuracy, clarity, and style.

Abilities

• Adaptability: Ability to quickly adjust communication strategies and plans in response to changes in business objectives, target audience, or media trends.
• Innovation and Creativity: Ability to generate new ideas and approaches in communication to stay relevant in a rapidly changing field.
• Effective Communication: Ability to convey messages clearly, concisely, and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, to diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to assess communication challenges and provide practical solutions to meet the organization’s needs.
• Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with key internal stakeholders, media contacts, and external partners.
• Leadership and Decision-Making: Ability to take initiative, provide guidance to teams or peers, and make informed decisions about communication strategy and tactics.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires depth, color, and texture perception.

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Those candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted directly by telephone. All other candidates will receive an email communication after the position is filled.

NRHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants receive consideration for a position without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, or any other class protected by law. NRHA is an eVerify employer and reviews the eligibility of each employee to work in the United States. NRHA is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. NRHA requires a criminal history record review for all positions. NRHA reserves the right to close or withdraw at any time any position it lists or advertises.