Communications Specialist

Job Title: Communications Specialist

Position Type: Full-Time

Annual Salary Range: $57,469 to $86,202

Grade: 25

Reports: Assistant Town Manager

Closing Date: This Position Will Remain Open Until Filled

Please note that the minimum pay range shown is just that - a minimum. We look at every candidate individually and will make sure that your starting pay offer will be based on the experience, knowledge, skills and abilities YOU bring to the table.

We like to take a "total compensation" philosophy toward employment with the Town. So please carefully factor in ALL the pay, benefits, work environment, growth opportunities, team atmosphere, economic stability, etc. together as you consider a rewarding future with the Town of Southern Pines.

Please see click here for position brochure: Communications Specialist Brochure

JOB PURPOSE

The Communications Specialist strategically communicates proactive and engaging information about the Town and its programs, accomplishments, and initiatives. This employee enhances the Town’s image, ensures transparency, and encourages public participation in the governing process.

This position requires a highly responsible professional to interact with the public, senior leaders, and elected officials. Respect for citizens and colleagues is paramount, with a focus on the public interest. Reporting to the Assistant Town Manager, the Communications Specialist advises senior leaders on strategies to enhance public relations.

The Communications Specialist generates and distributes public information using various outlets: website, livestreaming, social media, print campaigns, and emergency systems.

Coordinating the Town’s community engagement program, the Communications Specialist fosters citizen involvement by supporting departments in effective public participation, marketing, presentations, feedback collection, and citizen education. This role drives community input through various activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

External Communications & Media Relations

• Develop and execute the Town's marketing and communications plan.

• Identify and distribute proactive, unique, and strategic stories about Town departments, programs, or employees.
• Support the Town’s departments with external communications.
• Serve as the Town’s Public Information Officer and chief spokesperson, as appropriate, acting as the main contact for media requests.
• Monitor news and other sources for information pertinent to the Town government, advising the leadership team on issues with potential impact on the Town or likely media interest.

• Support Emergency Operations Managers during times of crisis. Train Town employees on crisis communications.
• Proactively pitch stories to the media on Town initiatives and programs.
• Prepare and release content and graphics for a variety of printed and digital materials. Provide photography and videography for Town functions and special events.
• Monitor and update the Town’s website, social media, and other outreach.
• Monitor and enforce the Town’s brand for compliance.

Community Education & Engagement

• Manage the Town’s community engagement program to foster citizen involvement in major Town initiatives across all departments. Execute creative and effective ways of obtaining input from citizens on issues important to the Town.
• Work with lead staff members to develop appropriate message theme and execution for programs, projects, and other initiatives.
  Plan, coordinate, and promote special events to create awareness of Town programs and facilities.
• Create and maintain strong community partnerships, lines of communication, and alliances with various organizations on behalf of the Town.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Marketing, Graphic Design, or closely related field.
• 2-3 years of relevant experience in content creation, marketing, website maintenance, social media platforms, or other related fields. Previous experience working in local government is a plus.
• Skilled at designing and producing engaging and effective content, graphics, and videos for print and digital media.
• Skilled at applying strategic, critical thinking to communications and public participation.
• Skilled in collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Skilled in photography and editing; videography and editing is a benefit, but not mandatory.
• Skilled in using computers, office equipment, audio/visual tools, cameras, design software, and other necessary technology.
• Ability to apply meticulous attention to detail so the Town is reflected professionally and positively.
• Ability to think strategically and to preemptively identify situations that might lead to unfavorable outcomes, set unrealistic expectations, and similar challenges.
• Ability to analyze the broader context before engaging, ensuring the Town’s communications are well-informed, thoughtful, and strategic.
• Ability to demonstrate awareness and respect for the community’s diversity by communicating inclusively and engaging with people from various backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain composure and a professional demeanor, even during tense situations and times of crisis.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, discretion, and good judgment in handling sensitive and/or confidential information.
• Ability to design and facilitate creative, engaging, and effective communications products and engagement strategies.
• Ability to research, analyze, and produce content on complex and detailed subjects and measure against verifiable criteria.
• Ability to be adaptable and work well under pressure, to manage multiple tasks concurrently, and to shift focus when needed, often with little advanced notice.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative professional relationships with Town employees and elected officials as well as external individuals and organizations.
• Knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices.
• Knowledge of effective strategies for media relations.
• Knowledge of graphic design elements, printing processes, and production techniques and their effectiveness in communicating to the public.
• Knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of communications and public participation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This employee primarily works in a climate-controlled office but is also required to support Town departments on-site and virtually. Occasional outdoor work may be required for public events and crisis situations and may extend to construction sites or emergency scenes.

This employee will assist with emergency communications, attend special events or meetings beyond regular hours, and report to the Emergency Operations Center during crises.

As a public-facing role, interactions will include elected officials, leaders, citizens, vendors, and others in ceremonial, emergency, and potentially tense situations.

The Town of Southern Pines is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $57,469 - $86,202