Messaging and Engagement Strategist

Salary Range: $88,316-$110,395. The maximum pay for this position is $132,474.

Under the direction of the Strategic Communications Director and working closely with the Public Relations Manager, the Messaging and Engagement Strategist is responsible for the development and management of a variety of narrative-based public outreach and storytelling efforts. Advanced knowledge of all aspects of professional external communications mediums and assets is essential, including traditional, social and digital media; advertising; public relations; varied communication techniques for governmental organizations; internal communications; and public affairs. The position requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities along with a thorough understanding of county operations.

In collaboration with elected offices and county departments, including executive leadership, this position will create original content and design and implement messaging campaigns focused on the county’s strategic priorities, services, programs, initiatives, and special projects for both external and internal audiences of Eagle County.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by January 12th; however, the job will be posted until filled.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM. This role offers a hybrid work environment with a dedicated on-site office. Our team prioritizes collaboration by gathering in person every Monday.

Essential Duties

• With guidance from the Strategic Director of Communications, develops and oversees internal and external outreach efforts. Understands the differing needs of external audiences in the Eagle River and Roaring Fork valleys, the demographic complexities of the county, as well as the interests of different stakeholders.
• Writes and edits original content for a variety of mediums, including news releases, opinion pieces, advertisements, annual reports, social media, video scripts and more.
• Develops specialized communications plans as needed
• Designs and implements communications campaigns
• Leads the county’s digital storytelling and social media strategy, ensuring consistent, executive-aligned messaging across platforms. Curates the county’s message and brand through social media, capturing on-the–ground success stories and generating original creative content. This includes monitoring and posting to the county’s social media outlets, as well as identifying tools and providing training and guidance to internal staff to optimize social media and execute the county’s digital strategy. Keeps abreast of emerging trends in social media and AI integration. Analyzes and makes strategic adjustments to content based on analytics.
• Serves as a communications advisor to the Strategic Director and County Manager’s Office, helping shape executive messaging and narrative alignment.
• With guidance from the Strategic Director of Communications, advises and coordinates with elected officials and staff on strategic communications issues, positively portraying the county in the news media, on social media, in the community, and with other government agencies and county partners.
• Facilitates internal communications and employee engagement through the administration of the county’s communications systems and participates in internal work groups. Assists in the development and dissemination of internal messages.
• Serves as a Public Information Officer during crises, emergency situations and/or large scale events.
• Cultivates relationships with members of the media and understands the needs and interests of each contact.
• Develops a “plug and play” baseline internal community engagement guidebook and consults with departments to customize public engagement campaigns to meet their objectives
• Observes safety and security procedures, uses equipment and materials safely and reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Serves the community by demonstrating Eagle County Government mission and core values and following relevant policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification, or Registration:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in journalism, English, communications, public policy or closely related field.
• 7 years of work experience in the communications field
• 2 years of supervisory experience preferred
  
  

Certifications

• FEMA ICS 100 or higher certification preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the capacity to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Familiarity with AP style guidelines.
• Strong computer software skills, including strong social media skills and familiarity with website content management systems.
• Knowledge of Google Suite.
• Ability to edit and proofread the work of others quickly while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Must be detail-oriented and adapt “voice” to different types of communications.
• Ability to complete projects independently. Ability to provide effective leadership for project teams.
• Ability to be flexible and work well under pressure. Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and projects simultaneously while meeting established deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, objectively make judgments, and exercise authority when appropriate. Ability to assess the political climate and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, elected officials, county management, peers, vendors and media outlets. Ability to work collaboratively with public and private partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of the news media, its structures and technology for reporting news.
• Knowledge of trends in marketing, identity building, and communication strategies for governmental organizations.
• Expertise in conducting research, locating information related to requests and critically evaluating the research findings.
• Spanish fluency preferred.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership or elected officials.