Community Engagement Manager

Position Description

About the Opportunity

Powhatan County is seeking a dynamic and creative communications professional to serve as its next Community Engagement Manager. This position is an opportunity to shape how the County connects with residents, businesses, employees, community partners, and the public through strategic storytelling, public engagement, branding, marketing, and media relations.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator who can translate complex government initiatives into clear, engaging, and accessible information for diverse audiences. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys both strategy and hands-on content creation, from developing communication campaigns and advising leadership to capturing photos at community events and creating compelling digital content.

The Community Engagement Manager serves as a trusted advisor to County leadership and plays a key role in strengthening public trust, promoting transparency, and enhancing community awareness of County services, programs, projects, and initiatives. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, balance multiple priorities with professionalism and creativity, and be comfortable serving as both a behind-the-scenes strategist and a public-facing representative of the County.

Portfolio Submission Requirements

Applicants should provide several examples of relevant work that demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively through written content, graphic design, photography, videography, branding, marketing campaigns, social media, and/or public engagement initiatives. Submitted materials should reflect work the applicant was directly involved in creating and include a brief explanation providing context, objectives, and the applicant’s role in the project.

Position Objectives

• Serves as the County’s primary media liaison and spokesperson; coordinates and disseminates accurate, timely, and accessible public information through press releases, media briefings, emergency communications, digital platforms, and other communication channels.
• Develops and implements strategic communications, public relations, marketing, branding, and community engagement initiatives that support the County’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Coordinates crisis and emergency communications strategies in collaboration with County leadership, public safety agencies, and emergency management personnel.
• Oversees County-wide internal and external communications to promote awareness of County programs, services, projects, and initiatives and maintain a positive public image.
• Develops and maintains County branding, style standards, and communication materials including digital content, newsletters, graphics, presentations, social media campaigns, video content, and promotional materials.
• Oversees County digital communication platforms including website content, usability, analytics, social media platforms, and related communication technologies.
• Develops communication strategies and action plans for major County initiatives, public engagement efforts, events, and special projects.
• Advises County leadership and the Board of Supervisors on communication strategies, media relations, public messaging, and citizen engagement matters.
• Monitors and evaluates communication and engagement efforts through analytics, reporting, and performance metrics.
• Represents the County at public meetings, community events, and engagement activities, including preparation of presentations, promotional materials, photography, and related outreach efforts.
• Assists with coordination of public information and records requests in accordance with applicable laws and County procedures.
• Attends Board of Supervisors meetings, public meetings, emergency response activities, and community events as required.
• Performs related work as required.

Desirable Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field and considerable progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, media relations, or community engagement, preferably in a local government environment; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public relations, communications, marketing, branding, media relations, and community engagement, particularly as applied to local government.
• Knowledge of local government structure, operations, programs, services, and public administration practices.
• Knowledge of communication platforms and tools including websites, social media platforms, digital communications, photography, video production, graphic design, and presentation software.
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic communication plans, public information campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.
• Skill in preparing, editing, and presenting clear, accurate, and effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences.
• Ability to produce quality graphics and images to support public information products through basic graphic design, photography and videography.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, media representatives, community organizations, and the public.
• Ability to serve as an effective spokesperson and present information tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally in high-profile or politically sensitive situations.
• Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and present information and data effectively.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and creativity in developing communication strategies and resolving issues.
• Ability to attend meetings, events, and emergency response activities during evenings or weekends as required.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to convey the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It does not encompass all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Powhatan County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Employment Notices

• Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination Is Illegal (EEOC)

• Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Powhatan County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: participation in the Virginia Retirement System, health insurance (including dental and vision), Health Savings Account (with High Deductible insurance plan), Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, Accident, Critical Illness and Cancer Supplemental Insurance, holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plans, and short-term disability insurance.

To learn more details, visit our webpage.