Communications Specialist

Performs communications and marketing work using many types of media and assists in creating the information flow to the public on a broad range of town programs, projects, activities and services. Handles the fulfillment of public records requests for the Town and ensures records requests are fulfilled in a timely manner. Coordinates with departments to support strategic communications for the Town. This position will work directly with select town departments and provide guidance on communications efforts.

Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Communications Manager. The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

• Writes, edits, designs and coordinates the creation of content for distribution across a wide variety of platforms; aids in the creation of the Town’s newsletters; creates reports, brochures, fliers, etc.; prepares or creates graphic/creative materials as needed; and writes press releases and news articles for assigned departments that will be reviewed by the Communications Manager prior to distribution.
• Handles the fulfillment of public records requests and ensures they are fulfilled in a timely manner. Works with the Communications Manager, Legal department and Town Clerk to ensure requests are fulfilled in adherence with the law.
• Schedules, creates and coordinates the creation of videos, graphics and other informational pieces to inform stakeholders on town projects, decisions and other pertinent information and/or to educate residents on town processes and other items of interest.
• Assists in maintaining the Town’s website; coordinates website update needs with assigned departments.
• Assists with the Town’s social media presence and other tools to provide information to residents, promote the town and the work of its departments.
• Receives and responds to requests from the general public; answers questions and responds to information requests from elected officials.
• Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.
  
  

Thorough knowledge of municipal government operations, policies and structures; excellent research and organization skills; knowledge of public records law and what is required for the fulfillment of public records requests; knowledge of practices of journalism and marketing required to prepare press releases, reports and related documents; town programs, policies, and structure; public information and modern principles and practices of public relations media; general experience in media and public relations; ability to write, edit and communicate effectively to create a positive and professional image of the town; ability to write public information reports and releases; knowledge of grammar, punctuation, editing, layout and related skills; ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, the media and the general public; considerable knowledge of computer skills and technology (MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, etc.) and specialized software such as Photoshop, InDesign, iMovie, etc.

Bachelor's degree with coursework in journalism, marketing, communications or related field, or related field and at least three years of experience, preferably in the public sector or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. Work may require an irregular schedule, with occasional work after regular business hours being completed as necessary.This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and repetitive motions, frequently reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing and walking; work requires visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer and do extensive reading; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work has limited exposure to environmental conditions on as needed basis; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with computer printers, light traffic).

Work has limited exposure to environmental conditions on as needed basis. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with computer printers, light traffic).

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.