Communications Specialist II - Digital Communications

Description

Performs advanced skilled administrative work developing and implementing Town-wide communications and outreach initiatives. This position is responsible for creating and managing engaging, accessible, and accurate content across all digital and visual communication channels to support transparency, community engagement, and the Town’s strategic goals. This position is designated as essential during emergency or disaster situations. Work is performed with limited supervision from the Communications Manager. 

Digital Communications

Responsible for the management of the Town’s website, mobile app, and social media platforms, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and digital best practices. Oversees web content accuracy, structure, and usability, coordinating with departments to ensure timely updates and consistent messaging. Supports digital analytics, online engagement strategies, and accessibility compliance. 

Essential Job Functions 

• Assists in the development and implementation of Town-wide communication plans and public information programs. 
• Produces internal and external communications, including reports, presentations, newsletters, and educational materials.  
• Monitors local news and online platforms to identify misinformation, resident concerns, and emerging communication needs. 
• Supports branding efforts to ensures consistent messaging and visual identity across all Town communications. 
• Serves as backup Public Information Officer (PIO) responding to incidents and within the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) when needed. 
• Attends Town events, programs, and community outreach activities to support content creation and community engagement. 
• Regularly demonstrates the Town’s core values of respect, engagement, supportive work environment, communication, and service excellence. Supports others to do the same. 
• Other responsibilities as assigned. 

Digital Communications Responsibilities (In addition to the essential job functions listed above)

• Manages and maintains the Town’s website and mobile app, ensuring content accuracy, consistency, accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA), and compliance with federal and state standards. 
• Coordinates and approves all website updates or new content submitted by departments; provides guidance on accessibility and content structure. 
• Oversees content for the Town’s social media accounts, mobile app, and other digital platforms; monitors engagement analytics and recommends strategies to increase audience reach. 
• Supports digital strategy intiatives, including online campaigns, app engagement, and analytics reporting. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, business administration, or related field and considerable (3-5 years) experience in digital communications, marketing, or multimedia content creation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. 
• Possession of or ability to obtain Incident Command Basic PIO FEMA certification within twelve (12) months of hire.
• May require possession of or ability to obtain specific licenses and/or certifications depending on departmental assignment. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of modern communications principles, digital media strategy, and public information practices. 
• Strong understanding of website management, accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 AA), and content management systems. 
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, including but not limited to Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator. 
• Skill in photography, videography, and video editing for social and digital platforms.  
• Proficiency in managing social media accounts and analyzing engagement metrics. 
• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and effectively for diverse audiences across digital, print, and visual platforms.  
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other departments and external partners.  
• Ability to exercise initiative, creativity, and independent judgment.  

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 15 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, reaching with hands and arms, and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing and walking; work requires close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and color perception; 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 requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with typewriters and/or computer printers, light traffic). Work requires the ability to concentrate in a moderately distracting environment including managing multiple priorities in such an environment.  

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Salary : $54,600 - $68,250