Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communications strategy that seeks to tell the department’s story through strategic communications, both written and digital, social media and via the news media.
• Inform and engage members of the public, both internal and external, and develop relationships with key stakeholders – City staff and leadership, community and corporate partners, news reporters and others.
• Serve as a designated subject matter expert, performing high-level technical assistance for the Environmental & Street Services department and executive stakeholders in a variety of public relations areas including media consultation, marketing communications, developing communication strategies, internal communications and website content development.
• Write speeches; develop and implement departmental communication plans; use a variety of media; facilitate and foster positive media relations; respond to media inquiries; monitor City coverage; advise staff.
• Identify and work with sponsors, participants, and stakeholders; serve as project manager; write specifications for consultants and ensure deliverables and specifications; facilitate intergovernmental relations; define project scope and manage stakeholder processes.
• Perform advanced, professional work in developing and implementing strategic public information initiatives that support Environmental & Street Services mission and priorities.
• Manage complex public information projects from concept through completion, including planning, execution and evaluation; monitor performance metrics and refine strategies.
• Coordinate Education & Outreach campaigns (e.g. Recycle Right Durham, stormwater, street closures) and drive engagement through multi-channel strategies and performance analytics.
• Develop clear, accurate and audience-focused written communications; coordinate city-wide or department public relations, communications, and/or marketing programs; advise senior management; develop and implement communication plans; coordinate logistics; ensure compliance with regulations and procedures.
• Design high-impact communications (presentations, publications, graphics) and produce print materials (utility bill inserts, reports, brochures, fact sheets) and digital, social media content; prepare press releases and newsletters; take photographs and direct and produce videos; develop publications.
• Implement initiatives to ensure effective communications for all, including language access and alignment with digital accessibility standard.
• Collaborate with the media, business leaders, community officials, City departments, and external agencies; attend meetings; facilitate positive media relations; respond to inquiries; monitor City coverage; serve as primary media contact; establish strategic partnerships; develop and conduct training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in business or public administration, communications, or directly related field
• Five years of professional communications experience, including media, social media and communications advisory experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience managing communications projects from concept through completion
• Experience developing internal communications for employees
• Experience creating content for digital platforms and social media
• Background in environmental services to include solid waste collections and disposal, recycling, stormwater, street maintenance, engineering, and/or natural resources, government, non-profit experience
• Strong organizational and project management skills with keen attention to detail
• Skill in prioritizing multiple tasks and meeting tight deadlines
• Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, collaborative team environments

Preferred

• Experience with graphic design across multiple platforms
• Experience creating content for digital platforms and social media
• Knowledge of content creation strategies for various media platforms