Responsibilities

• Drives County communications efforts: Oversees the development of content, messaging, and design for Catawba County’s public-facing communication materials and tools; coordinates, evaluates, and adapts the social media presence; responds to public and media inquiries for information; maintains the integrity of and develops new applications for Catawba County’s brand and graphic guidelines.
• Promotes County services, initiatives, and programs: Develops, implements, and evaluates communication and marketing strategies to increase awareness of services and citizen engagement opportunities; develops and maintains promotional and advertising campaigns; uses a variety of communication strategies to generate awareness of and participation in County initiatives and programs; maintains relationships with local media; develops media coverage opportunities for County initiatives, issues, and messages; writes press releases to promote County services, information, and resources; distributes and cross-promotes press releases generated by County departments; fulfills interview requests either as a spokesperson or by coordinating interviews for other County staff and preparing them with relevant context.
• Coordinates crisis communication responses as appropriate: Assists in developing crisis communication plans and materials and coordinates crisis communications for County departments; participates in relevant drills and training; contributes to developing and implementing County crisis response and continuity of operations plans.
• Liaisons with community and professional organizations: Serves as the County’s ambassador to the community, representing Catawba County in a positive manner; develops and maintains strategic community partnerships to collaborate on messaging and share pertinent County information; interfaces with regional, state, and national organizations (as appropriate); maintains positive relationships and open communication channels.
• Coordinates and executes outreach programs and events: Identifies opportunities for and coordinates County participation in appropriate community events.
• Develops and delivers internal communications messages and initiatives, including employee newsletters, special announcements, etc.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or related field
• minimum of 5 years of professional-level experience in public relations, communications, or marketing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex information in written, verbal, and graphic forms to a variety of audiences
• Ability to think strategically and creatively about ways to achieve short- and long-term organizational goals
• Ability to respond effectively and accurately in crisis situations under extreme deadline pressure
• Valid Driver’s License with a safe driving record (Driving is an occasional function of this position)
• Willingness to establish residency in Catawba County within a reasonable timeframe after appointment

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or other related field is preferred

Benefits

• Health Care
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Care
• Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Wellness
• Employee Health Clinic (EHC)
• Wellness Program incentives and activities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual Leave and Sick Leave policies