Responsibilities

• Overseeing production of the department’s deliverables;
• Serving as the principal copywriter for the department, to include writing news releases, brochure and advertising copy, programs for special events, and web content and social media posts as required;
• Collaborating with the department’s graphics team in developing content and creative approaches to brochures, fliers, advertising (both print and digital) and other collateral materials;
• Monitoring the content on the city website to ensure that it is accurate and up to date;
• Consulting as needed with internal customers to fully understand customer needs and expectations for advertisements, brochures, fliers and other deliverables;
• Exercising direct supervision of select members of the Marketing & Communications staff as assigned by the director;
• Assisting the department director in effectively communicating accurate information to citizens and the media during emergency and crisis situations;
• Stepping in for the department director during the director’s absence and as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with coursework in mass communications, journalism, marketing, or related field and considerable experience in news writing, marketing, graphics production, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to clearly convey verbally and in writing information about city programs and policies, using correct grammar and simple, non-bureaucratic language that city residents will understand;
• Ability to gather information about city programs and policies and distill it into news releases, web content, reports, fliers, brochures, advertisements and other collateral materials;
• Command of AP style and best practices in writing for print, social media, websites and radio/television;
• Ability to prioritize and manage production of a high volume of deliverables, including graphics, advertisements, news releases, social media posts, and more;
• Considerable knowledge of marketing, promotions, communications, public relations and public information techniques;
• Considerable knowledge of graphic design principles and best practices;
• Thorough knowledge of various social media platforms including the best practices in posting and writing for each platform;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, city residents, and city staff;
• Ability to learn the unique characteristics of the city and surrounding community;

Preferred

• At least three (3) years experience as a supervisor
• Master Degree
• Experience in writing advertising copy for print

Benefits

• EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 401a Contribution (employee match not required) Bus Pass Program Education Assistance Employee Assistance Program Employee Suggestion Program Family and Medical Leave Flexible Spending Accounts Group Health Insurance Group Dental Insurance Jury Duty Leave Life/Accidental Death Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Military Leave Paid Holidays Promotion from Within Retirement/Pension Plan (State of NC) School Leave Shared Leave Short-Term Disability Insurance Sick Leave Training Vacation Leave Wellness ProgramThe City of Winston-Salem's employment practices are guided by federal, state, and local rules and regulations guaranteeing employment opportunities to all persons without regard to and prohibiting discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, political affiliation or beliefs, national origin or handicap, unless a bonafide occupational qualification exists.