Responsibilities

• The Outreach and Communications Specialist is to lead the department's communications, public outreach, and marketing efforts.
• This position plays a key role in connecting residents with the essential services, projects, and initiatives that enhance our community's quality of life.
• Through strategic communications, creative storytelling, and community engagement, you'll help showcase how Public Works serves Harrisonburg through infrastructure, environmental stewardship, transportation, maintenance, and other essential services.
• If you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and enjoy making a meaningful impact through communication, apply today to be considered for this opportunity!
• The ideal candidate is a creative and organized communications professional who enjoys developing marketing campaigns, creating engaging content, managing social media, managing a website, writing for a variety of audiences, and building relationships with the public and community partners.
• In this role, you'll collaborate with staff across all Public Works divisions to highlight projects, programs, and services through digital, print, and in-person outreach.

Requirements

• Associate degree with coursework in marketing, communications, public administration, journalism, or related field and demonstrated experience effectively communicating programs/events through social media outlets.
• Some experience in public relations, volunteer management, and special projects and events coordination and management.
• Valid driver's license.
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends, as needed.
• The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results: DMV record review; and Criminal background check.

Benefits

• The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave (including upfront sick leave) and 15.5 holidays.