Drive department-wide public communications strategy for Environmental & Street Services, shaping stories across media and digital channels to inform the public, engage stakeholders, and support the department’s mission.

Own development and execution of cross-channel communication plans, including media relations and internal communications.
Must-have: Five years of professional communications experience with media and advisory roles.
Standout: Ability to manage complex public information projects from concept to completion with measurable results.

Job Description

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

City of Durham

The City of Durham is "Where Careers Meet Community." Our employees create the environment that enables the Bull City to thrive. We reward them with an exceptional compensation package, opportunities for advancement and impact, and a supportive workplace that values their contributions – all in one of the nation’s most desirable places to live, work, and play.Ready to connect with a career that serves the Bull City? Visit DurhamNC.gov/Careers to view and apply for available jobs.

Durham, North Carolina, USA

1.8K employees (65 in marketing)

www.durhamnc.gov/3774/City-Jobs-Careers

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors

235.3K

Traffic Source Mix

52.2%

Direct

42.6%

Referral

4.7%

Social

0.3%

Paid

0.2%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~1.8K

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size

36 (2% of company)

Recent News

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Nov 17, 2025 • ABC11

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Nov 12, 2025 • INDY Week

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Nov 10, 2025 • WUNC

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