Communications and Marketing Specialist - Manager's Office

Overview

Are you a creative communicator who loves telling stories that matter? Chatham County Government is looking for a Communications and Marketing Specialist to help share the work, impact, and positive stories of a fast-growing, forward-thinking county. This role plays an essential part in connecting with our community through engaging, clear, and meaningful public outreach across a variety of platforms.

As part of the County Manager’s Office, you’ll work alongside an amazing, collaborative team and under the general direction of the Public Information Officer (PIO). We offer a flexible schedule, a supportive work environment, and the opportunity to grow your skills while helping shape how residents experience and understand local government. Chatham County is growing—and so are we—making this an exciting place to build your career, contribute your ideas, and make a real impact.

This position plays an essential role in communicating with the Chatham County community and telling the positive stories of Chatham County Government through a variety of public outreach methods. The individual is critical in producing accurate, responsible, and effective messaging that supports leadership, informs residents, and strengthens confidence in local government. The position is part of the Chatham County Manager’s Office, and work is performed under the general direction of the Public Information Officer (PIO).

• Assists the Public Information Officer with writing and editing communications, including news releases, media advisories, and presentations;
• Manages and updates the Chatham County website, including content management for all departments, using coding, ensuring ADA compliance and consistent and accurate Spanish translation;
• Trains website content users and responds to technical issues that regularly arise;
• Manages the County’s social media channels and works with County departments to establish their own social media channels, as requested and approved by the PIO;
• Collaborates with the Intergovernmental Relations Manager to update and maintain the County Social Media Policy;
• Creates audio and visual communications such as podcasts and videos for the County website and County social media channels;
• Provides photography support for Chatham County events as needed;
• Provides graphic design support to departments;
• Serves as a backup PIO;
• Serves on the Harris Nuclear Task Force, and is involved in regular training and graded exercises to respond in emergencies at the Harris Nuclear Plant;
• Assists PIO in other tasks and projects;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree with coursework in communications, marketing, public administration, or related fields and experience in public relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bi-lingual preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of community, public, and media relations;
• Thorough knowledge of writing and editing;
• General knowledge of the organization, function, and method of operation of the County and various operational departments;
• General knowledge of website content creation and management with the ability to learn new website platforms;
• General knowledge of local government and the importance of timely, coordinated messaging with leadership, departments, and partner agencies;
• Skilled in the use of computer equipment;
• Skilled in the use of video and editing equipment;
• Skilled in the use of graphic design software;
• Ability to write public information reports, releases, advisories, and statements;
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and sensitive topics effectively, orally and in writing;
• Ability to maintain ethical standards, political neutrality, and confidentiality;
• Ability to responsibly communicate factual, nonpartisan information on behalf of a public entity;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, associates, news media, and the general public.

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires speaking, hearing, use of hands and fingers, handling, feeling and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing, pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas orally;

work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license. Ability to read and speak Spanish fluently is preferred.