Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Town of Cornelius offers an impressive benefits package including:

• Employer paid health, dental, & vision with discounts for dependents
• Enrollment in the NC Local Government Retirement System
• 5% contribution to 401K
• 5% salary increase after 1st year
• $1500 sign on bonus

Job Summary

Manages and executes the overall communications strategy ensuring all work being done on behalf of the Town continues to enhance the Town’s mission, vision, and core values as set by the Mayor and Board of Commissioners. Performs professional marketing work, communicates through many types of media, and coordinates information flow to the public on a broad range of Town programs, activities, and services. Work involves contact with the public, Town officials, and Town staff. The employee works under direction of the Town Manager or his/her designee. Work may require some television and radio exposure.

Essential Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed.)

• Directs the overall development, coordination, and execution of the Town’s comprehensive communications plan; oversees style and standards for town communications; streamlines communications and public relations efforts to ensure a consistent message and voice and serves as the liaison between the town and the news media
• Directs and/or participates in the design, development, composition, production, and distribution of a variety of public information and/or marketing materials and other documents such as e-newsletters, brochures/flyers, information guides, social media publications, videos, multimedia content, and campaigns to educate and inform Town citizens of Town projects and other relevant information to create and maintain a positive image of the Town
• Coordinates and oversees publicity opportunities and public information programs for the Town
• Coordinates release of timely and accurate updates for residents related to Town projects
• Attends wide variety of town functions and meetings, such as planning workshops, board meetings, special events and others to help communicate and promote them; assists with marketing plans for events and various town activities
• Create content for and distribute bi-weekly Town e-newsletter, “Keeping Up With Cornelius”
• Plan regular events to offer opportunities for residents to connect with elected officials and Town staff including but not limited to radio shows and virtual and in-person events
• Assists as necessary with planning of and support for community events hosted by the Town
• Actively engages the Town’s diverse constituent base using social media channels in relevant ways, and grows media relationships to positively promote the Town and accurately inform its residents
• Manages and monitors all Town social media platforms such as LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and industry forums in accordance with Town policy;
• Develops strategies for engaging the public and advising on social media trends and best practices.
• Responds to comments and questions posted on the Town's social media sites, developing regular and consistent content, and thinking proactively about the Town's brand and community partners
• Promotes the organization’s public image through interactions with business, industry, and local leaders
• Provides primary oversight of Town website; responsible for content management and training of departmental staff on how to update the website as necessary
• Serves as webmaster for the Town; coordinates development and maintenance of the website with vendors
• Develops and implements citizen feedback opportunities; analyzes programs and the needs of residents, now and in the future, using a variety of methods, including surveys, community participation, and other reporting tools
• Sets and maintains citizen service standards; solicits and responds to citizen concerns; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; follows-up with department staff to ensure prompt resolution
• Respond to requests for information concerning Town services and events
• Develops, coordinates, and executes internal and external communication strategies; works cooperatively with and presents recommendations to elected officials, town management, department heads, and staff, and assists with the research, writing, design, and production of internal and external communication materials, including board presentations and reports, event flyers, newsletters, media releases, and audiovisual materials
• Oversees and participates in the full range of public relations and communication activities; determines the need for informational and promotional materials and the most effective way to disseminate information to target audiences
• Acts as the Town spokesperson and is the liaison between the Town and the media; maintains regular media contacts, keeping them informed of issues and events of importance to the Town; directs media inquiries to the appropriate Town Contact as needed, and coordinates responses to media inquiries and efforts; may need to respond in the event of an emergency incident
• Attends conferences and trainings to stay informed of new trends and innovations in the field of community relations; evaluates the impact of new developments, and recommends improvements to existing programs and procedures
• Supervises Part-time Communications Content Coordinator

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of and experience with:

• The principles and practices of journalism and marketing.
• Local Government (municipal and/or county) organization and functions.
• Grammar, punctuation, editing, layout, and related skills.
• Current relevant desktop publishing, photography, graphic design, including current and relevant software.
• Presentation and publications software, web authoring software, and related information technology tools for marketing and public relations and communications.
• Customer service and relationship building.

Ability to:

• Write, edit, and communicate clearly and create a positive and professional image of Town and office.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions in conformance with Town policies, state and federal laws related to the release of public information.
• Communicate effectively in conversations, public presentations, and written form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, department heads, employees, citizens, and all media.
• Handle confidential information appropriately.
• Work under pressure and with time-sensitive projects.

Education and Experience

A Bachelor’s with coursework in Journalism, Public Relations or Marketing, or Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field with experience relevant to this position .

Preferred experience in local government communications, public relations, and graphic design. Public sector experience with similar job duties are encouraged to apply. Strong preference for individuals with at least 5 years of experience; Supervisory experience is a plus.

Equipment Operated

Personal computer, printer, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, telephone equipment, and other assigned office equipment.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver’s license. Driving record, credit check, and criminal background check are required along with a post-offer drug-screen. The positions may require some television and radio exposure. Work involves contact with the public, Town officials, and Town staff.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Typical workdays and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00 pm on-site; off-hours meetings include two evening Town Board meetings every month and occasional off-hours & weekend meetings and/or events to attend. Expectation is to be in office, with flexibility for limited remote work upon approval.

This position is subject to office and travel environments. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, listen, use hands to feel or operate objects, and reach with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and carry 25 pounds.

Special Note

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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