Communications Specialist

Hiring Range:

$57,644 - $60,526 This position performs difficult administrative and professional work managing the Town's website and social media accounts, overseeing, and coordinating public information programs and publicity activities, creating comprehensive community outreach programs, and communicating Town initiatives, projects, plans, and practices to Surf City residents and stakeholders. Develops strategic guidelines and operational processes for effective, high-impact public communications Additionally, this position will also serve as a critical emergency management team member, assisting the Emergency Management Director in developing and maintaining various planning packages (Emergency Operations Plan and annexes, Continuity of Operations, etc.), developing and maintaining the department budget, and working on various types of tasks and projects relevant to the emergency management discipline. This position is designated as essential during emergency or disaster situations. Work is performed, reviewed, and approved under the supervision of the Emergency Management Director. Duties and Responsibilities These duties and responsibilities are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the Town . Communications Specific Duties Responsible for content management of the Town's website and social media accounts, coordinating with individual department heads; produces, writes, edits, and distributes media releases, regular newsletters, and other content as required. Oversees and coordinates public information programs and publicity activities for the Town; develops and expands communication resources for citizen outreach. Produces reports, presentations, recruitment messaging, and public service announcements; produces public educational materials about the Town's operations, programs, and initiatives. Acts as the Town spokesperson and is the liaison between the Town and the media, coordinating responses to media inquiries and efforts. Develops, coordinates, and executes internal and external communication strategies; presents recommendations to elected officials, town management, and key personnel. Coordinates responses to public inquiries and requests. Supports elected officials, town management, and key personnel with training on media relations, social media best practices, and communication policies and procedures. Attends public meetings and internal operational meetings to stay abreast of Town activities and initiatives. Assists as necessary with planning and support for community events and festivals. Creates calendars for the overall communication strategy of the town systems and coordinates all town social media to provide a consistent, timely release of information on events, activities, improvements, etc. Works with staff to develop and implement Emergency Communications Policy and Procedures. Attend conferences and training to stay informed of current public information and communications best practices. Attends committee meetings as assigned; may be assigned as a participating member. Develops community relations and partnerships. Collaborates with other Town departments to complete or assist with projects as needed. Performs other duties as assigned Emergency Management-Specific Duties Serves as essential on-call Public Information Officer to respond in case of an emergency; staffs the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) upon activation as Public Information Officer. Assist with developing, revising, and implementing various emergency management-related plans, including the Emergency Operations Plan and Annexes, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Continuity of Operations Plan, to ensure compliance with county, state, and federal requirements. Establishes grading metrics and systems to ensure that plan reviews and actions are completed in a timely manner. Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, activities, and materials designed to enhance community preparedness and build resilience. Assist with the annual budget process, grant applications and management, and related tasks. Serve as an EM representative on working groups and planning committees. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from high school. Secondary education is a plus. Experience in public administration, communications, related fields, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Marketing or social media experience, preferably in the public sector. Licenses and Professional Certifications NC Driver's License

NIMS/ICS

(At hire or within 3 months)

IS-100 IS-200 IS-700 IS-800 NIMS/ICS

(Preferred or within 18 months)

G-300 G-400 FEMA PIO

Basic Course Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. Skill in the use of social media and related software applications. Ability to operate standard office and computer equipment, including the ability to operate cameras. Ability to express ideas effectively and professionally both orally and in writing. Ability to work within strict deadlines and re-prioritize responsibilities as needed. Ability to perform work during emergencies or disasters upon request and as assigned by management. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, elected officials, media, organizations, industry professionals, and the general public. Basic understanding of the four (4) phases of Emergency Management All Hazard Operational methodology Ability to transform strategy into action Ability to represent the Town professionally and respectfully while interacting with diverse individuals within the workplace and the community. Working Conditions Employee is generally subject to inside environmental conditions having the lighting, temperature, and noise of an open floor-plan office environment. The noise level in the work environment is typically mildly loud; at times, the noise level may be loud, with frequent interruptions and multiple demands. The employee is routinely required to work outside normal business hours. In times of emergency, the employee may be exposed for prolonged periods to outdoor weather conditions that may vary from extreme heat to extreme cold and debris, fumes, odors, airborne particles, and dust; may be exposed to the possibility of bodily injury from electrical shock or mechanical hazard; and may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Ability to operate an emergency vehicle, mobile and portable radio, mobile data terminal, computer, printer, telephone, cellular phone, and other office-type equipment. This position is considered emergency essential personnel and is required to be readily available during times of natural or man-made disaster. Physical Requirements Work is performed within an office environment, primarily behind a desk, and frequently includes computer operation. The employee must read, write, and interact with others in person, over the phone, and via other devices. The employee may move within the facility to access file cabinets, documents, office machinery, and other equipment. Travel may be required to outside sites to attend meetings, training, events, and other business activities. Persons in this position frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 10 lbs. sometimes, but rarely, up to 50 lbs. Additionally, work may require bending, climbing, carrying, crawling, kneeling, reaching, or stooping.