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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…