Communication and Engagement Coordinator

Carrboro, Town of•Drakeford Library Complex, NC

16h

About The Position

The Communication and Engagement Coordinator helps residents understand what is happening in Carrboro, how Town decisions affect them, and how they can participate. The role combines hands-on content creation with community engagement and works across Town departments to make local government more accessible and responsive. The coordinator develops social media content, videos, photography, graphics, newsletters, and web content; manages publishing and content calendars; supports neighborhood outreach and community events; and writes public information in clear, accessible language. The role also coordinates translated materials, supports media and emergency communications, and may serve as Deputy Public Information Officer when assigned. The coordinator tracks communications and engagement results, uses analytics and feedback to improve strategies, coordinates projects and vendors, maintains organized content and records, and manages competing deadlines. Applicants must submit a cover letter and one to five samples of professional work relevant to graphic design, writing, digital communications, social media content, or video production. Samples may be links, PDF attachments, or both. Applicants should describe their individual contributions to collaborative projects.

Requirements

Three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, community engagement, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, including the ability to make complex or sensitive information clear, accurate, and engaging.
Familiarity with AP Style.
Hands-on ability to create social media content, short-form video, photography, and graphics using current production tools.
Understanding of digital audiences and trends.
Ability to build relationships, listen respectfully, and communicate effectively with people across cultures, languages, and levels of familiarity with local government.
Ability to protect privacy, consider image permissions, evaluate digital and AI-assisted tools responsibly, interpret community feedback, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively with residents, Town staff, elected officials, community partners, and journalists while demonstrating initiative, attention to detail, and professionalism.
Applicants must submit a cover letter and one to five relevant professional work samples; for collaborative work, applicants should describe their individual role and contributions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or a related field.
Experience in local government, nonprofit, or related public-sector communications.
A portfolio demonstrating engaging social media posts, reels or short-form videos, photography, graphics, writing, or community engagement projects.
Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro, or comparable video and design tools.
Mobile content production experience.
Training or certification in community engagement, including International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) practices.

Responsibilities

Develop social media posts, reels, videos, photography, graphics, newsletters, and web content that tell Carrboro's story and make Town information clear and accessible.
Manage content calendars and coordinate timely publishing across social media, the Town website, and Carrboro This Week.
Monitor engagement and help departments share accurate information.
Plan and support neighborhood outreach, community events, and engagement activities.
Connect with residents and organizations and create meaningful opportunities for public participation and feedback.
Write and edit public information, news releases, website content, and other materials using plain language and accessibility practices.
Coordinate translated materials.
Support media and emergency communications, including serving as Deputy Public Information Officer when assigned.
Track communications and engagement results and use analytics and community feedback to improve strategies.
Coordinate projects and vendors, maintain organized content and records, and manage competing deadlines.