Communication Specialist I- Park & Recreation

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is excited to add a Communication Specialist I to the team! Under general supervision, this position will be responsible for managing the Park & Recreation Department’s social media accounts, creating and gathering marketing content, and responding to citizen inquiries. The incumbent will also assist in managing internal and external communications regarding the department’s programs and service offerings, creating promotional materials, such as brochures, inserts and newsletters, and coordinate scheduling for Meck Rec and Roll, our mobile programming vehicle. Additionally, they will work closely with our Public Information Department on media inquiries, writing and editing news releases and field producing of video and broadcast events. The successful candidate will have extensive journalism and storytelling experience as well as a strong understanding of communication trends and best practices. By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

Requirements

Minimum of two (2) years of public relations, communications, or related experience
Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications or directly related field
May require a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Practices, concepts and methods of graphic design and print production
Practices and guidelines of news writing and editing
Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis
Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research
Business math concepts
Best practices, trends and emerging technologies
Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment)
Customer service principles
Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment
Modern office technology
Planning, preparing, designing and editing communications materials
Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason
Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands
Monitoring schedules, status and compliance
Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices
Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations
Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations
Organizing and maintaining records and files
Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment)
Providing customer service
Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications
Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Gaining Commitment: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved
Impact: Creating a good first impression; commanding attention and respect; displaying confidence
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise

Nice To Haves

4+ years of marketing/communications experience
Community engagement experience

Responsibilities

Manage internal and external communications, as assigned
Perform a variety of administrative activities in support of the public information office, which may include: addressing letters for mailing; compiling information for packets; setting up rooms for meetings; delivering informational packets; making directional signs for meetings; and/or, performing other related activities
Prepare, edit and design publications and brochures; review and verifies style; coordinate and/or build graphics and layout; capture, take and/or selects photographs; prepare and gather content; and coordinate print materials production
Perform research; gather and evaluate data and information for communication planning and delivery; monitor and recommend communication opportunities and technologies that align with goals and strategies of assignment; evaluates communications results
Serve as a department liaison and provides communications support; assist with media inquiries; coordinate departmental response to information requests and inquiries; participate in meetings; facilitate the provision of responses and solutions to customer concerns
Prepare and coordinate content for news releases, announcements, newsletters, and presentations; edits departmental communications; gathers and edits content; writes articles; prepares speaking points; coordinates and evaluates correspondence, management reports, information released to the media
Provide website support focusing on community outreach, audience targeting and engagement; plans, creates, monitors and edits web content and campaign communications; coordinates social media communications and selects appropriate platforms
Identify, develop, implement and maintain processes and practices that encourage, support and promote effective, comprehensive and meaningful citizen engagement
Participate and provide event and special project coordination and support of promotional items, communications and related resources
Research sources for promotional items; order materials; maintain files, data, logs, reports, schedules, digital archives and/or documentation

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
life
short term disability
long term disability
accident
cancer
critical illness
medical bridge and pet insurance
dependent care
healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts
health savings account
paid holiday
vacation and sick days
near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses
an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more
an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling
access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities
paid family leave
tuition reimbursement
a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement