Communications Specialist

CATAWBA INDIAN NATION•Rock Hill, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Specialist is a professional level position responsible for executing and supporting day to day internal and external communications for the Catawba Indian Nation. Serving as the primary point of contact for departmental communication needs, this role applies specialized communication expertise to develop clear, accurate, and timely messages for employees, citizens, and the broader community. Working under the general direction of the Communications Director, the Communications Specialist functions as a trusted collaborator who maintains awareness of organizational initiatives, engages departments to identify communication needs, and applies independent judgment to routine communications activities to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and established standards. While cross trained across communications functions, this role does not manage social media platforms or digital channels, with emphasis placed instead on strategic messaging, consistency, and effective departmental and community communication.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
2–4 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or strategic communications, with demonstrated responsibility for developing clear, effective messaging in support of organizational priorities
Proven ability to plan, draft, and refine communications for internal and external audiences, including talking points, announcements, written materials, and campaign content
Strong strategic communication skills, including audience analysis, message framing, and alignment with organizational goals and leadership direction
Excellent writing and editing capabilities, with the ability to adapt tone, voice, and format across communication channels
Experience collaborating with designers, digital staff, or vendors, with basic familiarity using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite to support content development and ensure brand consistency (hands on production not required)
Experience contributing to multimedia or visual storytelling initiatives preferred, as part of broader communications strategies.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
Ability to synthesize complex or technical information into accessible, audience focused messaging
Skill in planning and coordinating communications efforts, including aligning content with leadership direction and organizational goals
Editing and proofreading skills with high attention to detail, accuracy, and clarity
Collaborative skills to work effectively with program staff, leadership, designers, and external partners.
Knowledge of communications principles, practices, and ethics, including internal communications, external messaging, and public information
Knowledge of message development, audience segmentation, and narrative framing to support organizational priorities
Knowledge of brand standards, tone, and voice consistency across communication channels
General knowledge of digital and social communication environments as tools for message distribution (not platform administration)
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or high visibility communications
Ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing priorities in a fast paced communications environment
Ability to adapt messaging and approach based on audience needs, feedback, or changing circumstances
Ability to contribute strategically to communications planning, campaigns, and initiatives beyond task execution
Ability to learn and apply organizational policies, procedures, and messaging priorities quickly and effectively
Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Experience contributing to multimedia or visual storytelling initiatives preferred, as part of broader communications strategies.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for routine departmental communication requests, evaluating needs, and identifying appropriate communication approaches.
Develop clear, accurate, and audience appropriate messaging for internal communications, public notices, announcements, correspondence, and community facing materials.
Support internal departments by translating complex or technical information into accessible communications for citizens and the public.
Ensure communications align with organizational priorities, established messaging standards, and leadership direction.
Ensure all communication adheres to Nation standards and confidentiality requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Maintain departmental files in accordance with BIA requirements.
Participate in required training, seminars, and classes.
Collaborate closely with the Communications Director to support ongoing initiatives, campaigns, and organizational priorities.
Maintain awareness of departmental activities and proactively identify communication needs or opportunities.
Provide guidance to departments on timing, messaging clarity, and communication best practices.
Assist in planning and executing communication efforts related to programs, events, and organizational updates.
Perform other duties as assigned.