Creative Content Writer

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The award-winning Constituent and Media Services Department’s Communications and Media Division is looking for a Creative Content Writer. The successful candidate will be an excellent writer and someone who is both experienced and creative, with the ability to handle multiple projects and assignments as part of a fast-paced team with varying deadlines. As a member of our digital and media relations team, the creative content writer should demonstrate a passion for learning about a variety of topics, pay close attention to detail, thrive in the writing process, excel at meeting deadlines, conduct thorough research and fact checks, apply AP Style, and produce written materials that are not only accurate but are also technically and grammatically correct. In this role, the writer is tasked with a variety of deliverables, including but not limited to feature stories/blogs, talking points/speeches, news releases, media advisories, articles for external publication, newsletters, copy for advertisements/brochures, online content for web pages and social media, award entries, presentations, and internal communications copy. The writer generates compelling copy, working both independently and collaboratively as part of a five-member content team. They are tasked with balancing multiple writing assignments at the same time, each with varying deadlines and degrees of involvement from others. They may write about the same topic numerous times while adapting the messaging to the appropriate medium and the strategy. This process includes routine government materials that are produced regularly. Yet, this is also still a creative writing position, which means there will be countless opportunities to use writing skills to transform “government speak” into narrative storytelling. In addition, the writer may be asked to assist with preparing communications campaigns, write video scripts, help produce podcasts, and make occasional on-camera appearances. Our team learns and adapts in real time as we seek to provide comprehensive communications services for the multiple county departments that we consider our customers. This position is hard work, but you will be able to help our team continue charting the course for how local government can and should communicate and connect with residents. This is a full-time position that works alongside another creative content writer, together handling the majority of writing assignments for the division. While you will have standard work hours, there will be meetings, events or other functions that require attendance outside of traditional 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. business hours and on weekends. Inclement weather and other emergencies may also require that the creative content writer work outside of regular hours to put out critical public information. The work is challenging but rewarding. It’s about working collaboratively and independently. The successful candidate will be joining a team whose members recognize, value, and demonstrate the power of strong relationships and collective talent while serving an outstanding community. If you do not like to write, this is not the position for you.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in journalism, English, mass communications, marketing or related field; three years of experience writing speeches, remarks, articles and a wide variety of other written copy for an organization; or a combination of training and experience.
• Current valid driver’s license and good driving record required.
• Based on the Virginia DMV point system, records must not reflect a total of six or more demerit points within the twenty-four months preceding the anticipated hire date, or one major violation of six demerit points within the preceding thirty-six months.
• Out-of-state driving records must be obtained by applicant and presented at time of interview.
• Records must reflect at least three years of history and be dated within thirty days of interview date.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required.
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to write in a conversational tone and adapt content to the audience and the event
• Excellent knowledge of grammar and AP Style
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of various social media platforms
• Excellent customer-service skills
• Able to meet deadlines while juggling multiple assignments
• Able to turn written copy around quickly and be flexible with frequently changing timetables and short deadlines
• Able to write on the same topic multiple times, adapting to the medium and audience
• Able to take initiative and prioritize projects
• Able to conduct research and fact check without having to be directed
• Committed to producing accurate written materials
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with clients and the Communications and Media team to develop clear and concise messaging consistent with the county's brand
• Self-motivated

Nice To Haves

• Experience writing a blog
• Experience working on a podcast
• Experience creating a newsletter
• Experience in government

Responsibilities

• Generate compelling copy, working both independently and collaboratively as part of a five-member content team.
• Balance multiple writing assignments at the same time, each with varying deadlines and degrees of involvement from others.
• Write about the same topic numerous times while adapting the messaging to the appropriate medium and the strategy.
• Assist with preparing communications campaigns.
• Write video scripts.
• Help produce podcasts.
• Make occasional on-camera appearances.
• Disseminate information to approximately 400,000 residents, as well as businesses and visitors.
• Tell Chesterfield’s story and ensure accessibility in a variety of formats including social media, podcasts, blogs, direct marketing, media relations and the county’s website.
• Connect and engage with residents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level