Information and Communication Specialist II

Buncombe County•Asheville, NC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Buncombe County’s award-winning Communications & Public Engagement team is seeking an Information & Communication Specialist II who can help our community stay informed and connected. In this role, you’ll craft clear, accessible messages for both internal and external audiences and support strategic outreach across a variety of platforms including the content management system used to update the website. This position serves general government services like Elections, Property Assessment, Tax Collections, Libraries, Planning & Development, the Governing Body, and general administrative functions from Human Resources, Finance, and Budget. The team communicates through an inside-out style, empowering employees to be Buncombe ambassadors and building on traditional grassroots community relationship building. This position works closely with the Human Resources Department to actively plan and execute internal communications. Communications & Public Engagement team members are considered essential personnel with on-call responsibilities, and FEMA incident command training is a plus. The purpose of this position is to perform professional public relations and communications work within the community and across Buncombe County Government to ensure an integrated message that supports and reflects the mission and vision of the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or closely related field, along with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of journalistic, communication, and public relations principles and practices, as well as public relations communications practices and state public information laws.
Knowledge of the techniques for disseminating information to the public through a variety of news media.
Knowledge of the methods of planning, writing, and editing publications.
Ability to write according to correct English usage and accepted standards and magazine and press publications with an eye to graphic layout and design.
Ability to edit and analyze information materials prepared by others.
Written and verbal communication skills with ability to compose and communicate correspondence, memos, letters and reports with attention to detail and professionalism on all levels.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of vendors and other persons contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

FEMA incident command training is a plus.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply; Buncombe County offers a stipend to bilingual employees who pass a language test after hire.

Responsibilities

Develop effective internal and external messaging and communication materials that are consistent, branded and targeted to the appropriate audience.
Write and edit news and informational communication materials; prepare and disseminate news releases and feature stories through various public information media outlets.
May perform public relations activities that involve developing relationships and coordinating activities with County staff other agencies, divisions, and private organizations.
May assist in responding to public records requests and may serve as agency spokesperson, representing the County, or specific department at community, public and private meetings, or events.
Create content for a variety of internal and external communication channels including social media, web, email, print, TV, video, and presentations.
Develop and produce web-based communications for the internal County Intranet and on the County website, keeping content up-to-date, interesting, and interactive; and ensure all content meets brand specifications and design standards.
Conduct ongoing reviews and updates of communications materials to ensure information is current and meets the needs of the county, clients, and general public.
Responsible for researching, analyzing, and compiling various data to support community communications.
Perform other related duties as assigned.