Public Relations Specialist in Colonial Beach, Virginia at Town of Colonial Beach (VA)

Performs professional communications, marketing, and public information work in support of the Town of Colonial Beach. Under the supervision of the Town Manager, manages the Town's social media platforms, assists with administration of the Town's website, develops digital and printed communications, and promotes Town programs, services, projects, and events. Assists with public engagement efforts and provides marketing support for Town-wide initiatives in coordination with other departments as assigned by the Town Manager.
Public Relations & Communications:
1. Manages the Town's official social media platforms.
a. Develops, schedules, and publishes engaging content across multiple social media channels.
b. Monitors social media activity and responds to or routes public inquiries as appropriate.
c. Creates graphics, photography, and video content to promote Town initiatives and events.
d. Ensures messaging remains professional, accurate, and consistent with the Town's brand.

2. Assists with management of the Town's website.
a. Updates webpages, calendars, news articles, forms, and other website content.
b. Coordinates with departments to ensure website information remains current and accurate.
c. Assists in improving website accessibility and user experience.

3. Develops communication materials for the Town.
a. Drafts press releases, newsletters, public notices, brochures, flyers, and other publications.
b. Assists with emergency and public information communications as directed.
c. Promotes Town meetings, capital improvement projects, programs, and special events.

4. Coordinates communication efforts with Town departments.
a. Collects information regarding projects, programs, and accomplishments.
b. Assists departments in communicating information to residents, businesses, and visitors.
•Associate’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Graphic Design, Public Administration, or a related field; bachelor's degree preferred.
•Minimum of one (3) years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field; municipal government experience preferred.
•Experience managing organizational social media accounts.
•Experience with website content management systems.
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
•Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar graphic design software preferred.
•Photography and videography experience preferred.
•Assists with promoting Town-sponsored events and community activities.
•Maintains consistent branding across digital and printed communications.
•Attends Town meetings, community events, and special events to gather photographs, videos, and content.
•Supports special communication and marketing projects as assigned.
•Maintains an organized library of photographs, videos, graphics, and communication materials.
•Researches communication trends and recommends improvements to enhance public engagement.
•Assists with the preparation of presentations and promotional materials.
•Participates in cross-training with other administrative staff as appropriate.
•Performs other duties as assigned by the Town Manager.