Communication and Engagement Coordinator

Carrboro, Town of (NC); Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Carrboro, NC is seeking a creative communicator to turn complex town topics into clear explanations and engaging online content.

You will develop social media posts, reels, videos, newsletters, and web materials, connect with residents at events, and collaborate with departments to make local government more accessible.

This role emphasizes plain language, accessibility, and timely, accurate information for a diverse community.

Qualifications

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, community engagement, or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop social media posts, reels, videos, photography, graphics, newsletters, and web content that tell Carrboro's story and make Town information clear and accessible.
• Manage content calendars, coordinate timely publishing across social media, the Town website, and Carrboro This Week, monitor engagement, and help departments share accurate information.
• Plan and support neighborhood outreach, community events, and engagement activities; connect with residents and organizations; and create meaningful opportunities for people to participate and provide feedback.
• Write and edit public information, news releases, website content, and other materials using plain language and accessibility practices. Coordinate translated materials and support media and emergency communications, including serving as Deputy Public Information Officer when assigned.
• Track communication and engagement results, use analytics and community feedback to improve strategies, coordinate projects and vendors, maintain organized content and records, and manage competing deadlines.

Skills

Social media content creation

Video production

Photography

Graphic design

Writing & editing

Public communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Premiere Pro

Job description

The Opportunity

Help residents see what is happening in Carrboro, understand how Town decisions affect them, and find meaningful ways to participate. We are looking for a creative communicator who can turn a complex topic into a clear explanation, a community moment into a compelling video, and an outreach opportunity into a conversation that matters.
This role combines hands‑on content creation with community engagement. You will develop social media posts, reels, videos, newsletters, and web content; connect with residents in neighborhoods and at events; and work across Town departments to make local government more accessible and responsive.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop social media posts, reels, videos, photography, graphics, newsletters, and web content that tell Carrboro's story and make Town information clear and accessible.
• Manage content calendars, coordinate timely publishing across social media, the Town website, and Carrboro This Week, monitor engagement, and help departments share accurate information.
• Plan and support neighborhood outreach, community events, and engagement activities; connect with residents and organizations; and create meaningful opportunities for people to participate and provide feedback.
• Write and edit public information, news releases, website content, and other materials using plain language and accessibility practices. Coordinate translated materials and support media and emergency communications, including serving as Deputy Public Information Officer when assigned.
• Track communication and engagement results, use analytics and community feedback to improve strategies, coordinate projects and vendors, maintain organized content and records, and manage competing deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, community engagement, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or a related field is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in local government, nonprofit, or related public-sector communications.
• A portfolio demonstrating engaging social media posts, reels or short‑form videos, photography, graphics, writing, or community engagement projects.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro, or comparable video and design tools; mobile content production experience is also valued.
• Training or certification in community engagement, including International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) practices.

What You Bring

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to make complex or sensitive information clear, accurate, and engaging. Familiarity with AP Style.
• Hands‑on ability to create social media content, short‑form video, photography, and graphics using current production tools and an understanding of digital audiences and trends.
• Ability to build relationships, listen respectfully, and communicate effectively with people across cultures, languages, and levels of familiarity with local government.
• Ability to protect privacy, consider image permissions, evaluate digital and AI‑assisted tools responsibly, interpret community feedback, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with residents, Town staff, elected officials, community partners, and journalists while demonstrating initiative, attention to detail, and professionalism.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office and throughout the community, including at meetings and special events. Evening activities and occasional weekend work are required; emergency assignments may require work outside regular hours. The position involves sedentary work, with occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and frequent or constant negligible exertion to move objects. Duties involve operating computers, cameras, and related equipment; preparing and reviewing written and digital materials; communicating with others; and observing community activities. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation.