Communications Manager

Alamance County Government; Graham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision plan

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Alamance County Government is seeking a Communications Manager to lead communications, media and public relations strategies for the county. You will serve as the primary public communications contact and act as a spokesperson for the county government, including during emergencies and crises.

You will develop and disseminate accurate information across traditional and digital channels, collaborate with multiple departments, and promote county programs, services and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, marketing, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with IT, Emergency Management, Public Health, and county offices to coordinate messaging and public information.
• Coordinates timely and accurate public health, emergency, and preparedness information for the public.
• Develops campaigns promoting cybersecurity awareness, emergency preparedness, public health and safety, and resident engagement.
• Manages Alamance County Government website and digital content for accuracy and accessibility.

Skills

Communications

Public relations

Media relations

Marketing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Website CMS

Social media platforms

Digital content tools

Job description

Job Purpose

The Communications Manager leads communications, media, and public relations strategies for Alamance County Government. Serving as the primary point of contact for public communications, this position is responsible for developing and disseminating accurate, timely, and engaging information to the public. Leverages traditional and emerging communication platforms to inform and engage County residents and employees about programs, services, and initiatives. Serves as a spokesperson on behalf of county government and assists during emergency and crisis situations.

The Communications Manager leads communications, media, and public relations strategies for Alamance County Government. Serving as the primary point of contact for public communications, this position is responsible for developing and disseminating accurate, timely, and engaging information to the public. Leverages traditional and emerging communication platforms to inform and engage County residents and employees about programs, services, and initiatives. Serves as a spokesperson on behalf of county government and assists during emergency and crisis situations.

Initial review of applications will begin on 9/30.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates closely with Information Technology (IT), Emergency Management, Public Health, the County Manager’s Office, and other County departments to coordinate communication needs, messaging, and public information.
• Serves as the communications point of contact for Public Health and Emergency Management, coordinating timely and accurate public health, emergency, and preparedness information for the public.
• Coordinates emergency and crisis communications, including developing messaging, coordinating media, and supporting Joint Information System (JIS), Joint Information Center (JIC), and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) communications with Public Information Officers and partner agencies.
• Develops and supports County preparedness, outreach, and marketing campaigns promoting cybersecurity awareness, emergency preparedness, public health and safety, community services, County programs, and resident engagement.
• Manages and coordinates Alamance County Government website and digital content, ensuring information, online services, alerts, and resources are accurate, accessible, current, and easy to navigate.
• Works closely with IT staff and County departments to communicate technology initiatives, maintain public-facing digital resources, and support clear and timely cybersecurity communications.
• Develops and coordinates internal communications in partnership with IT to increase employee awareness of technology initiatives, cybersecurity best practices, critical IT updates, County resources, and other organizational information.
• Promotes consistent County branding and messaging by maintaining communication and visual standards and reviewing materials for accuracy, clarity, audience appropriateness, accessibility, style, and brand consistency.
• Develops and coordinates content across traditional and digital platforms, including interviews, public announcements, social media, multimedia content, and other informational materials; assists departments with social media communications and reviews.
• Coordinates communications for County ceremonies and special events, including developing agendas, messaging, and run‑of‑show materials.
• Develops and maintains communication performance measures to evaluate activities, outcomes, and opportunities for improvement.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or a closely related field and a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Technology Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, website content management systems, social media platforms, and digital communication tools. Working knowledge of graphic design, photography, videography, and multimedia applications.

Special Requirements

Knowledge of journalism and public relations principles and practices; knowledge of the North Carolina Public Records Act; skilled in writing, editing, and designing reports and publications for diverse audiences under set deadlines; Must complete designated FEMA/ICS, emergency management, public information, and emergency communications training within two years of hire.

Skills & Abilities

COMPETENCY STATEMENTS

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Analytical – Ability to analyze statistical data, keep accurate records and complete reports.
• Autonomy – Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Confidentiality, Ability to maintain confidential information secret or private.
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures.
• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain a high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.
• Independent Discretion – Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment when needed to ensure successful

department functioning

Integrity – Being forthright, honest and respectful within interactions with coworkers and members of the public at all

times, building and reinforcing confidence within daily actions for county government.

• Judgement – Ability to use good judgement and discretion as it relates to interpreting policies and procedures.
• Multitasker – Ability to multi-task in a fast‑paced environment.
• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
• Prioritization – Ability to decipher the relative importance or urgency of tasks and duties.
• Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with Board Commissioners, Media and co‑workers and
• members of the public.

• Safety‑Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

Physical Demands

• N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
• O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs./day)
• F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs./day)
• C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs./day)

Physical Demands

• Stand - F
• Walk - O
• Sit - F
• Manually Manipulate - O
• Reach Outward - O
• Reach Above Shoulder - O
• Climb - O
• Crawl - N
• Squat or Kneel - O
• Bend - O
• Talk/Hear - C
• See - C
• Taste/Smell - N

Lift/Carry

• 10 lbs. or less - O
• 11-20 lbs. - O
• 21-50 lbs. - O
• 51-100 lbs. - O
• Over 100 lbs. - O

Push/Pull

• 12 lbs. or less - O
• 13-25 lbs. - O
• 26-40 lbs. - O
• 41-100 lbs. - O

Other Physical Requirements

Vision (Near, Distance, Peripheral)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Health Insurance

Full‑time employees are eligible for medical/health (Cigna Insurance) benefits upon the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.

Dental Benefit

Alamance County offers one dental insurance (Delta Dental) plan for FT employees at no cost. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment.

Vision Insurance

A voluntary vision program (Superior Vision) is available to FT employees. The current PPO style plan allows employees to seek treatment and hardware from any vision care provider of their choice. The plan, if elected, would be effective the first of the month following 30 days of FT employment. Coverage must be elected within your first 30 days of FT employment or upon a qualifying event.

Voluntary Benefits

Alamance County Government provides a variety of voluntary health related benefits (Voya) to allow employees to purchase protection from what life may bring. A sampling of voluntary benefits includes Flexible Spending Accounts with dependent care opportunities, Health Saving Account with an employer contribution, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Cancer Protection Plan, Group Critical Care Insurance and more.

Life Insurance

Basic term life insurance is the amount of one times the annual salary (no greater than $70,000) is provided for all FT employees. Additional coverage is available for purchase through payroll deductions for employee and eligible dependents.

Retirement Benefits

Membership in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) is a requirement for all full‑time and regular part‑time employees (working more than 1,000 hours annually). Employees contribute six percent (6%) of their annual compensation before it is taxed.

Time Off Accruals

Vacation Time – Annual Leave is accrued based on years of service. Employees can accrue from 10-25 days per year.

Sick Time – All County full time employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year.

County Observed Holidays – Alamance County will observe the State of North Carolina Holiday Schedule.

Wellness Benefits & Programming

Employee Assistance Program: There are times when everyone needs a little help or advice. The confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through a local provider can help you with things like stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal issues, parenting questions, financial counseling and dependent care resources. Best of all it's free for County employees and available for your household to utilize. Utilization of the EAP is completely confidential and participation isn't recorded.

Help is available 24/7/365 by telephone.

Alamance County Employee Health Center

Available to employees and spouses who are covered under the Alamance County Insurance Plan and their covered dependents, 18 years of age and older. Retired employees under age 65 are also eligible to use the health center. Depending on insurance coverage elected, care at the clinic ranges from free to a fair market value cost.

Services Available

Treatment of injuries or illnesses such as flu, sinus Infection, pink eye, sprains, strains or fever.

Monitor chronic conditions (Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Health Disease, Asthma, etc...).

Assistance with finding a Primary Care Provider

Health Education and Counseling

Triage and referrals to specialists when appropriate.

Alamance County provides a variety of additional benefits including bereavement pay, Paid Parental Leave, Wellness Leave to focus on work‑life balance initiatives, Volunteer Time Off (paid time) opportunities to be a part of the Alamance Community, to opportunities for professional certification pay.

Employee Fitness Center

Alamance County encourages all employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle both at home and at work. In support of this philosophy an Employee Fitness Center is available for all County employees to use at their convenience during non‑work hours and is open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday‑Sunday. This center includes weight training equipment, cardio equipment, a small aerobics room along with restrooms, changing room and lockers.