Communications Manager

City-of-Raleigh-N; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Raleigh seeks a mid-level communications professional to guide a award-winning team in shaping how the community connects with us. The role focuses on leading strategic communications, brand management, and digital engagement across platforms within a large public service provider.

The ideal candidate will have 5–7 years in government relations or public affairs, strong leadership, and proven ability to manage high-performing teams under fast-paced conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Affairs, or related field.
• 5–7 years' experience in government relations and communications.
• Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and execution of a strategic communications plan aligned with executive leadership goals.
• Oversee Raleigh Water’s reputation and brand management across PR, marketing, internal/external affairs, and social media.
• Develop consistent, integrated messaging across multiple platforms to reach varied audiences.
• Direct digital marketing efforts: website content, social media, email campaigns, blogs, and paid ads; use data to guide strategy.
• Implement a proactive PR strategy that enhances leadership engagement with external stakeholders including media and officials.
• Identify and address emerging issues by developing communication responses and crisis strategies.
• Serve as lead spokesperson for media interactions; manage crisis communication and operational messaging.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives and major projects involving marketing and public engagement.
• Assess risks and potential impacts of communications initiatives to inform decision-making.

Skills

Marketing

Public relations

Media relations

Branding

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Job description

Are you a communications professional ready to take your career to the next level? Join Raleigh Water, one of the largest public water and sewer service providers in North Carolina. We serve more than 660,000 customers across Raleigh and neighboring communities. We’re seeking a motivated communications professional to guide our award-winning team and help shape the way our community connects with us.

About You:

This role is ideal for mid-level communications professionals and journalists seeking to broaden their impact in public service. If you’re passionate about leading teams, thriving in fast-paced environments, and advancing public communications.

About Us:

We provide water and sewer services to more than 660,000 customers throughout Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon. Our communications team is recognized for excellence and innovation. This role is essential for shaping public perception, fostering community engagement, and supporting Raleigh Water’s operational and strategic goals. If you’re to make a meaningful difference, join us and help lead the conversation!

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Lead the creation and execution of a strategic communications plan (internal and external) in alignment with executive leadership goals
• Oversee Raleigh Water’s reputation and brand management across public relations, marketing, internal/external affairs, and social media
• Develop consistent, integrated messaging across multiple platforms to ensure effective communication with varied audiences
• Direct digital marketing efforts, including website content, social media, email campaigns, blogs, and paid advertisements. Utilize data and analytics to guide digital strategy
• Implement a proactive public relations strategy that enhances leadership engagement with key external stakeholders, including media, elected officials, and community influencers
• Identify and address emerging issues by developing communication responses and crisis strategies
• Serve as lead spokesperson for media interactions; manage crisis communication and operational messaging
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives and major projects that involve marketing and public engagement
• Assess risks and potential impacts of communications initiatives to inform decision-making

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Affairs, or related field; 5 to 7 years' experience in government relations, communications, public affairs, content management, or a related field

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of marketing, public relations, media relations, and branding strategies
• In-depth understanding of digital platforms including social media, content marketing, analytics, and email marketing
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Effective leadership and team-building skills with a proven ability to manage high-performing teams
• Strong project management and organizational planning capabilities
• Media and crisis communication expertise, including serving as spokesperson
• Skilled in data-driven decision-making for digital engagement. Ability to craft and implement comprehensive communication strategies
• Ability to represent the organization in high-stakes or sensitive environments

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort: Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office or similar environment. Employees may occasionally work in an outdoor environment and in a vehicle.

Work Exposures: Work in this position does not require frequent environmental exposures.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.