Communications Manager- AQM60034894

Natural and Cultural Resources; Kure Beach (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) is seeking a Communications Manager for the NC Aquariums to lead public relations, media outreach, and digital engagement. You will edit content for press releases and online postings, and work with local tourism and business communities to raise awareness of aquarium programs.

You will supervise a communications assistant, collaborate with multiple NC Aquariums, and ensure messaging aligns with the division’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field; two years in communications/publicity work.
• Experience in public speaking and media communications.
• Experience using Internet and social media sites for promotion and marketing.
• Proficient with MS Office and media editing tools.

Responsibilities

• Directs all communication, promotion, marketing, publicity, and public engagement for programs and events across sectors.
• Edits exhibit text, signage, and promotional materials; creates content for press releases and online postings.
• Develops campaigns and strengthens relationships with media and local community to raise awareness of the Aquarium and its programs.
• Supervises communication staff and collaborates with division and partner agencies.

Skills

Public speaking

Media communications

Social media promotion

Professional writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Graphic/presentation software

Photo/video editing software

Audio recording/editing devices

Job description

Agency / Department Information

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Aquariums Job Classification Title Information & Communications Spec II (NS) Position Number 60034894 Grade NC13

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to work at an Aquarium? The North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join the Communications Department as the Communications Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for a wide range of communication tools, including the Aquarium's shared website and social media outlets representing the Aquarium.
• Edits Aquarium materials for grammar, spelling, punctuation and creates content for press releases, articles, and on-line postings.
• Responsible for promoting public awareness of the Aquarium by working closely with the local travel, tourism and hospitality industry, and Chambers of Commerce.
• Evaluating and developing cooperative marketing and advertising programs through the local/area business and tourism community; developing advertising layouts for publications promoting area/regional attractions and including placement of advertising and promotional pieces; and contributes to the creation/implementation of special events.
• Supports collaborative efforts to strategically maximize awareness of the Aquarium and Aquarium Division through effective marketing and advertising.
• Supports and actively contributes to a culture of respect, collaboration, and mutual support by working closely with the other NC Aquariums, the NC Aquarium Society, DNCR, and AZA.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required.
• Interact extensively with all Aquarium personnel, including the director, husbandry, education, admissions, exhibits, and security, and work with all staff to ensure promotional activities, talking points, social media, and instruction to visitors are in keeping with the Division’s mission.
• Extensive contact with members of the media and the public at large and serves as liaison with tourism industry officials in the local community, including serving on tourism and other industry promotional boards, commissions, and committees.
• Primary contact for advertising representatives, partner agencies and organizations, and must maintain a professional and informative role in interacting with the Aquarium’s social media followers.
• Supervise a communications assistant.

Site‑Specific Responsibilities

• Directs all communication, promotion, marketing, publicity, and public engagement related to programs, special events, and overarching advertising strategies throughout the public and private sectors.
• Edits all exhibit text, signage, educational and promotional materials.
• Develops and implements campaigns using original creative public relations and marketing strategies and proactively works to raise awareness of the Aquarium’s programs, services, conservation initiatives, and mission.
• Works both independently and with a team in recognizing needs and making recommendations for messaging and public relations.
• Maintains awareness of new and emerging technologies to ensure the most effective and efficient delivery of messaging.
• Strengthen and build relationships with media and the local community.
• Demonstrates a strong command of AP style, including accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling, with consistent attention to detail.
• Comprehensive knowledge of advertising, marketing techniques, design, and multimedia skills are a plus.

Division‑Wide Responsibilities

• Promotes the mission of the North Carolina Aquarium Division and manages the Aquarium’s internationally recognized brand.
• Occasionally receives specific instructions from the Division Director where applicable, in accordance with Division and DNCR requirements.
• Works closely with Communications Managers at each of the North Carolina Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier in developing cross‑facility promotions, division‑wide communications policies, and unified representation of Communications initiatives.
• Works with the North Carolina Aquarium Society to support and guide marketing and social media needs.
• Works closely with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Communications department to ensure accurate, consistent, and strategic communication.

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range: $50,088 - $57,954

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in public speaking and media communications.
• Demonstrated experience using Internet and social media sites for promotion and marketing.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Demonstrated experience using assorted computer graphics/presentation/communication software, digital camera, smartphone, photo/video editing software, and audio recording/editing devices.
• Demonstrated experience with professional writing and editing information for press releases.
• Supervisory Experience.

Position / Physical Requirements

• Weekend, evening, and holiday work will be required.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Recommended candidate will be subject to a background check prior to hiring.

Location

This position is located at: This position will report to our satellite office in Wilmington.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media journalism, English, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution AND two years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Department of Natural and Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establishes paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implements fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.