Hybrid Public Communications Specialist

City of Durham; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Durham seeks a Communications & Account Executive Support professional to join the Communications Department. You will provide day-to-day support to assigned City departments, help develop and implement communication plans, and produce a wide range of materials for internal and external audiences.

You will draft news releases and social content, support media inquiries, assist with emergency communications, and collaborate with staff across departments to ensure messaging aligns with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a directly related field.
• One year of professional experience in communications, public information, media relations, marketing, web or graphic design, or video production.
• Strong writing and editing skills with proficiency in AP Style.
• Experience developing social media content and managing digital platforms.
• Familiarity with design tools such as Canva Pro or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience supporting departmental partners in a service-oriented, agency-style communications model.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting with strong attention to detail.
• Experience supporting events, presentations, or engagement initiatives.
• Comfort with basic crisis communications concepts (training provided).

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day communications support to assigned City departments, serving as their primary point of contact, with support from senior Communications staff.
• Assist with developing and implementing communication plans for both internal and external audiences.
• Draft and edit news releases, talking points, web content, social media posts, newsletter articles, emails, presentations, and other materials.
• Create and edit visual content, including graphics, layouts, photos, and digital assets that align with City brand standards.
• Provide recommendations on communication approaches and messaging, in collaboration with senior staff.
• Assist with public education initiatives, outreach activities, and events.
• Support department partners on social media messaging, campaign development, and audience engagement.
• Write, edit, and produce a wide variety of communications materials for print, digital, and social media channels.
• Respond to media inquiries as assigned by gathering information, preparing draft statements, or coordinating interviews.
• Conduct research, interviews, and fact checking for communications projects.
• Support photography, video production, and content management for digital signage and website updates.
• Develop content for employee-facing platforms including intranet posts, newsletters, and digital signage.
• Coordinate with departmental liaisons to gather updates and share information.
• Serve as the designated backup for the Senior Internal Communications Analyst, supporting emergency employee alerts, intranet updates, and digital signage.
• Assist in maintaining readiness for internal communications needs during emergencies or high-priority events.
• Support crisis communications activities as part of the City’s Joint Information System (JIS).
• Participate in Joint Information Center (JIC) activations as assigned.
• Complete required emergency communications training and participate in annual exercises.
• Assist in developing and disseminating emergency messaging.
• Support activation of employee emergency communication alerts when serving as internal communications backup.
• Build and maintain relationships with staff, leadership, and partners across departments.
• Attend meetings and engage with community groups, residents, and external organizations as needed.
• Participate in cross‑departmental initiatives and communications‑related work groups.

Skills

AP Style writing

Social media content creation

Managing multiple projects

Event support & engagement initiatives

Crisis communications basics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a directly related field

Tools

Canva Pro

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The City of Durham seeks a Communications & Account Executive Support professional to join the Communications Department. You will provide day-to-day support to assigned City departments, help develop and implement communication plans, and produce a wide range of materials for internal and external audiences.

You will draft news releases and social content, support media inquiries, assist with emergency communications, and collaborate with staff across departments to ensure messaging aligns with