Part-Time Communication Specialist I

Mecklenburg County Government; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Mecklenburg County Government is seeking a Part-Time Communications Specialist to support the Department of Community Resources – Business Operations Division in Charlotte, NC. The role is non‑exempt, up to 20 hours per week, with a pay range of $27.00–$34.00/hr.

Responsibilities include handling media inquiries, writing and editing news releases, managing online content and social media, creating publications, and coordinating communications for community outreach and events.

Qualifications

• Experience in public relations or communications.
• Bachelor's degree in Public relations or related field.
• Valid driver’s license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Handle media inquiries and write/edit news releases.
• Write scripts, manage internal/external communications and content.
• Develop communication plans and coordinate collateral materials.
• Publicize events and coordinate web and social media content.
• Coordinate meetings and assist with responses to information requests.
• Ensure accurate publications and maintain communications records.

Skills

Planning editing and design

Gathering data

Coordinating deadlines

Monitoring schedules

Researching trends

Data compilation

Original reporting

Record keeping

Legal/compliance awareness

Customer service

Software proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public relations or Communications

Job description

Part‑Time Communications Specialist

The Department of Community Resources – Business Operations Division

Hiring Range: $27.00 - $34.00/hr

This is an non-exempt (hourly) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

“Follow your calling, Find your career”

The Department of Community Resources (DCR) through its Community Resource Center, supports the core departments of Mecklenburg County Health and Human Services (HHS) in doing their business through an integrated service delivery model of subject‑matter experts from each core department and community partners who provide services to County residents in our HHS Community Resource Center. In addition, DCR is responsible for administering Child Support Services and Unified Workforce Development programs, as well as Integrated Health and Human Services Mail Services.

Location: 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

Position Specific Summary

The part‑time Communication Specialist will support the Department Monday – Friday up to 20 hours a week.

Position Summary

This is the first level in a three-level communications series devoted to creating and disseminating visual, digital, written and spoken information about the County. The Communication Specialist I position, under general supervision, is responsible for handling media inquiries; writing or editing news releases; writing scripts; handling citizen inquiries; managing internal and external communications, developing communication plans; developing and managing collateral material (brochures, inserts, newsletters); field producing of video and broadcast events; taking photos; managing on‑line content and web pages; managing the County's social media accounts; participating in meetings and events.

Essential Functions

• Manage internal and external communications, as assigned
• Perform a variety of administrative activities in support of the public information office, which may include: addressing letters for mailing; compiling information for packets; setting up rooms for meetings; delivering informational packets; making directional signs for meetings; and/or, performing other related activities
• Prepare, edit and design publications and brochures; review and verifies style; coordinate and/or build graphics and layout; capture, take and/or selects photographs; prepare and gather content; and coordinate print materials production
• Perform research; gather and evaluate data and information for communication planning and delivery; monitor and recommend communication opportunities and technologies that align with goals and strategies of assignment; evaluates communications results
• Serve as a department liaison and provides communications support; assist with media inquiries; coordinate departmental response to information requests and inquiries; participate in meetings; facilitate the provision of responses and solutions to customer concerns
• Prepare and coordinate content for news releases, announcements, newsletters, and presentations; edits departmental communications; gathers and edits content; writes articles; prepares speaking points; coordinates and evaluates correspondence, management reports, information released to the media
• Provide website support focusing on community outreach, audience targeting and engagement; plans, creates, monitors and edits web content and campaign communications; coordinates social media communications and selects appropriate platforms
• Identify, develop, implement and maintain processes and practices that encourage, support and promote effective, comprehensive and meaningful citizen engagement
• Participate and provide event and special project coordination and support of promotional items, communications and related resources
• Research sources for promotional items; order materials; maintain files, data, logs, reports, schedules, digital archives and/or documentation

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

Minimum of two years of public relations, communications, or related experience.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Public relations, Communications, or directly related field.

Education/Experience

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Licenses and Certifications

May require a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License

May need to obtain and maintain a Mecklenburg County Operator's Permit

Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of

Practices, concepts and methods of graphic design and print production

Practices and guidelines of news writing and editing

Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis

Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research

Business math concepts

Best practices, trends and emerging technologies

Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment)

Customer service principles

Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment

Modern office technology

Skills

• Planning, preparing, designing and editing communications materials
• Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason
• Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands
• Monitoring schedules, status and compliance
• Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices
• Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations
• Organizing and maintaining records and files
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment)
• Providing customer service
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction

Abilities

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures
• Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
• Communication: Clearly conveying information to individuals or groups
• Gaining Commitment: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved
• Impact: Creating a good first impression; commanding attention and respect; displaying confidence
• Technical/professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position‑related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise

Computer Skills

Advanced in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.