Strategic Communications & Engagement Lead

Albemarle; Charlottesville, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Albemarle County seeks a Communications & Engagement Manager to lead the Communications & Engagement Section and provide strategic counsel for county-wide communications and public engagement programs.

You will supervise staff, develop work plans, coordinate with the CAPE Director, oversee editorial calendars, campaigns, and multimedia storytelling across digital and print channels, and enhance community input initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in public relations, communications, and/or public engagement.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in data analysis and data visualization.
• Knowledge of media production including print, photography, video, graphics and web design.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and develops staff by establishing priorities and evaluating performance.
• Leads section operations and strategic planning with the Director.
• Provides strategic communications support to assigned departments and campaigns.
• Oversees countywide content across digital, print, web, video, podcast, social media and more.
• Leads community engagement efforts and advisory committees.
• Gives guidance on communications, public engagement, branding and outreach practices.
• Evaluates effectiveness using metrics and analytics and recommends improvements.
• Oversees digital communications and web governance.
• Represents the office on cross-functional teams and with external partners.
• Supports emergency communications and on-call responsibilities.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public relations

Data analysis

Communication planning

Media strategy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Sociology, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or related field

Job description

Albemarle County seeks a Communications & Engagement Manager to lead the Communications & Engagement Section and provide strategic counsel for county-wide communications and public engagement programs.

You will supervise staff, develop work plans, coordinate with the CAPE Director, oversee editorial calendars, campaigns, and multimedia storytelling across digital and print channels, and enhance community input initiatives.