Strategic Communications Lead

Knox County Chamber of Commerce; Mount Vernon (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Knox County Job and Family Services seeks a Communications Specialist to develop and manage communications that advance our mission across multiple agencies. You will handle messaging, press materials, social media, website content, branding, and community engagement.

The role translates complex information into accessible content and requires strong writing, digital communications, project management, and stakeholder relationship skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field
• Two years' experience in organizational communications, marketing, or a related role
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills
• Experience maintaining organizational websites and social media accounts
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines with attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across roles and departments
• Sound judgment when handling confidential, sensitive, or potentially high-risk information
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and auto insurance in per county policy

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual communications plan aligned with organizational priorities
• Maintain calendar covering programs, events, campaigns, and organizational announcements
• Identify opportunities to increase awareness, build community trust, and expand engagement
• Advise staff and leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and audience needs
• Coordinate communications projects across programs, development, leadership, and agencies
• Adhere to organizational policies and applicable laws, maintain confidentiality
• Practice consent in photo/media releases, intellectual property, and records management
• Use of AI must be disclosed and monitored for accuracy
• Create email campaigns, website content, impact stories, press releases, talking points
• Translate program information and data into clear, audience-friendly content
• Maintain consistent messaging, voice, tone, and editorial standards
• Manage organization's social media accounts, content planning, creation, scheduling
• Create platform-appropriate copy, graphics, photography, and short-form video content
• Track platform performance, monitor comments and plan appropriate responses
• Maintain protocols for moderation, privacy, consent, crisis response, and account security
• Maintain and update website pages, program information, events, news, staff information
• Apply search engine optimization, accessibility, usability, and content-quality-practices
• Monitor website analytics and use findings to improve content and user experience
• Oversee organization's brand identity and communications standards
• Maintain brand guidelines, templates, logos, images, messaging and communications resources
• Ensure consistent use of the brand across digital, print, event, and partner materials
• Support staff and partners in applying brand and messaging standards
• Develop communications that engage clients, volunteers, partners, and community members
• Promote programs, services, events, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer opportunities
• Build relationships with community organizations, media contacts, and other stakeholders
• Gather audience feedback and use it to strengthen communications and engagement
• Draft for approval; press releases, statements, materials, and responses to media inquiries
• Monitor media coverage and public conversations related to the organization and its mission
• Support crisis communications in coordination with organizational leadership
• Establish communications goals and track indicators such as reach, engagement, website traffic, email performance, media coverage, and conversions
• Prepare regular performance reports and recommend adjustments
• Manage communications tools, subscriptions, files, permissions, and digital asset libraries
• Support budget development and monitor communications-related expenses
• Perform other duties that support the organization's mission and evolving needs
• Act as backup to agency IT coordinator and perform any/all other duties as assigned

Skills

Writing and editing

Storytelling

Social media management

Project management

Interpersonal collaboration

Confidential information handling

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field

Job description

Knox County Job and Family Services seeks a Communications Specialist to develop and manage communications that advance our mission across multiple agencies. You will handle messaging, press materials, social media, website content, branding, and community engagement.

The role translates complex information into accessible content and requires strong writing, digital communications, project management, and stakeholder relationship skills.