Town of Blacksburg
Communications Specialist and FOIA Officer
Town of Blacksburg, Blacksburg, Virginia, us, 24062
As a member of the Community Relations Team, the Communications Specialist develops and executes internal and external communication strategies by engaging with town staff, citizens, businesses, and the news media. The Communications Specialist is responsible for communicating both emergent and time-sensitive information to the public, as well as initiatives and opportunities for engagement and public education.
Shift:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM May be required to respond to emergent situations that occur outside of normal business hours, and attend occasional night meetings.
This position is not eligible for telework.
The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function well. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Writes and distributes news releases and other information pieces and repurposes content for digital platforms.
Develops and executes effective and creative communications plans.
Responds to citizen requests and inquiries.
Assists with website content development and maintenance of news and information areas on the site.
Assists with strategy and content creation for Town of Blacksburg social media sites, video, web, and other digital communications.
Designs graphics for online and print products, and coordinates with print and specialty vendors as needed.
Serves as a member of the Freedom of Information Act Team, coordinating the fulfillment of requests and compliance with Virginia Freedom of Information requirements. Training provided.
Assists with the communications, planning, and execution of various town events, meetings, and celebrations, including but not limited to the annual Citizens Institute, press conferences, holiday events, and ribbon cuttings.
Represents the Community Relations Office and Town of Blacksburg on internal and external committees as needed.
Must be an organized, thorough, articulate, focused, and professional communicator.
Ability to take initiative, create plans, lead teams, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Thorough knowledge of current social media platforms.
Familiarity with content management systems and other forms of technology.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions accurately.
Proficient writing and editing skills and familiarity with the AP Style Guide.
Ability to work quickly, yet accurately, in high-pressure situations.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative products and other design software. Canva knowledge is required.
Experience with local government communications is helpful but not required.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships.
Must maintain a comprehensive, current understanding of Town projects and initiatives, and creatively engage the public on matters of community interest.
Ability to write, edit, and design for departmental publications.
Ability to write for multimedia.
Knowledge of digital photography, videography, and editing.
Knowledge of appropriate standards and formatting for online media.
Ability to solve problems.
Ability to manage projects (including budgeting).
Ability to communicate clearly and calmly in a crisis.
Knowledge of the methods for preparing information to increase the likelihood of its use.
Experience with live broadcast and streaming production is beneficial, but not a requirement.
Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED Certification required
A bachelor's degree in communication studies, journalism, public relations, digital communications, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Special Requirements Valid Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
This work requires:
The frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force
Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting
Work has standard vision requirements
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound
Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities
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Shift:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM May be required to respond to emergent situations that occur outside of normal business hours, and attend occasional night meetings.
This position is not eligible for telework.
The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function well. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Writes and distributes news releases and other information pieces and repurposes content for digital platforms.
Develops and executes effective and creative communications plans.
Responds to citizen requests and inquiries.
Assists with website content development and maintenance of news and information areas on the site.
Assists with strategy and content creation for Town of Blacksburg social media sites, video, web, and other digital communications.
Designs graphics for online and print products, and coordinates with print and specialty vendors as needed.
Serves as a member of the Freedom of Information Act Team, coordinating the fulfillment of requests and compliance with Virginia Freedom of Information requirements. Training provided.
Assists with the communications, planning, and execution of various town events, meetings, and celebrations, including but not limited to the annual Citizens Institute, press conferences, holiday events, and ribbon cuttings.
Represents the Community Relations Office and Town of Blacksburg on internal and external committees as needed.
Must be an organized, thorough, articulate, focused, and professional communicator.
Ability to take initiative, create plans, lead teams, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
Thorough knowledge of current social media platforms.
Familiarity with content management systems and other forms of technology.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions accurately.
Proficient writing and editing skills and familiarity with the AP Style Guide.
Ability to work quickly, yet accurately, in high-pressure situations.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative products and other design software. Canva knowledge is required.
Experience with local government communications is helpful but not required.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships.
Must maintain a comprehensive, current understanding of Town projects and initiatives, and creatively engage the public on matters of community interest.
Ability to write, edit, and design for departmental publications.
Ability to write for multimedia.
Knowledge of digital photography, videography, and editing.
Knowledge of appropriate standards and formatting for online media.
Ability to solve problems.
Ability to manage projects (including budgeting).
Ability to communicate clearly and calmly in a crisis.
Knowledge of the methods for preparing information to increase the likelihood of its use.
Experience with live broadcast and streaming production is beneficial, but not a requirement.
Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED Certification required
A bachelor's degree in communication studies, journalism, public relations, digital communications, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Special Requirements Valid Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
This work requires:
The frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force
Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting
Work has standard vision requirements
Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound
Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities
#J-18808-Ljbffr