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Communications & Engagement Specialist

An Overview
The Communications and Engagement Specialist is a key position in Historic Alexandra for managing communications and public engagement in support of the mission to preserve and share the history of the City with residents and visitors. This position will plan, develop, and implement an innovative communications program using various forms of media, ensure a consistent voice and message throughout the department, and act as an official spokesperson and primary media contact for OHA. The Communications and Engagement Specialist is also responsible for listening to the community to ensure Historic Alexandria is effectively responding to residents’ input, requests, and meeting its strategic goals. These efforts will increase public awareness of and engagement with Historic Alexandria, as demonstrated by engagement numbers, visitation, and revenue streams.
The Communications and Engagement Specialist works under the Administrative Services Manager and the OHA Director, in close coordination and collaboration with departmental staff, Commissions, City Departments, and Visit Alexandria. They will provide communications guidance and training to other department staff in support of communication and community engagement goals and serves as the department liaison with the City’s Office of Communication and Public Information (OCPI). With public service at the core of this position, the Communications and Engagement Specialist ensures that their communications align with the department’s commitment to diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate will bring experience in institutional messaging and overseeing a robust communications & marketing program. They should have proven success implementing and evaluating a comprehensive program using a team approach, which includes print and electronic communications, social media, media relations, advertising, promotions, and community outreach. They possess strong verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with the public, coworkers, and elected officials using a wide variety of media, from press releases to social media. The candidate should be a motivated individual who appreciates history, is proactive, and enjoys project management as well as balancing multiple, simultaneous initiatives. They need to be capable of communicating sensitive content and information in a direct and appropriate manner. Prior experience with the media, including reports and on-site interviews, in addition to basic graphic design as well as the ability to read and write in Spanish, Amharic, Dari or Arabic would be a plus.

The Opportunity

• 
  Coordinates and disseminates information to and responds to requests from the media, residents, and visitors through written and oral communication formats (for example, coordinates the publication of eNews)
• In partnership with departmental staff, leads the creation and writing of OHA’s social media content, including graphics
• Creates, writes, coordinates, and edits OHA publications (annual report, newsletters, museum rack cards, etc.) in collaboration with other departmental staff
• Acts as the public relations advisor to the Director in the formulation of public information policies and the implementation of public information activities and programs, to include training of department staff
• Plans, secures, and tracks department media coverage, to include monitoring community conversations and needs
• Research specific media inquiries that require background or interviews with other department personnel and approves and coordinates interviews
• Generates increased visitation to and knowledge and support (financial and otherwise) of Historic Alexandria
• Performs related work as required

Four-year college degree and three years of experience in public history, communications, public relations, public information and graphic production or publications editing work. Three years of experience with desk top graphic publishing and experience with writing and editing information for wide distribution under deadlines. Completion of college level courses in journalism, communications, multimedia production, public administration, government or a related field or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Four-year college degree in Communications, Journalism, Public History, Museum Studies or related field and five years of experience in a communications department or public relations agency. Experience communicating to media and the public.

Possessing a valid drivers license from the state of residence and the ability to read and write in Spanish, Amharic, Dari or Arabic would be a plus.