Senior Communications Manager
The Senior Communications Manager oversees the development and implementation of communication strategies for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) in support of our mission to attract businesses and talent to the state and provide expansion support to businesses already here. The position is responsible for the organization’s strategic communications across earned and owned channels, including public relations, social media, newsletters, website and annual report.
The Senior Communications Manager works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including communications officers at the NC Department of Commerce and the Office of the Governor to ensure unified, consistent, and timely messaging that defines and promotes the EDPNC’s identity and mission.
The Senior Communications Manager leads the team in proactively identifying valuable and news-worthy opportunities to promote the work of the EDPNC and to enhance the state’s reputation as a great place to do business. The role includes managing thought-leadership and content development initiatives.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
· Work collaboratively with marketing, research, and events staff to maintain a cohesive public voice across all communications; develop messaging and content that supports the organization’s marketing strategy and promotes the EDPNC and North Carolina brands.
· Provide communications and public relations support to the organization’s Business Development, Recruitment and Expansion teams, International Trade group, Investor Relations, and executive team and Board of Directors.
· Identify and capitalize on opportunities to promote and positively represent the organization, through media relations, initiative-taking story pitches, executive speaking engagements and presence at key industry events.
· Develop, write, and edit content, including but not limited to press releases and announcements, articles, reports, case studies and newsletters for both internal and external audiences, including web copy, ad supplements, bylined articles, letters, Op Eds, and interviews.
· Work with national public relations agency, media partners and wire services to amplify EDPNC’s messages, both out-of-state and within North Carolina as budget allows.
· Manage EDPNC organic social media channels, maintain social content calendar and work with agency of record and internal EDPNC departments to develop content.
· Lead development of EDPNC’s annual report, legislatively required organizational updates, legislative updates to the Site Selection community, and other publications.
· Provide regular monitoring of media coverage of North Carolina and the EDPNC, as well as competitors. Share relevant articles, coverage and industry developments with internal and external partners.
· Serve as the organization’s point-of-contact with members of the press; prepare proactive and reactive statements and talking points for key spokespersons within the organization; field public records requests and consult with legal counsel on compliance and response.
· Serve as the organization’s communications point-of-contact with the NC Department of Commerce Communications team and the Office of the NC Governor, ensuring that protocols, talking points and timelines are coordinated.
· Develop a network of relationships with communications leaders around the state, increasing the likelihood of early insight on partner organization news announcements and improving access for the utilization of media spokespeople from public and private sector organization partners.
· Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures for communicating on behalf of the organization; consult with executives to create effective communications around special situations and issues as they arise; maintain up-to-date Crisis Communications Plan.
· Staff media interviews at major conferences and events in state and occasionally out of state, in tandem with EDPNC, business, and government spokespeople.
· Other duties as the supervisor deems necessary.
· Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
EQUIPMENT USED
· Computer, including MS Office and email applications.
· Mobile devices (phones, tablets)
· Phone
· Printer/copier
· Employee or company-leased/company-rented vehicle
WORKING CONDITIONS
· This position is typically performed in an office environment.
· Travel outside the office occurs in such settings as airports, hotels, conference facilities, and client/partner offices, and may be required up to 25% of the time.
· The position may entail occasional on-site visits to a client’s facility, which could be a manufacturing, distribution, or similar industrial environment.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
· Physical requirements include:
· Sitting and standing for extended periods of time
· Driving a vehicle (employee or company-leased/company-rented)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
· Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or related field.
· Minimum 5 years of experience in corporate communications and/or public relations required; economic development experience a plus.
· Experience in WordPress, Cision, Muckrack or other public relations platform, and social media platforms including LinkedIn required.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
· Superlative written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and public speaking experience.
· Commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality work with keen diligence and accuracy.
· High degree of professionalism; tactful; demonstrates mature judgment, discretion, and decisiveness.
· Customer service focus and behaviors; an initiative-taking, responsive and accountable collaborator; self-directed and comfortable operating independently.
· A problem solver: someone who thinks creatively, brings solutions, is adaptable and able respond to tough questions and issues with aplomb.
· A nose for news; ability to build relationships and spot news moments that could lead to national and international media coverage that will enhance perceptions of the state.
· Collaborative; attuned to the needs of a variety of stakeholders and audiences; proactively develops working relationships within the business and economic development communities.
LICENSES AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
· No licenses require