Communication and Engagement Coordinator

Creative Communicator Help residents see what is happening in Carrboro, understand how Town decisions affect them, and find meaningful ways to participate. We are looking for a creative communicator who can turn a complex topic into a clear explanation, a community moment into a compelling video, and an outreach opportunity into a conversation that matters. This role combines hands-on content creation with community engagement. You will develop social media posts, reels, videos, newsletters, and web content; connect with residents in neighborhoods and at events; and work across Town departments to make local government more accessible and responsive. Essential Functions Develop social media posts, reels, videos, photography, graphics, newsletters, and web content that tell Carrboro's story and make Town information clear and accessible. Manage content calendars, coordinate timely publishing across social media, the Town website, and Carrboro This Week, monitor engagement, and help departments share accurate information. Plan and support neighborhood outreach, community events, and engagement activities; connect with residents and organizations; and create meaningful opportunities for people to participate and provide feedback. Write and edit public information, news releases, website content, and other materials using plain language and accessibility practices. Coordinate translated materials and support media and emergency communications, including serving as Deputy Public Information Officer when assigned. Track communication and engagement results, use analytics and community feedback to improve strategies, coordinate projects and vendors, maintain organized content and records, and manage competing deadlines. Education and Experience Minimum Qualifications Three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, community engagement, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or a related field is preferred. Preferred Qualifications Experience in local government, nonprofit, or related public-sector communications. A portfolio demonstrating engaging social media posts, reels or short-form videos, photography, graphics, writing, or community engagement projects. Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro, or comparable video and design tools; mobile content production experience is also valued. Training or certification in community engagement, including International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) practices. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to make complex or sensitive information clear, accurate, and engaging. Familiarity with AP Style. Hands-on ability to create social media content, short-form video, photography, and graphics using current production tools and an understanding of digital audiences and trends. Ability to build relationships, listen respectfully, and communicate effectively with people across cultures, languages, and levels of familiarity with local government. Ability to protect privacy, consider image permissions, evaluate digital and AI-assisted tools responsibly, interpret community feedback, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines. Ability to work effectively with residents, Town staff, elected officials, community partners, and journalists while demonstrating initiative, attention to detail, and professionalism. Work Environment and Physical Requirements Work is performed in an office and throughout the community, including at meetings and special events. Evening activities and occasional weekend work are required; emergency assignments may require work outside regular hours. The position involves sedentary work, with occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and frequent or constant negligible exertion to move objects. Duties involve operating computers, cameras, and related equipment; preparing and reviewing written and digital materials; communicating with others; and observing community activities. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation. Benefits The Town of Carrboro offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to all permanent employees. Health Insurance The Town provides a group medical insurance including family coverage through our medical provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Town pays 100% for the cost of employee-only coverage and shares the costs of adding family members (including domestic partners) to the town plan. Health insurance is effective the first day of the month following a new hire's start date. Dental Insurance Dental insurance is an optional benefit administered through our dental provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Dental coverage is paid for by the employee. Coverage for eligible dependents is also available. Vision Insurance Vision insurance is a benefit offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Town pays 100% for the cost of employee-only coverage. The Town shared the costs of adding eligible family members to the plan. Flexible Spending Account An optional benefit offered through our provider, Flex. Eligible health and dependent care expenses can be paid for with pre-tax dollars allocated onto a Visa card. Annual Leave: Permanent full-time employees earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon years of service. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked. Sick Leave: Permanent full-time employees accrue at a rate of one day per month of service or twelve days per calendar year. Shift employees of the Fire-Rescue Department earn sick leave at the rate of five, twenty-four-hour tour-of-duty days per calendar year. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked. Paid-Time Off: Permanent full-time employees receive three (3) days (36 hours for Fire-Rescue personnel) per calendar year of time to be used as needed. Time is pro-rated to employee's start date. Permanent part-time employees accrue a prorated amount of leave based on hours worked. Paid Caregiver Leave: Qualifying employees receive 240 hours of Paid Caregiver Leave to care for an immediate family member including birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from employee's leave bank. Paid Holidays: There are 13 official Town holidays. Employees in full or permanent part-time positions are eligible for paid holiday time. Local Government Retirement System All employees in a permanent full or part-time position are required to contribute to the NC local government retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%. Supplemental Retirement Plan The Town makes a contribution of 5% for law enforcement officers and 3% for all other employees to town sponsored 401(k) administered through Empower. No employee match is required; however, employees have the option of making contributions on a pre- or post-tax basis. Employees also have the option of contributing to an NC 457 retirement plan. Disability and Life Insurance Town Paid: The Town covers both long term disability and life/AD&D insurance for permanent employees. Employee Paid: Employees have the option of enrolling in accident, critical illness, short-term disability, and purchasing supplemental life and dependent life insurance at their own expense. Employee Assistance Program Employees and their dependents are eligible to receive free and confidential 24/7 counseling through the Town's Employee Assistance Program. Additional Benefits Annual Service Level Benefit payment based on years of service beginning year zero (0) of permanent full-time employment. Paid in December each year. O2 Fitness membership paid for by the Town for permanent employees and dependents. Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Carrboro are eligible to open accounts at the Local Government Federal Credit Union. Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period. Bilingual/Multilingual Compensation Program: $1250 annual stipend for certified bilingual/multilingual employees who provide translation and interpretation services for the Town once they successfully complete proficiency certification. CARRBORO, NC