Communications & Marketing Director

Position Description

Catawba County seeks a highly motivated, creative, and community-minded Communications & Marketing Director to lead the County's public information, marketing, branding, media relations, and engagement efforts. The Communications & Marketing Director promotes Catawba County's story throughout the community and increases awareness of County services, programs, and issues. This position serves as Catawba County's chief storyteller and seeks ways to connect with the community through creative engagement methods and media that appeal to all audiences. This position also develops and implements internal communication tools to cultivate an informed and engaged county employee workforce.

Position is Open Until Filled. First review of applicants will be on July 13, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Drives County communications efforts: Oversees the development of content, messaging, and design for Catawba County's public-facing communication materials and tools (including written, audio, graphics, and video); coordinates, evaluates, and adapts the social media presence; responds to public and media inquiries for information; maintains the integrity of and develops new applications for Catawba County's brand and graphic guidelines.
• Promotes County services, initiatives, and programs: Develops, implements, and evaluates communication and marketing strategies to increase awareness of services and citizen engagement opportunities; develops and maintains promotional and advertising campaigns; uses a variety of communication strategies to generate awareness of and participation in County initiatives and programs; maintains relationships with local media; develops media coverage opportunities for County initiatives, issues, and messages; writes press releases to promote County services, information, and resources; distributes and cross-promotes press releases generated by County departments; fulfills interview requests either as a spokesperson or by coordinating interviews for other County staff and preparing them with relevant context.
• Coordinates crisis communication responses as appropriate: Assists in developing crisis communication plans and materials and coordinates crisis communications for County departments; participates in relevant drills and training; contributes to developing and implementing County crisis response and continuity of operations plans.
• Liaisons with community and professional organizations: Serves as the County's ambassador to the community, representing Catawba County in a positive manner; develops and maintains strategic community partnerships to collaborate on messaging and share pertinent County information; interfaces with regional, state, and national organizations (as appropriate); maintains positive relationships and open communication channels.
• Coordinates and executes outreach programs and events: Identifies opportunities for and coordinates County participation in appropriate community events.
• Develops and delivers internal communications messages and initiatives, including employee newsletters, special announcements, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or related field and a minimum of 5 years of professional-level experience in public relations, communications, or marketing
Preferences:
• Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or other related field is preferred

Additional Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex information in written, verbal, and graphic forms to a variety of audiences
• Ability to think strategically and creatively about ways to achieve short- and long-term organizational goals
• Ability to respond effectively and accurately in crisis situations under extreme deadline pressure
• Valid Driver's License with a safe driving record (Driving is an occasional function of this position)
• Willingness to establish residency in Catawba County within a reasonable timeframe after appointment