Communications Manager

The Communications Manager develops, implements and manages effective communications, marketing and public outreach programs to educate the public about the services provided by Augusta Water and the Augusta Regional Landfill. This role serves as a key liaison with the community, media, schools, and other organizations, promoting awareness and understanding of Augusta Water’s operations. Responsibilities Create, coordinate, and distribute internal and external communications, marketing, and outreach materials, including newsletters, weekly digests, event flyers, annual reports, company announcements, signage, presentations, and other visual content; assist with graphic design and implement production. Plan, coordinate, and deliver public outreach and educational programs; build partnerships with schools and community organizations; represent Augusta Water through regularly scheduled presentations, tours, and community events. Serve as the primary media contact and organizational spokesperson for routine inquiries and public information requests. Establish and maintain relationships with local media outlets and community organizations. Serve as organizational spokesperson during emergency events and service disruptions, including boil water notices and other critical communications. Coordinate simulations and drills for public alert and emergency communication scenarios. Draft pre‑approved templates or notices for emergency communications, boil water notices, or service interruptions. Develop and manage content on social media and company websites for Augusta Water and the Augusta Regional Landfill. May work with third‑party vendors to develop marketing and educational materials, procure services, manage contracts, and ensure maximum value for Augusta Water. Develop and maintain a communications calendar for social media, newsletters, and community events. Ensure consistent branding across all communication materials and platforms. Maintain records of all outreach, educational, and community activities. Organize volunteer and community engagement opportunities for employees. Attend community meetings to represent Augusta Water as needed. Provide administrative support for communications and outreach activities, including preparing and distributing mailings and related materials, maintaining documentation, and assisting with the development and tracking of budgets for outreach programs, events, and communications materials. Ensure all public‑facing documents and digital content meet accessibility standards by creating, reviewing, and remediating materials; maintaining compliance with ADA/WCAG requirements; and monitoring updates to accessibility regulations. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Education, Environmental Science, or a similar field; or equivalent work experience is highly preferred. Minimum of two years’ experience in marketing, education, public outreach, or communications, including social media pages and websites management is highly preferred. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva is required. Experience with water, wastewater, and/or solid waste utilities is highly preferred. Experience working with third‑party vendors, including procuring services, managing contracts, and ensuring cost‑effectiveness and quality deliverables is preferred. Required Skills Capable of working independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Must possess strong public speaking and written communication skills; able to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Must possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License. Willingness to travel between company locations and work a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and on‑call duty. Ability to write reports, articles, and other content using original or innovative techniques or style. High level of attention to detail. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Augusta Water, formerly the Augusta County Service Authority, was established in March 1966 to centralize water and sewer services in Augusta County, Virginia. #J-18808-Ljbffr