Communications Specialist - Marketing

Position Information

Are you a creative and strategic marketing professional who is passionate about using your skills to promote the beauty and benefits of parks and recreation? If so, Arlington's Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a dynamic marketing and communications professional to join our team.
We are seeking an experienced Communications Specialist - Marketing to develop and implement marketing strategies and campaigns to promote DPR services, events, programs, and facilities which showcase the great options we offer to our diverse community. DPR manages 149 parks, 56 miles of multi-use trails, and 14 community centers and facilities, providing residents and visitors with numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, fitness, and social events.
Specific duties include:

• Analyze market trends and identify opportunities to increase community engagement and participation in parks and recreation activities;
• Coordinate marketing and communications strategies across different units and content areas;
• Create and manage content for print, web, social media, in-person tabling events, and other channels to reach targeted audiences;
• Serve as an alternate Department Public Information Officer;
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, businesses, local media, and sponsorships that can enhance the Department's visibility, brand recognition, and initiatives;
• Manage budgets, timelines, vendors, and resources to ensure effective delivery of in-person and digital marketing initiatives;
• Monitor and report on key performance metrics and use data to improve marketing outcomes;
• Produce content for press releases, publications, internal newsletters, news, special feature articles, eNews, web pages, calendar listings, and internal documents such as policies, speeches, and talking points;
• Develop and give presentations to groups regarding projects, procedures or general information about departmental programs or initiatives; and
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

• Effective communication skills and ability to respond to media requests or write press releases;
• Time-management skills to balance workloads, meet deadlines and coordinate efforts across a large organization, with the ability to work on projects independently and in a team environment;
• Demonstrated ability developing and design marketing plans and materials, including for communities who speak languages other than English;
• Demonstrated experience in graphic design; and
• Proven ability to facilitate small and large group conversations with staff and stakeholders who have different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Selection Criteria

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, public administration, education, journalism, public relations, or a related field; and
• Considerable experience in public engagement, communications, governmental policy, community organizing, journalism, public relations, or public information.

• Managing communications or marketing;
• Digital marketing and/or graphic design;
• Community engagement for recreation programming, capital planning, design, and/or construction projects; and/or
• Working in an environment providing services related to parks and recreation, capital improvement projects, urban development, or other government services.

Special Requirements

A complete application will include a work sample. Please attach to your application an example of a marketing plan, communications project, or presentation you developed.
A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, core hours are 9:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M., with a flexible work schedule and telework opportunities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for community meetings, engagements, special events or emergencies requiring communications response.
The official job title is Communications Specialist II.
Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, .
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
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Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.

The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.