Communications Manager- AQM60034894

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Aquariums

Job Classification Title

Information & Communications Spec II (NS)

Position Number

60034894

Grade

NC13

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit dncr.nc.gov ↗. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to work at an Aquarium? The North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join the Communications Department as the Communications Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for a wide range of communication tools, including the Aquarium's shared website and social media outlets representing the Aquarium.
• Edits Aquarium materials for grammar, spelling, punctuation and creates content for press releases, articles, and on-line postings.
• Responsible for promoting public awareness of the Aquarium by working closely with the local travel, tourism and hospitality industry, and Chambers of Commerce.
• Evaluating and developing cooperative marketing and advertising programs through the local/area business and tourism community; developing advertising layouts for publications promoting area/regional attractions and including placement of advertising and promotional pieces; and contributes to the creation/implementation of special events.
• Supports collaborative efforts to strategically maximize awareness of the Aquarium and Aquarium Division through effective marketing and advertising.
• Supports and actively contributes to a culture of respect, collaboration, and mutual support by working closely with the other NC Aquariums, the NC Aquarium Society, DNCR, and AZA.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required.
• Interact extensively with all Aquarium personnel, including the director, husbandry, education, admissions, exhibits, and security, and work with all staff to ensure promotional activities, talking points, social media, and instruction to visitors are in keeping with the Division’s mission.
• Extensive contact with members of the media and the public at large and serves as liaison with tourism industry officials in the local community, including serving on tourism and other industry promotional boards, commissions, and committees.
• Primary contact for advertising representatives, partner agencies and organizations, and must maintain a professional and informative role in interacting with the Aquarium’s social media followers.
• Supervise a communications assistant.

Site-specific responsibilities:

• Directs all communication, promotion, marketing, publicity, and public engagement related to programs, special events, and overarching advertising strategies throughout the public and private sectors.
• Edits all exhibit text, signage, educational and promotional materials.
• Develops and implements campaigns using original creative public relations and marketing strategies and proactively works to raise awareness of the Aquarium’s programs, services, conservation initiatives, and mission.
• Works both independently and with a team in recognizing needs and making recommendations for messaging and public relations.
• Maintains awareness of new and emerging technologies to ensure the most effective and efficient delivery of messaging.
• Strengthen and build relationships with media and the local community.
• Demonstrates a strong command of AP style, including accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling, with consistent attention to detail.
• Comprehensive knowledge of advertising, marketing techniques, design, and multimedia skills are a plus.

Division-wide responsibilities:

• Promotes the mission of the North Carolina Aquarium Division and manages the Aquarium’s internationally recognized brand.
• Occasionally receives specific instructions from the Division Director where applicable, in accordance with Division and DNCR requirements.
• Works closely with Communications Managers at each of the North Carolina Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier in developing cross-facility promotions, division-wide communications policies, and unified representation of Communications initiatives.
• Works with the North Carolina Aquarium Society to support and guide marketing and social media needs.
• Works closely with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Communications department to ensure accurate, consistent, and strategic communication.

This position will report to our satellite office in Wilmington.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

Recruitment Range: $50,088 - $57,954

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment, will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Demonstrated experience in public speaking and media communications.

• Demonstrated experience using Internet and social media sites for promotion and marketing.

• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Demonstrated experience using assorted computer graphics/presentation/communication software, digital camera, smartphone, photo/video editing software, and audio recording/editing devices.

• Demonstrated experience with professional writing and editing information for press releases.

• Supervisory Experience.

Position/Physical Requirements

• Weekend, evening, and holiday work will be required.

• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

• Recommended candidate will be subject to a background check prior to hiring.

This position is located at

This position will report to our satellite office in Wilmington.

Follow us on Social Media at

Learn about the NC Aquariums:  ncaquariums.com ↗ facebook.com ↗ facebook.com ↗ facebook.com ↗

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media journalism, English, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution

AND

two years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work;

OR

an equivalent combination