Communication Specialist II

Communication Specialist II - Dept. of Child, Family, and Adult Services

Please apply 9/18/25

"Follow your calling, Find your career"

Salary range: $63,080.00 - $78,850. This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.

At Mecklenburg County, you'll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We're counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

The Mecklenburg County Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services strives to strengthen families and communities through a safety-net of services, collaborations, and hope. Our vision is to define and cultivate an organizational culture that is more compassionate and understanding toward each other and our clients.

The Operations, Strategy & Innovation (OSI) division of DSS leads the pursuit of more efficient and effective services and helps DSS achieve its strategic vision. We keep the wheels turning day to day, from budget and quality control to resource management and staff development. OSI helps the department decide where it's heading and how to get there with data informed decision making. We are an innovative and creative team striving towards improving services, identifying best practices, and promoting a positive work culture where staff feel valued and empowered, at every level, to drive meaningful change for each other and the community.

Location:

10101 David Taylor Drive

Charlotte, NC 28262

The selected candidate will support the Department onsite Monday - Friday.

Position Summary

This position is devoted to creating and disseminating visual, digital, written, and spoken information about the Child, Family and Adult Services Department. The Communication Specialist II under minimal supervision is responsible for handling media inquiries; writing or editing news releases; writing scripts; handling citizen inquiries; managing internal and external communications, developing communication plans; developing and managing collateral material (brochures, inserts, newsletters); field producing of video and broadcast events; taking photos; managing on line content and web pages; managing on line content and web pages; managing the departments social media accounts; participating in meetings and events.

Essential Functions

• Provide writing support to the organization; may coordinate and edit a wide variety of materials

• Research, analyze and assist in the development of communications strategies and outreach plans including efforts dealing with complex, emergency and/or sensitive issues; identifies communication needs; researches communication technologies and engagement tools; and recommends promotional campaigns and communications initiatives

• Design, prepare, edit and/or coordinate the distribution of news releases, scripts, bulletins, bill inserts, articles, publications, website/web content, video content, graphic material, creative concepts, and/or information to media channels; coordinates news or information-gathering interviews

• Receive public information requests, customer inquiries and complaints; responds and/or determines appropriate resource and coordinates response; provides recommendations and implements solutions to customer concerns

• Coordinate resources and logistics in support of event communications and special projects; attends events and coordinates project-related activities

• Attend meetings and communicates activities and initiatives; receives and communicates customer feedback to management

• Create communications plans and materials to inform the public about County programs, services and results

• Research and respond to external, internal, and media requests for information and assistance

• Provide public information support to County departments or services

• Write effectively for a variety of communication channels, including-communication plans, news releases, social media content, web content, video scripts and production, talking points and speeches

• Responsible for Department's digital signage

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of four years of public relations, communications, or related experience.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Public relations, Communications, or directly related field.

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: Yes

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency with design software such as Photoshop, Editor, Illustrator, Canva

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Practices, concepts and methods of graphic design and print production

• Practices and guidelines of news writing and editing

• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis

• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research

• Best practices, trends and emerging technologies

• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment)

• Customer service principles

• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment

Skills

• Planning, preparing, designing and editing communications materials

• Gathering data, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason

• Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands

• Monitoring schedules, status and compliance

• Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices

• Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations

• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents and presentations

• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment)

• Utilizing a computer and relev Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction ant software applications

Abilities

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures

• Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization

• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships

• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided

• Formal Presentations: presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience

• Gaining Commitment: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one's own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved

• Impact: Creating a good first impression; commanding attention and respect; displaying confidence

• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise

Computer Skills

Advanced in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Work Environment

Works in an office setting with moderate noise

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.