What You'll Be Doing

The award-winning Wake County Communications Office is looking for a powerhouse leader to serve as its first Deputy Director. This hybrid position will oversee the day-to-day operations of the external and internal communications teams, as well as the creative services division.

The Deputy Director will use solid project management skills to ensure the office is achieving the goals set forth in its business plan. This role will also drive greater awareness of Wake County’s programs and services among our nearly 1.2 million residents, while proactively informing our 4,500 employees about opportunities to advance their careers, maximize their benefits and improve their wellbeing.

If you enjoy working with people who are passionate and purpose-driven and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no day is ever the same, then we encourage you to apply!

Essential Functions:

The Deputy Director is responsible for the following functions:

• Directs three divisions within the Communications Office - the internal communications division, the external communications division and the creative services division
• Oversees the development and implementation of the county’s internal and external communications strategies to ensure we craft clear and effective messaging that reaches the right audiences at the right time using the right platforms. Analyzes team priorities, resources and staffing levels and recommends adjustments as needed
• Optimizes department procedures, business processes and analytics reporting. Uses data to guide decision making to generate the highest possible return on investment of county time, energy and funding
• Leads staff to provide excellent customer service, think innovatively about solutions and try new ideas with minimal risk, while helping them develop their career paths and enhance their skill sets
• Assists the chief communications officer with high-profile projects involving elected officials, the County Manager's Office and key stakeholders. Serves as county spokesperson when the CCO is away from the office
• Prepares the team to respond to emergent events or crises, which could range from incidents at the nuclear power plant to pandemics, snowstorms, hurricanes and riots

NOTE: Work Schedule: The traditional work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm However, this position will be required to respond to emergent issues outside of the normal work schedule as needed.

NOTE: Location: This is a hybrid position will work in the Communications Office in downtown Raleigh three days a week. On the remaining days, the position may work from home or remotely for a media event, depending on the needs of the day.

About Our Team

The Wake County Communications Office is made up of incredibly talented professionals who bring their “A” game to work every day. We function like a newsroom and an advertising agency, so we’re constantly producing materials and generating media opportunities to showcase the good work Wake County does.

Overall, we’re a bunch of comms nerds at heart who debate about AP Style technicalities like the Oxford comma. We always strive to do our best for the nearly 1.2 million residents of our county. That’s not just because it’s our job. It’s because we live here, too, and we care about our community. We want to be part of the reason #WakeIsGreat.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or related field
• Seven years of communications experience in a fast-paced environment, with three years of
  supervisory experience

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• 10+ years of experience working in a fast-paced, high-profile communications/marketing environment, with at least five years successfully leading multiple teams
• Have experience working with media at all levels and understand how to respond to inquiries accurately and effectively in a timely manner
• Understand marketing principles and how to apply them to generate the highest possible return on investment
• Experience effectively using paid advertising strategies is a plus

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Have proven decision-making and critical thinking skills with an ability to lead through change
• Be open, honest and have great integrity with the ability to work well in large groups, small teams or one-on-one and motivate them all to achieve a common goal
• Have excellent project management skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize to deliver high-quality projects on deadline
• Have exceptional personnel management skills and can ensure all policies, processes and procedures are followed
• Ability to be a strategic thinker - someone who can see the big picture and the small details at the same time and understand how the pieces fit together
• Ability to operate during stressful situations and evolving crises with professionalism, calmness and a focus on achieving goals and objectives

About This Position

Location: Justice Center Raleigh, NC 27601

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm, However, this position will be required to respond to emergent issues.

Hiring Range: 134,000 - 170,000

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 8/16/2024

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.57 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

134,000

Raleigh, North Carolina United States View Map