About the Opportunity
Powhatan County is seeking a dynamic and creative communications professional to serve as its next Community Engagement Manager. This position is an opportunity to shape how the County connects with residents, businesses, employees, community partners, and the public through strategic storytelling, public engagement, branding, marketing, and media relations.
The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator who can translate complex government initiatives into clear, engaging, and accessible information for diverse audiences. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys both strategy and hands-on content creation, from developing communication campaigns and advising leadership to capturing photos at community events and creating compelling digital content.
The Community Engagement Manager serves as a trusted advisor to County leadership and plays a key role in strengthening public trust, promoting transparency, and enhancing community awareness of County services, programs, projects, and initiatives. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, balance multiple priorities with professionalism and creativity, and be comfortable serving as both a behind-the-scenes strategist and a public-facing representative of the County.
Portfolio Submission Requirements
Applicants should provide several examples of relevant work that demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively through written content, graphic design, photography, videography, branding, marketing campaigns, social media, and/or public engagement initiatives. Submitted materials should reflect work the applicant was directly involved in creating and include a brief explanation providing context, objectives, and the applicant’s role in the project.
Position Description
Performs advanced professional and managerial work directing and administering the County’s internal and external communications, public relations, media relations, branding, marketing, and community engagement initiatives. Serves as the County’s primary communications advisor to County leadership, ensuring County programs, services, initiatives, and governmental activities are communicated accurately, effectively, and consistently to employees, residents, businesses, media representatives, and the public.
Work includes development and implementation of strategic communication plans, creation and oversight of digital and print communications, management of County branding and messaging, coordination of crisis and emergency communications, and support of public engagement initiatives. The position provides strategic communication consultation and support to County leadership, departments, affiliated agencies, and the Board of Supervisors.
Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy County Administrator or designee and requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment, initiative, discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism in handling sensitive, confidential, or politically charged matters. Evening and weekend work may be required for meetings, events, emergencies, or public engagement activities.
