Communications & Marketing Manager
Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority (VLPRA)
Valdosta, Georgia
Salary: $65,614 – $78,736 annually
Join Our Team
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority (VLPRA) is seeking a creative, strategic, and community-focused Communications & Marketing Manager to lead the Authority's marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement efforts.
This leadership position plays a vital role in promoting VLPRA's parks, recreation programs, athletic leagues, special events, and community services while enhancing the Authority's public image and strengthening relationships with residents, visitors, community partners, and local media.
If you are an experienced communications professional who enjoys storytelling, strategic marketing, digital media, and community engagement, we'd like to hear from you.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Communications & Marketing Manager develops and implements comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that increase public awareness, promote participation in programs and events, and strengthen the VLPRA brand. The position serves as the Authority's primary public information and media relations representative and oversees digital communications, branding initiatives, sponsorship development, and community outreach.
Essential Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic marketing, communications, and public relations plans.
- Create compelling content for press releases, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, social media, digital advertising, and promotional campaigns.
- Serve as the Authority's primary media relations and public information contact.
- Manage and maintain the Authority's website and official social media platforms.
- Coordinate public awareness campaigns, sponsorship initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local media, tourism organizations, schools, civic groups, and community partners.
- Coordinate photography, videography, graphic design, and multimedia content.
- Assist with the production and distribution of seasonal program guides and promotional materials.
- Monitor marketing performance through analytics, participation trends, and campaign metrics.
- Represent VLPRA at community events, festivals, public meetings, and special programs.
- Assist with emergency communications and public information as needed.
- Prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and other administrative documents.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation Administration, or a closely related field.
Experience
- Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or community engagement.
- Experience in local government, public sector, nonprofit organizations, tourism, or parks and recreation is preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Preferred Knowledge and Skills
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience developing integrated marketing and communications campaigns.
- Knowledge of social media management, digital marketing, branding, and public relations.
- Experience in creating print and digital marketing materials.
- Website content management experience.
- Ability to build positive relationships with media representatives, community organizations, sponsors, and stakeholders.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate campaign effectiveness using data and performance metrics.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern communications technologies; experience with graphic design software, photography, video production, or content management systems is a plus.
Physical Requirements
This position requires light physical activity, including occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds, standing, walking, bending, and extended periods working at a computer. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support meetings, community events, athletic events, and special programs.
Why Join VLPRA?
At VLPRA, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping connect our community with exceptional parks, recreation programs, athletic opportunities, and special events. You'll join a dedicated team committed to enhancing quality of life for residents throughout Valdosta and Lowndes County while helping shape the Authority's public presence and community engagement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a completed employment application, résumé, cover letter, and any supporting materials through the Authority's Career Portal.
Applications will remain open until the position is filled.
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
