Job Description

Posting number: 202603058

Department: County Administration

Division: Administration-Public Affairs

Job classification: COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Posting type: Open

Categories: Communications

* Salary will be determined by applicants qualifying education and experience*

Cumberland County is looking for a dynamic, strategic, and community-focused communications leader to serve as its next Communications Director Located in southeastern North Carolina and home to a diverse community with strong military ties, Cumberland County offers an exciting opportunity for an innovative professional to shape how the County connects with its residents, employees, community partners, and stakeholders.

As the leader of the County’s Public Information Office, the Communications Director will establish a unified communications vision that brings teams, departments, and messaging together around a shared mission. This role will champion proactive, strategic communication practices that align with the County’s mission, vision, and values while ensuring information is timely, accessible, consistent, and meaningful.

The ideal candidate is a confident communicator who is equally comfortable behind the scenes developing strategy and in front of the camera delivering important information. This leader will bring authenticity, sound judgment, and professionalism to communications involving sensitive or complex issues and will serve as a trusted voice for the County and Board of Commissioners. Success in this role requires a proven ability to build strong teams, inspire collaboration, cultivate high morale, and create a culture where effective communication is a shared responsibility.

Cumberland County seeks a communications professional who understands the unique needs of a diverse community that includes both urban and rural areas, as well as a significant active-duty and veteran military population. The Communications Director will build meaningful connections with residents and community partners while working closely with County departments to increase awareness of programs, services, resources, and opportunities for public engagement.

This is an opportunity for a visionary communications professional to evaluate how the County communicates—both internally and externally—and identify creative ways to strengthen its approach. The successful candidate will be a thoughtful listener, strategic problem-solver, and innovative leader who can identify communication gaps, build bridges, and develop strategies that foster greater understanding, trust, and engagement throughout Cumberland County.

If you are ready to lead with purpose, elevate public communication, and help tell the story of a growing and diverse community, Cumberland County invites you to bring your vision and expertise to this important leadership role.

Examples of duties

• Directs the strategic planning, organization, and daily operations of the Public Information Office to ensure effective and consistent delivery of communications services

• Establishes departmental goals, objectives, and performance measures aligned with County leadership, Board of Commissioners directives, and recognized professional standards

• Leads short- and long-term communications planning to support the County’s strategic mission, priorities, and organizational objectives

• Develops, reviews, and updates public information policies, procedures, and communication practices to ensure accuracy, relevance, consistency, and alignment with County priorities

• Oversees the departmental budget, including planning for staffing, technology, equipment, materials, and resources necessary to support effective communications operations

• Ensures timely, accurate, and effective communication services for County departments, employees, elected officials, the media, and the public

• Advises and supports County Management with communications strategies for special initiatives, policy decisions, public events, and other matters requiring coordinated public messaging

• Develops and edits executive communications, speeches, talking points, presentations, press materials, and other written, visual, and verbal content

• Creates, reviews, and prepares news releases, public notices, informational materials, and other communications for distribution to the media, residents, community groups, government officials, and employees

• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with County departments, community organizations, media representatives, and external stakeholders to strengthen public awareness and engagement

• Consults with County departments and collaborates with the Deputy Public Information Director to establish and implement consistent countywide communications practices, policies, and procedures

• Evaluates communications programs, services, and initiatives to identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies that enhance effectiveness and service delivery

• Ensures departmental programs and communications practices comply with applicable federal and state requirements, County ordinances, and established policies and procedures

• Reviews, edits, and proofreads communications materials and provides guidance to staff to ensure accuracy, quality, consistency, and a high level of service

• Monitors and analyzes media coverage, public outreach, internal communications, website and social media analytics, and other key performance indicators to measure effectiveness and recommend improvements

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in communications, journalism, public administration, marketing, or a closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in leading a communications team for a public entity, media outlet or a similar environment. At least two (2) of the years must be in a lead or supervisor role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of the organization, functions, and operations of governing bodies, management staff, and operational departments

• Knowledge of basic laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations applicable to local government

• Knowledge of the structure, functions, and relationships of local, state, and federal governments

• Knowledge of communications principles, practices, strategies, and applicable software applications

• Skills in attentive and active listening and the ability to understand and respond appropriately to diverse perspectives

• Skills in communicating information clearly, effectively, and professionally through both oral and written methods

• Skills in developing and delivering presentations to a variety of audiences

• Skills in managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and completing assignments in a timely manner

• Skills in working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, educational levels, and areas of expertise

• Skills in collaborating within a team environment and building cooperation and positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders

• Skills in overseeing projects and coordinating activities to achieve established goals and desired outcomes

• Skills in developing and organizing tasks, activities, and timelines necessary to successfully complete projects and initiatives

• Ability to effectively lead and supervise staff, including recruitment, training, mentoring, performance development, progressive discipline, scheduling, and assignment of work

• Ability to communicate clearly, consistently, and strategically while understanding how information may be interpreted and received by different audiences

• Ability to assess the needs of the intended audience and determine the most relevant, appropriate, and effective information and communication method

• Ability to communicate information regarding the County in a thoughtful, accurate, and sensitive manner that protects the County’s reputation and reflects positively on the County and Board of Commissioners

Conditions of Employment:

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

In accordance with Session Law 2025-16, candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.