Social Media Strategist

Position Profile
The City of Alexandria is known for the stories of its past; this position is an exciting opportunity to visualize the story of its present and set the stage for its future. Join us as we write the evolving story of this 272-year-old community, named #3 Top Best Small City in the U.S. in 2021 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

The City of Alexandria is a diverse, energetic, caring community with a city government that reflects these values. Our goal is to reach people where they are , disseminating information which prioritizes language accessibility, bridges the digital divide and engages all Alexandrians, specifically our hard-to-reach and underserved communities, as well as for those who work and visit our City.

The Social Media Strategist is in the Office of Communications and Public Information, reporting on a day-to-day basis to the Editorial and Media Relations Manager. They will specialize in writing and producing digital content which supports the City’s strategic messaging, goals and objectives in all aspects of communications to the public, employees, and the media.

This position will write compelling messaging, providing residents, businesses and visitors with storytelling experiences curated across our digital platforms. They will write for the digital age, drafting scripts and producing videos, engaging residents through dynamic social content, and showcasing city initiatives through new, innovative methods like podcasts, storyboards and other promising digital channels.

This role will aid in telling the City’s story on social media, drafting day-to-day content which highlights City services, and encourages resident engagement online and in their communities. They will provide proactive - rather than reactive - messaging utilizing tools such as ALEX 311, and establishing relationships with social media influencers to develop a strong network. They will regularly monitor social media and digital trends to maintain engaging content.

This position will regularly aid in the visualization of high profile internal and external citywide initiatives impacting residents and businesses, including the Winter 2022 opening of the Potomac Yard Metrorail station, the transformation of the 52-acre Landmark Mall site, and capital investments funded through the $59.6 million through the American Rescue Plan Act.

This position will be expected to learn about, be involved in, and engage with our City government, community and businesses. This includes developing and maintaining strong professional working relationships with department and agency directors, as well as community stakeholders including non - profit groups, faith - based organizations, and civic and special interest groups. This will be done through attending department events, city or neighborhood meetings, and representing or assisting at on - site City needs as requested.

Candidate Profile
The candidate will demonstrate experience with and harbor a keen appreciation for the power of storytelling using both verbal and visual tools. They will have the ability to communicate complex ideas to broad audiences through knowledge of digital media production and distribution best practices.

The candidate will have experience pitching, developing, and delivering ideas to subject matter experts and communicating complex ideas to broad audiences. They will be able to develop, manage, and work on multiple projects, under deadlines, sometimes with changing priorities.

The candidate will have knowledge of the social media landscape and experience using social platforms and digital content to tell stories and grow awareness of information, programs, and initiatives.

The candidate will be a champion of inclusiveness and collaboration, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in a complex, matrix organization. They will have experience engaging and communicating with hard-to-reach, diverse and under-represented communities, and constituencies.

The candidate will quickly become familiar with the wide variety of programs and services that City departments and agencies provide and will develop an understanding of the most important and complex issues currently facing the City.

Education and Experience
A qualified candidate will have at least a bachelor's degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in a related communications role.

To be considered an ideal candidate, in addition to the above, you will comprehensive knowledge of communications, media and public affairs; proven experience with communications content development, communications strategy, and multi-platform communications, including in languages other than English; and, considerable experience at working for state, local, or federal government. As well as, experience in creating social media strategies and utilizing social media marketing tools in a professional setting; strong experience with message development in a complex, dynamic communications environment involving public information, communications and/or public relations; proven project management experience, including the coordination and accountability of staff and consultants; experience ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure; and demonstrated experience in showing a high level of discretion and sensitivity when performing your work.

About the Office of Communications & Public Information
The Office of Communications & Public Information (OCPI) develops, coordinates and delivers meaningful and responsive communications for the community and for City employees. OCPI develops and directs a City-wide communications program, including content on the City’s website, and provides guidance and direction to other City government communicators.

OCPI’s staff of 12 subject matter experts develop external and internal messaging; provide oversight and maintenance of content on the City’s external and internal websites; administers the City’s language access program; distribute routine and emergency information to employees and the public; design and layout print publications for external and internal use; develop and produce external and internal video content; coordinate with the news media; and coordinate communications with City academies, special recognition events, and City boards and commissions. OCPI has been serving as the City’s public information and communications lead during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, English, Marketing, Communications, or a closely related field. Three (3) years of experience in a related communications role; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Comprehensive knowledge of communications, media and public affairs; proven experience with communications content development, communications strategy, and multi-platform communications, including in languages other than English; and, considerable experience at working for state, local, or federal government. As well as, experience in creating social media strategies and utilizing social media marketing tools in a professional setting; strong experience with message development in a complex, dynamic communications environment involving public information, communications and/or public relations; proven project management experience, including the coordination and accountability of staff and consultants; experience ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure; and demonstrated experience in showing a high level of discretion and sensitivity when performing your work.