Communications Strategist, City of Hanahan
The City of Hanahan is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and visionary Communications Strategist to lead the City’s internal and external communications strategy. This newly created position will serve as the City’s point of contact, responsible for enhancing public awareness, promoting transparency, and fostering community engagement through effective messaging across all platforms. The Communications Strategist will work closely with the City Administrator, department heads, elected officials, and community stakeholders to ensure consistent, timely, and accurate communication.
Essential Job Functions: • Develop and implement a comprehensive citywide communications and public relations strategy. • Manage media relations, including press releases, interviews, and crisis communications. • Oversee the City’s digital presence, including website content, social media platforms, newsletters, council meeting recaps, and emergency alert systems. • Collaborate with departments to promote programs, services, and events to the public. • Create and maintain branding guidelines and ensure consistent messaging across all City communications.
• Manage internal communications to keep employees informed and engaged, including but not limited to, HR milestones, such as years of service and promotions. • Monitor public sentiment and media coverage; provide regular reports and recommendations to City leadership. • Coordinate public information during emergencies in collaboration with public safety and emergency management teams. • Plan and execute public outreach campaigns, town halls, and community engagement initiatives.
Educational Experience and Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. • Minium of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, communications, or media, preferably in a government or public sector setting. • Proven experience in crisis communication, media relations, and digital content strategy. • Strong writing, editing, and public speaking skills. • Proficiency in social media management, website content management systems, and graphic design tools is a plus.
• Knowledge of crisis communication and emergency messaging protocols. • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse community groups. • Demonstrated leadership and project management skills. • Other duties as assigned. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working in municipal government or with public agencies. • Familiarity with South Carolina’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public records laws.
Working Conditions: • Full-time position with potential evening or weekend hours required for posting on social media, attending public meetings or events. • Will require attendance at off-site meetings, and/or community events. • Considered Essential Staff and will stay at City Hall during emergency events. • Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent use of computers and communication tools. Note: The listings of duties in this class specification are representative, not exhaustive. It is not necessarily a detailed description of all work responsibilities.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.