The City of Richmond’s?Department of Economic Development is currently seeking a Public Information Manager who will be responsible for strategic and high-profile marketing and communications initiatives to promote Richmond, VA as top business location, and execute fundamental components of Richmond’s Strategic Plan for Equitable Economic Development (SPEED).

Specific work will include creating and disseminating visual, digital, written, and spoken information for the Department of Economic Development, and in support of the City of Richmond Economic Development Authority. The highly visible position will also assist in establishing a unified external visual identity and brand for the Economic Development efforts for the City of Richmond.

Duties include but are not limited to

Serving as official point of contact and spokesperson for the Department of Economic Development Planning and implementing comprehensive, multi-channel external, communications, public relations, and marketing activities
Providing consultation to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Economic Development.
Attending external meetings, events, and conferences to present and obtain information
Preparing video and presentation scripts, special reports, and proposals; Photographing department events; Assisting in development of media relations and public information policies and programs; Researching, preparing, writing, editing, and distributing press/news releases, advisories, talking points, PSA's, editorial letters, and articles
Working in coordination with the Mayor's Press Secretary's Office and the Office of Public Information and Engagement
Developing, designing and managing collateral electronic and print materials (brochures, inserts, newsletters)
Assisting with proposal designing and presentation material; Providing updates on websites, posters, flyers, emails
Creating, monitoring and managing the Department of Economic Development’s social media handles and campaigns
Timely updates to DED and EDA websites to ensure external message are relevant and impactful Maintaining data on key performance indicators and preparing tools for communicating results
Creating, planning, and coordinating media campaigns, advertising, graphic design, media productions, and communication plans
Establishing and maintaining visual identity and brand, and providing leadership and coordination for special public events and activities
Attending community meetings and events to assist in resolving issues and obtain feedback; As needed, serving as the coordinator for tourism related activities and initiatives
Assisting with marketing trip preparation; Preparing reports; Keeping records for historical reference
Planning, conducting or overseeing special projects.
Managing external consultant-lead marketing contracts and projects
Planning and executing marketing events for business prospects and economic development stakeholders
Building and maintaining newsletter/ email lists to support business recruitment and retention efforts
Negotiating and implementing promotions and sponsorships to support business attraction and retention program

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

Knowledge of graphic design concepts and production through concept, design, planning, production, and publication phases; familiarity with still photography, script writing and editing; video production; social media platforms; and, marketing and communications principles and theories; social media platforms; and, marketing and business research.
Skill in computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, CRM, GIS, Canva, Lightroom, WordPress, Hootsuite, or other similar graphic and design programs, photo editing, and digital management software.
Ability to articulate appropriate responses; organize; and, problem-solve.

Minimum Training and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in public relations, communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, or directly related field
Three years of public communications experience
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

Preferred Training and Experience

At least three (3) years of Marketing experience, preferably in an economic development, real estate, or business development environment
Microsoft Office experience; Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valid Driver's License is required.