Media and Communications Coordinator III

Reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Economic Development, this senior-level role serves as the primary architect of the Department’s visual and digital brand, driving initiatives that promote the City to investors and the business community. This position requires a proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable balancing high-level strategic planning with hands-on tactical execution, including graphic design, multi-platform social media management, and the oversight of creative contractors.

This role will serve as the lead representative for public relations and marketing for the Department and the HIVE Small Business Resource Center. The role also offers the unique opportunity to pivot between special projects, creative deliverables, and long-range strategic planning.

• Work with Department leaders and team members to develop/implement public relations, print and digital marketing materials, and media relations strategies for addressing international and domestic business attraction initiatives, business retention, workforce, small business and project development initiatives.
• Lead graphic design development and social media content creation for the Department and the HIVE across multiple social channels to increase engagement and brand awareness.
• Serve as the primary liaison and point of contact for external marketing and video production contractors; evaluate deliverables and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Oversee the strategy, procurement, and inventory of Departmental promotional materials to ensure brand alignment across meetings, external focused events, and trade shows.
• Work with controversial and confidential issues and situations, including business retention and expansion sensitive data.
• Develop positive working relationships with the news media, community leaders, the business community, and potential investors.
• Promote the programs, events, and services of the Economic Development Department including The HIVE, which is the City’s premiere small business resource.
• Utilize advanced analytics and performance metrics (e.g., Meta Business Suite, LinkedIn Analytics, Google Analytics) to measure campaign effectiveness and provide data-driven strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Work to inform and involve stakeholders by developing communication opportunities.
• Write news releases, message points, publications, articles, and video scripts.
• Support the organization of special events, groundbreakings, and ribbon cuttings.
• Make oral and written presentations to Department and City leadership, including the Virginia Beach Development Authority.

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and sick and paid leave.