Digital Communications Specialist

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

21h

About The Position

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking a creative and data-driven Digital Communications Specialist to enhance its online presence and engagement within the community. Your mission is to boost ridership and public education by managing our social media presence and crafting compelling digital narratives. Act as an on-the-ground content creator, transitioning from community events to customer interviews to capture the real-world impact of our services. Beyond content creation, you will be a key voice in the community—leading public engagement sessions, collaborating on press releases, and assisting with agency-wide communications. The role demands significant public interaction and is under the supervision of the Communications Manager. This position is ideal for candidates with a knack for digital communication and a passion for community engagement.

Requirements

Exceptional storytelling, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences.
Demonstrated ability to proficiently use social media management and analytics software, like Sprout Social, for effective campaign planning, execution and analysis.
Proficiency in video production and editing; hands-on experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or Creative Cloud is a plus.
Thorough knowledge of AP (Associated Press) format, including mastery in spelling, grammar and punctuation, ensuring all communications are professionally and accurately presented.
Strong capability to work collaboratively as a team member, effectively engaging with diverse workgroups, and contributing positively to team dynamics and outcomes.
Proven ability to set work priorities, organize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating time management and organizational skills.
Excellent computer literacy, including in-depth experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), and the ability to quickly adapt to new technology tools and platforms.
Understanding of search engine optimization best practices and Google Analytics.
Proficiency in Canva or Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop/InDesign) for basic graphic creation.
Competence in conducting thorough research and preparing detailed special reports, utilizing data analysis and clear presentation to inform decisions and strategies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, management and the general public, fostering a collaborative and respectful work environment.
Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in English, Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications or related field with two (2) years of relevant work experience.
Associate degree in English, Communications or a related field of study with six (6) years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and participate in neighborhood meetings focusing on CATS-related topics.
Project lead for CATS service expansions, including community meeting planning, press releases and other communications materials.
Oversee and integrate social media strategies to enhance community engagement and feedback.
Utilize social media platforms to effectively convey information about CATS services and programs while ensuring clear, engaging and informative content.
Develop and execute social media campaigns that spotlight CATS employees, operations and major initiatives, employing creative storytelling and digital marketing techniques.
Design and develop engaging social media graphics as required, ensuring alignment with CATS branding and messaging guidelines.
Conceptualize, shoot, and edit high-engagement short-form video content (Reels, TikToks, Shorts) to drive brand awareness and audience interaction.
Manage, monitor and respond to comments and inquiries on CATS social media platforms, maintaining active and positive community interactions.
Compile and present social media reports as needed for leadership or specific campaigns, analyzing engagement metrics and insights to guide future strategies.
Manage the social media liaison and organize biweekly social media team meetings to align strategies, brainstorm content ideas and review performance metrics.
Serve on the CATS Media on-call rotation, promptly responding to media inquiries.
Serve as a member of the Crisis Response Team.
Work closely with media outlets to respond to inquiries, coordinate interviews, and generate earned media, positioning CATS as a leading voice in transit services.
Perform other duties as assigned, adapting to emerging social media trends and organizational needs to support CATS’s strategic objectives.