The NC Wildlife Resources Commission Mission Statement is to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation. The Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of N.C. fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws. The NCWRC employs 670 full-time staff across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife law enforcement officers, wildlife educators, communication specialists, customer service, information technology, and administrative professionals.

The Office of Communications, Marketing and Digital Engagement Section for the Wildlife Resources Commission engages North Carolina's citizens and visitors in understanding their connections to the state's natural resources, particularly its wildlife resources, and to the Wildlife Resources Commission. The primary function of the Office of Communications, Marketing and Digital Engagement is to impart messaging designed to facilitate the conservation of the state's natural and wildlife resources, their habitats, and the environment humans share with these resources. The Office provides targeted support for efforts to increase the agency's constituency base, promote specific activities and events, maintain and enhance corporate and partnership support of agency programs, and develop marketing initiatives to accomplish the agency's mission. The office is directly responsible for all agency's communications and marketing efforts, including internal and external communication, videography, photography, agency websites, social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, NextDoor and LinkedIn), donations, events, industry relations, graphics design and the agency’s magazine, Wildlife in North Carolina.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking applicants for an Information and Communications Specialist III (Public Relations Manager) for the Office of Communications, Marketing and Digital Engagement (CMDE). This Public Relations Manager will:

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  Manage and oversee external agency communication, which includes serving as the agency’s liaison to media; and conducting interviews or connecting reporters to Subject Matter Experts to showcase the same.
• Increase awareness of and generate support for the agency and for wildlife conservation; broaden awareness of the agency's policies, science-based programs and collaborative partnerships; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Coordinate, develop, implement, and evaluate communications, including public affairs work with the media; state and federal agencies; non-profits and other stakeholders; and the N.C. General Assembly.
• Be an instrumental part of the Office of Communications, Marketing and Digital Engagement’s leadership team. This position guides direct and indirect reports by developing and implementing strategies statewide to achieve communication and outreach goals.

A Monday-Friday schedule is associated with this position which involves working 40 hours per week (specific times set by manager). This position will be based out of the WRC - Headquarters location in Raleigh, NC (Wake County). This position has statewide responsibilities. Occasional travel will be required to complete assignments and meetings based across the state.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Required Competencies, Work History, and Credentials must appear in the application to receive consideration during the selection process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application. Applications stating "See Attached Resume" or including an embedded text resume will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.

Qualified applicants should possess:

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  Extensive experience in a public relations role;
• Experience supervising and managing staff;
• Project management experience, including the ability to meet deadlines;
• Skilled in managing visual (video, photo) content projects;
• Skilled in the methods of planning and implementing public relations initiatives;
• Skilled in planning, writing and editing;
• Ability to communicate using diverse media types;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, executives, media, partners, stakeholders, and vendors;
• Ability to use independent judgment;
• Ability to manage and impart confidential information;
• Knowledge of journalistic, communication, and/or publication principles;
• Knowledge of techniques and methods for disseminating information to the public through a variety of news media.

Management Preferences:

• At least 4 years experience working in public relations management;
• Experience working in wildlife, conservation, or nature/outdoor industry.

Special Qualifications:
Possession of a valid North Carolina’s driver’s license is required. Candidates must present proof of a valid NC Driver’s License.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media, journalism, English, or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.