Outreach and Communications Specialist
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At a glance
Requirements
Credentials this posting asks for.
Job overview
City of Harrisonburg is hiring an Outreach and Communications Specialist. The City of Harrisonburg's Public Works Department is seeking an Outreach and Communications Specialist to lead the department's communications, public outreach, and marketing efforts. This position plays a key role in connecting residents with essential services, projects, and initiatives. Through strategic communications, creative storytelling, and community engagement, the specialist will help showcase how Public Works serves Harrisonburg. The ideal candidate is a creative and organized communications professional who enjoys developing marketing campaigns, creating engaging content, managing social media, managing...
Key focus areas include Lead department communications and public outreach initiatives, Develop and execute marketing campaigns, and Create engaging content for digital, print, and in‑person channels.
Successful candidates bring Associate Degree With Coursework In Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Journalism, Or Related Field, Some Experience In Public Relations, and Some Experience In Volunteer Management. Important skills include Effectively Communicating Programs/Events Through Social Media Outlets. Preferred (not required): Developing Marketing Campaigns, Creating Engaging Content, Managing Social Media, and Managing A Website.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Outreach and Communications Specialist
Salary
$50,772.80 - $55,848.00 Annually
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
5178 - (July 2026)
Department
Public Works
Opening Date
07/22/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
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Description
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Benefits
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Questions
Description
The City of Harrisonburg's Public Works Department is seeking an Outreach and Communications Specialist to lead the department's communications, public outreach, and marketing efforts. This position plays a key role in connecting residents with the essential services, projects, and initiatives that enhance our community's quality of life. Through strategic communications, creative storytelling, and community engagement, you'll help showcase how Public Works serves Harrisonburg through infrastructure, environmental stewardship, transportation, maintenance, and other essential services. If you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and enjoy making a meaningful impact through communication, apply today to be considered for this opportunity!
The Outreach and Communications Specialist is a full-time position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $24.41 - $26.85 per hour (equivalent to $50,772 - $55,848 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City Policy.
The ideal candidate is a creative and organized communications professional who enjoys developing marketing campaigns, creating engaging content, managing social media, managing a website, writing for a variety of audiences, and building relationships with the public and community partners. In this role, you'll collaborate with staff across all Public Works divisions to highlight projects, programs, and services through digital, print, and in-person outreach. To get a sense of the work you'll help produce, visit the Public Works Department's Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/harrisonburgpublicworks) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hbgpublicworks/) pages to see examples of our community outreach and communications.
A detailed list of essential functions, along with the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, is available in the Outreach and Communications Specialist class specification (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harrisonburg/classspecs/1341554?keywords=5178&pagetype=classSpecifications) .
Minimum Qualifications
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Any combination of education and experience equivalent to:
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Associate degree with coursework in marketing, communications, public administration, journalism, or related field and demonstrated experience effectively communicating programs/events through social media outlets.
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Some experience in public relations, volunteer management, and special projects and events coordination and management.
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Valid driver's license.
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Availability to work some evenings and weekends, as needed.
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Click here to view the physical requirements for this position. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harrisonburg/classspecs/1341554?keywords=5178&pagetype=classSpecifications)
The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:
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DMV record review; and
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Criminal background check.
Supplemental Information
To Apply: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 07/22/2026)
The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave (including upfront sick leave) and 15.5 holidays.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.
The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including 15.5 observed holidays. More information on available benefits is listed on the City's website (https://www.harrisonburgva.gov/benefits-and-compensation) .
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