Description
VALDOSTA-LOWNDES COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION AUTHORITY
JOB TITLE: COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under the general supervision of the Executive Director, performs professional and administrative work developing, coordinating, and implementing marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement initiatives for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority (VLPRA). This position is responsible for promoting agency programs, parks, facilities, special events, athletics, and community services through strategic communications, digital media, branding, public outreach, sponsorship development, and marketing campaigns. The employee serves as a key liaison between the Authority, media outlets, community stakeholders, sponsors, and the public.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Develops and implements strategic marketing, communications, and public relations plans for Authority programs, parks, facilities, and events.
Creates and distributes press releases, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, social media content, digital advertisements, and promotional materials.
Serves as the primary media relations contact and coordinates responses to media inquiries and public information requests.
Manages and maintains the Authority website and official social media platforms.
Coordinates public awareness campaigns, sponsorship opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.
Develops and maintains positive working relationships with local media, tourism agencies, schools, civic groups, and community organizations.
Assists with production and distribution of seasonal program guides and event marketing materials.
Conducts market research, customer surveys, and community outreach assessments and prepares related reports.
Coordinates photography, video, graphic design, and multimedia content for agency communications.
Represents the Authority at meetings, festivals, special events, and public functions.
Tracks communication metrics, digital engagement, participation trends, and campaign effectiveness.
Assists with emergency communications and public information efforts as directed.
Performs administrative duties including report preparation, scheduling, correspondence, and records management.
ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Sets up displays and exhibits; leads tours of facilities; delivers promotional materials to Visitor’s Center and other outlets.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, elected officials, media representatives, sponsors, and the public.
Performs general office/administrative work as required, including but not limited to typing reports and correspondence, entering computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.
Manages multiple projects, prioritizing assignments, and meeting deadlines.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation Administration, or related field required. Requires three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or community engagement, preferably within local government, public sector, nonprofit, tourism, or parks and recreation environments. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge in the areas of marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, social media, digital media, print production, etc. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Is able to coordinate assigned activities with other departments, creative consultants, and others in order to accomplish goals and complete projects. Is able to efficiently and effectively collect, tabulate, and analyze relevant data and apply it to the marketing and planning processes. Is able to react professionally at all times, dealing with sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. Is able to make effective presentations. Is able to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to plan and develop daily, short- and long-term goals related to agency purposes. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to plan, organize, and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical, and human relations skills. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has knowledge of and advanced skill in the use of proper English, punctuation, spelling, and grammar. Is able to prepare written materials using persuasive language. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology; has skill in the use of computers for word and data processing. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear, and effective manner. Has thorough knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Has knowledge of how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Requirements
Communications & Marketing Manager
Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority (VLPRA)
Valdosta, Georgia
Salary: $65,614 – $78,736 annually
Join Our Team
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority (VLPRA) is seeking a creative, strategic, and community-focused Communications & Marketing Manager to lead the Authority's marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement efforts.
This leadership position plays a vital role in promoting VLPRA's parks, recreation programs, athletic leagues, special events, and community services while enhancing the Authority's public image and strengthening relationships with residents, visitors, community partners, and local media.
If you are an experienced communications professional who enjoys storytelling, strategic marketing, digital media, and community engagement, we'd like to hear from you.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Communications & Marketing Manager develops and implements comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that increase public awareness, promote participation in programs and events, and strengthen the VLPRA brand. The position serves as the Authority's primary public information and media relations representative and oversees digital communications, branding initiatives, sponsorship development, and community outreach.
Essential Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategic marketing, communications, and public relations plans.
Create compelling content for press releases, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, social media, digital advertising, and promotional campaigns.
Serve as the Authority's primary media relations and public information contact.
Manage and maintain the Authority's website and official social media platforms.
Coordinate public awareness campaigns, sponsorship initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local media, tourism organizations, schools, civic groups, and community partners.
Coordinate photography, videography, graphic design, and multimedia content.
Assist with the production and distribution of seasonal program guides and promotional materials.
Monitor marketing performance through analytics, participation trends, and campaign metrics.
Represent VLPRA at community events, festivals, public meetings, and special programs.
Assist with emergency communications and public information as needed.
Prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and other administrative documents.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation Administration, or a closely related field.
Experience
Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or community engagement.
Experience in local government, public sector, nonprofit organizations, tourism, or parks and recreation is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Preferred Knowledge and Skills
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience developing integrated marketing and communications campaigns.
Knowledge of social media management, digital marketing, branding, and public relations.
Experience in creating print and digital marketing materials.
Website content management experience.
Ability to build positive relationships with media representatives, community organizations, sponsors, and stakeholders.
Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate campaign effectiveness using data and performance metrics.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and modern communications technologies; experience with graphic design software, photography, video production, or content management systems is a plus.
Physical Requirements
This position requires light physical activity, including occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds, standing, walking, bending, and extended periods working at a computer. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support meetings, community events, athletic events, and special programs.
Why Join VLPRA?
At VLPRA, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping connect our community with exceptional parks, recreation programs, athletic opportunities, and special events. You'll join a dedicated team committed to enhancing quality of life for residents throughout Valdosta and Lowndes County while helping shape the Authority's public presence and community engagement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a completed employment application, résumé, cover letter, and any supporting materials through the Authority's Career Portal.
Career Portal Link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=0e983894-8cf5-487b-9b87-7eb1dd0f5b6e&ccId=1507587039_1625&lang=en_US
Applications will remain open until the position is filled.
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
