Senior Public Information & Communications Analyst (Internal Communications)

Work, Serve, Thrive.  With the City of Durham  
Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Hiring Range: $71,304 - $76,000
Work Day/Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday (40 hours per week)

The City of Durham’s Communications Department tells the City’s story through strategic communications across digital platforms, social media, television, and the news media. This position will serve as the City’s lead for employee/internal communications, helping City staff stay informed, engaged, and connected to the services and programs that support them.

As a senior-level communications professional, you’ll design and implement strategies that build trust, highlight employee services and benefits, promote professional development opportunities, and strengthen awareness of the City’s Strategic Plan and organizational values. You’ll work collaboratively with Human Resources (including Learning & Organizational Development), Technology Solutions, and the City Manager’s Office to ensure consistent, effective, and engaging communication with all employees. If you enjoy meaningful, fast-paced work and want to help shape how more than 2,800 City employees stay connected to their workplace, this role is for you.

The Communications Department is the central communications team for the City of Durham, serving residents and supporting all other City departments. With a staff of 11 employees, the department is responsible for public information, media relations, digital communications, marketing, social media, television broadcast services, and employee communications.

We manage the City’s website and social channels, produce press releases and original content, operate Durham Television Network (DTN), and serve as the City’s primary spokesperson for the news media.

The department also leads the City’s strategic marketing and storytelling efforts to highlight priorities, improve transparency, and strengthen public trust. As Durham continues to grow, expanding our marketing strategies and communications expertise is a critical priority to ensure the community — and our employees — stay informed, connected, and engaged.

• Provide leadership for the City’s internal communications efforts, carrying out strategies and initiatives that connect employees across departments and levels of the organization.
• Serve as lead editor for the City’s weekly employee newsletter (City Week), with support from a Communications Analyst, overseeing content development, distribution, audience management, and performance tracking.
• Lead the launch of a new internal communications platform, including refreshing the design and strategy of the City’s weekly employee newsletter (City Week).
• Oversee related internal communications channels, including intranet content, digital message boards, and screensavers.
• Develop, coordinate, and distribute emergency employee alerts as needed, and manage related performance measures.
• Track and report engagement data for internal communications, including regular updates for leadership.
• Represent the department in cross-departmental meetings and groups as appropriate to align communications priorities.
• Partner with Human Resources, Technology Solutions, and Finance to provide communications support for programs, policies, and employee initiatives.
• Write, edit, and produce a variety of employee-facing materials including newsletters, intranet content, memos, presentations, and graphics.
• Provide review, editing, and design support to City departments for publications, announcements, and digital content.
• Onboard, train, and support digital message board managers, ensuring effective use of tools and consistent content quality.
• Maintain and enhance the City’s intranet in partnership with Technology Solutions to improve usability, engagement, and content quality.
• Manage processes and feedback loops (surveys, focus groups, steering committees) to assess effectiveness of communications and adjust strategies as needed.
• Provide communications support to address recommendations from employee engagement surveys, such as executive accessibility and employee recognition.
• Monitor trends, assess best practices, and provide advisory consultation to leadership on employee and departmental communications strategies.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for internal communications processes to improve consistency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as project manager for internal and external communications initiatives, managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee final implementation of digital message board expansion across City worksites in collaboration with Technology Solutions, including training and onboarding message board managers to ensure effective use of the system.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a directly related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional communications and marketing experience, including internal communications, news media, social media, or public relations.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with proficiency in AP Style and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging messages.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills; able to engage diverse employee audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with internal communications platforms, including intranet sites, employee newsletters, and digital signage as well as familiarity with social media and other digital communications tools.
• Ability to delegate effectively while providing oversight and maintaining accountability for outcomes.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Creativity, initiative, and a passion for fostering employee engagement.