Strategic Marketing & Communications Manager

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Arlington Economic Development (AED) Department seeks a Strategic Marketing & Communications Manager to strengthen our storytelling, messaging and consistent voice across multiple divisions to continuously elevate our impact. This requires collaborative development and implementation of various internal and external marketing and communication strategies.

AED is a dynamic progressive department dedicated to growing, attracting, and retaining a strong business base in Arlington, VA. We seek business growth that builds on our strengths, notably the exceptional quality of life, highly accessible location, and industry clusters.

Specific Duties:

• Developing strategic content for the department’s written and verbal communications that align with and reinforce AED’s mission;
• Developing messaging and communications for the department Director and Senior Leadership Team to reach external audiences through speech writing, talking points and presentations;
• Developing relationships with several parties to create awareness and understanding, supporting engagements and events, and assessing effective communication strategies to ensure desired impact and success;
• Developing and implementing a public relations strategy to promote Arlington as a premiere destination for business, travel, and culture to a wide array of target audiences. Implementation includes media relations, editorial pitches, speaking proposals, media events, etc.;
• Creating marketing content to advance AED’s strategic objectives, including branded marketing material, brochures, flyers, advertisements, website content and internal and external e-newsletter publications, etc.;
• Serving as a spokesperson for the department and facilitating all media involvement with staff and press inquiries, including editing written communications for external audiences using the Associated Press style and adhering to AED’s brand and style guidelines;
• Serving in a governance role on marketing content strategy and messaging, coordinating with program subject-matter experts to obtain pertinent information for content creation;
• Developing metrics and reporting to track the overall performance of communication efforts in media; and
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned. 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field; and
• Significant experience developing and managing marketing or communications programs, and media relations work. 
• Substitution: Additional directly related experience can substitute for the education.
• Developing metrics and reporting to track the overall performance of communication efforts in media; and
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned. 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field; and
• Significant experience developing and managing marketing or communications programs, and media relations work. 
• Substitution: Additional directly related experience can substitute for the education.

Minimum:

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master’s degree in a related field and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Senior-level marketing, including marketing destinations to the business and travel communities;
• Economic development, business investment, urban planning and/or real estate;
• Public relations outreach and writing, including writing and editing using the Associated Press style;
• Social media content writing and administration; and 
• Web content writing within a content management system.

Special Requirements

A complete application will include a work sample that reflects your marketing and communication skills. Please attach to your application a sample of your work which may include any of the following for which you were the author; a speech, talking points, press release, blog post or news article.

Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. 

A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. 

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a hybrid office policy requiring employees to be in the office at least three days a week. Minimal travel (3–4 times per year) may be required. 

The official job title is AED Marketing Manager.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington’s family friendly benefits, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

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