Information and Marketing Specialist

Under the direction of the Economic Development and Tourism Manager, performs work within a wide range of duties to support economic development projects, programs, and activities requiring moderate supervision. The Information and Marketing Specialist Intern will work alongside current staff members to support the tourism efforts of New Kent County. In support of the County’s Economic Development Department, the incumbent will be responsible for researching target and existing businesses and assisting with marketing collateral to support business outreach efforts. Tourism related duties include providing information, social media updates, and marketing collateral support for travel and tourism activity predominantly to the traveling public, making recommendations on areas of interest, restaurants and other service establishments, as well as supporting marketing efforts in local history and recreational opportunities. The position may include attendance at events which are off-site from the Visitors and Commerce Center.

• Provides information about travel/tourism opportunities and services; 

• Maintains online supply of maps, brochures and other promotional materials; 

• Assists with keeping the department social media pages up to date with posts, photos and other events; 

• Assists with creation and updates to the Economic Development Department website and the County’s tourism website; 

• Assists with creation and updates to economic development marketing materials and brochures; 

• Assists with the creation and updating of the databases used by the Economic Development Department; 

• Conducts various research and data collection for reporting; and 

• Performs various general and specialized duties as requested by the supervisor.

The Information and Marketing Specialist Intern should be proficient in the use of social media platforms, current personal computer technologies, and standard software packages. The incumbent should possess a general understanding of the tourism industry. The incumbent should be one who will initiate conversations and is comfortable leading and directing; should possess the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers and clients, and other employees of the organization; the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; the ability to work courteously and tactfully with the public and co-workers; demonstrate positive support/service attitude to meet, communicate with, and serve the public effectively; ability to use independent judgment to resolve concerns; ability to understand, follow and issue oral and written instructions; ability to clearly and politely relay instructions and other information to others; ability to function independently of constant, direct supervision. Ability to set priorities and meet multiple deadlines; ability to pay close attention to detail, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations; the ability to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns. Includes the ability to build a constructive team spirit where members are committed to the goals and objectives of the organization. Individual must have the ability to manage multiple projects and time efficiently and effectively in a remote position with the option for in-person participation at New Kent Economic Development functions.

Requires a valid Virginia driver’s license. The Information and Marketing Specialist Intern should possess any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by two (2) years of experience, OR any acceptable combination determined to be sufficient to perform the essential functions listed above. Knowledge and proficiency of social media platforms, Squarespace, WordPress, and Adobe Premiere preferred.

Duties are normally performed in a seated or standing position where no hazardous conditions are prevalent; however, the job may require frequent walking, bending, stooping and the occasional light lifting of office items up to 30 pounds in weight. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, use hands to finger, feel, and handle, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. Work environment is customer service oriented and, as such, involves considerable interaction and exposure to the general public. The work involves minimal physical strain. The employee provides their own workspace to accomplish their day-to-day work and the work location is usually the employee’s residence. The size of the workspace must be adequate to allow for effective and efficient work and provide reliable telephonic and internet connectivity as well as access to all the necessary agency systems and tools needed to accomplish the work. 

A remote worksite must also conform to safety requirements and must acknowledge adherence to all safety protocols. Employee will track weekly hours for a total of 10-15 hours per week.

Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness with which the incumbent accomplishes the above responsibilities.