Despite Fiscal Crisis, Prov. City Council Hires Digital Media Specialist for $70,000

Despite Fiscal Crisis, Prov. City Council Hires Digital Media Specialist for $70,000

Despite a near record tax increase passed by the Providence City Council this month, the President of the Council, Rachel Miller, is hiring.

The latest new employee at the Providence City Council office is Avery Shaw.

She has been hired to serve as the City Council’s Digital Media Specialist.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

The salary range for her position is $66,285 – $72,453. Shaw's exact salary was not disclosed.

A spokesperson for Miller said, “Avery started with us about two weeks ago. Below is the job description, which was posted for about a month in May and June. Like all city jobs, it was posted on the city’s website. It was also posted on Indeed.com and appeared on various other job aggregate sites.”

Shaw joins the office ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The Council and Miller have been in the press in recent weeks and some of it has been controversial - the flying of a Palestinian flag over City Hall and a near record tax increase are two examples.

Mayor Brett Smiley, in discussing the city’s effort to control spending, said the city eliminated 20 positions, cut one job, and implemented a hiring freeze.

Miller’s spokesperson said, “The hiring freeze has been lifted.”

This is the second time the Council has expanded its staff to launch its own media initiatives.

In December of 2024, GoLocal unveiled that the Council was launching its media platform. 

"On Tuesday, the Providence City Council announced launching its own video and blog platforms — 'The monthly video series will feature Councilors discussing important initiatives and policies.' Further, the City Council announced, 'The Council blog will serve as a hub for updates, stories highlighting community leaders, and insights into the Council’s priorities. The first post dives into how the Council is tackling historic sound and acoustic issues in the Council Chamber.'

 

Shaw's job description, according to the City Council office.

About the position

The Digital Media Specialist is a key member of the Providence City Council's communications team, responsible for managing the Council's digital presence and creating engaging content that informs and connects with residents across platforms. This role includes social media management, content creation, event promotion, and website maintenance. The ideal candidate is a creative communicator and skilled storyteller with a passion for public service and a deep commitment to equity and community engagement. The Digital Media Specialist will support all 15 councilors in communicating their policies and initiatives to the public.

 

Responsibilities

- Serve as the primary user of the Council's social media platforms, managing day-to-day posting, monitoring, and engagement.
- Implement strategies to improve the performance, reach, and effectiveness of digital communications.
- Support the Council's email communications by assisting with drafting and sending newsletters and updates.
- Maintain and update content on the Council's public-facing website, ensuring information is accurate and timely.
- Monitor digital channels and respond to public inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
- Compile and circulate daily media rundowns as needed.
- Design and produce high-quality graphics, including ward-specific event flyers, social media posts, and promotional materials.
- Film and edit short videos for use on the Council's website and social media platforms.
- Write articles for the Council's blog, including profiles of councilors and their key initiatives, community leaders, and neighborhood efforts.
- Collaborate with council staff and members to identify and develop compelling digital content.
- Support the planning, promotion, and execution of Council events.
- Assist with event logistics, including coordination with community partners, outreach, and on-site staffing as needed.
- Capture photos and video at events for use in future communications.
- Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Communications Director and Chief of Staff to support the effective communication of Council priorities, initiatives, and policies.