Senior Communications Officer

Communications Program Manager

Under general direction, to plan, develop, direct, coordinate, implement, and evaluate an assigned County communications program; and to act as a consultant to management regarding communications strategies.

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

Formulates, directs, and implements strategies, goals, procedures, policies, standards, and guidelines for collection, review, and presentation of information to be communicated to the public, news media, and County employees;

Functions as primary media contact and spokesperson for the County/agency/department; reviews and/or writes and submits news releases to online and print newspapers, television, and radio stations; pitches news stories to the news media; serves as a point of contact for the news media regarding incidents, issues, inquiries, and requests, 24 hours per day; develops media list and 24-hour media survival guide;

Organizes and coordinates press conferences; prepares questions and talking points for County staff;

Studies the public's interest/knowledge in various programs, activities, and outcomes of County government, or the assigned agency/department; designs and tabulates surveys and conducts focus groups;

Develops and implements awareness and educational programs using a variety of promotional techniques;

Designs, writes, produces, or coordinates production of informational materials, such as news releases, brochures, flyers, direct mail, advertising, marketing, website, and social media content using a variety of graphics, desktop and mobile device publishing software, and social media tools; oversees the creation of content by others;

Develops and maintains social media presence for the County/agency/department;

Instigates and participates in web-based discussions; ensures discussions among key officials and other appropriate individuals occur across platforms, as necessary;

Monitors traditional and social media activity pertaining to the County/agency/department, identifies controversies and public relations issues, and initiates corrections to inaccurate media reports;

Advises County/agency/department management on communications strategies that ensure effective flow of information to stakeholders of programs and services, including appropriate responses to sensitive and complex inquiries and issues;

Trains and coaches other County employees about subjects and processes related to community and media relations;

Acts as a liaison with other County departments, government entities, and community organizations to disseminate and exchange information;

Coordinates, writes, edits, and produces newsletters;

Creates and makes presentations before various groups on a local, state, and national level;

Interviews department officials, employees, representatives from various groups and organizations, and members of the public to secure information;

Establishes measures to evaluate communications efforts and implements improvements;

May supervise and assign work to subordinate communications and/or support staff on an on-going or project basis;

May interview, select, train, coach, and discipline subordinate staff;

In compliance with the County's branding strategy, develops and manages County/agency/department brand visual identity, including logo, letterhead, and communications templates and establishes and maintains brand center and guidelines for usage; ensures staff understand and utilize brand appropriately;

Plans, coordinates, and supervises special events;

May prepare or assist in preparing program's budget; monitors program's expenditures;

Establishes a community information program;

Conducts research and prepares reports of findings, conclusions, and recommended actions;

Coordinates and manages special projects;

Coordinates with and manages vendors and consultants assisting with the County's communications and outreach programs; collaborates with Procurement Department; schedules and purchases media space and time;

Represents County/agency/department on committees and at meetings, presentations, and special events;

Provides staff support and direction to advisory commissions, as assigned;

May establish and maintain a Countywide speakers' bureau;

May arrange tours of County facilities for interested groups and individuals;

May prepare risk or emergency communications;

Upon activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), participates as a member of the public information staff;

May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;

Performs other related duties, as required.