Public & Employee Relations: Communications/Training Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Communications and Training Specialist

Department of Public and Employee Relations

We are seeking a positive, conscientious, service-oriented and professional communicator to serve our residents and organization in the following duties:

• Creation and distribution of internal and external communications under the direction of the Director/PIO;
• Maintains and updates the County's website, employee portal and other on-line communication platforms;
• Tracks analytics, ensures website compliance with ADA standards, supports overall best communication practices;
• Trains and serves as back-up to the Public Information Officer and support emergency communications in times of crisis (may require evening or weekend duty in cases of disaster or local emergency);
• Maintains and updates media/other key communication contacts;
• Monitors social media for misinformation or issues impacting the locality;
• Oversees and ensures brand consistency on County publications;
• Plans internal training/instructional programs and coordinates training materials; implements trainings upon approval from Director;
• Develops videos, podcasts, presentations, and other audio-visual materials using a variety of platforms;
• Interviews staff, volunteers and citizens toward creating content for special stories/features;
• Coordinates with and supports other departmental communicators in public relations and communication efforts;
• Assists with special events (including planning process, advertising, set-up, staffing and tear down);
• Assists with Freedom of Information Act requests as needed;
• Conducts orientations, on-boarding and employee surveys;
• Participates in regional communicators' group meetings;
• Initiates and assists in coordinating public outreach on behalf of the County;
• Researches, compiles and submits award applications and proposals for the locality/employees; assists with awards and recognition planning;
• Takes photographs and video footage, as needed;
• May speak with media representatives in absence of PIO;
• Cross-trains to assist department team in fulfilling tasks, as needed;
• Other duties as assigned
• Infrequent weekend/evenings: (PR events - Summer Street Fair, Library Earth Day; or needed emergency support for PIO in rare crisis situations).

Qualification Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Requires 2 years of related communication experience
• Additional education and/or training may be substituted where applicable
• Valid Virginia Drivers’ License
• Completion upon hire of National Incident Management System required trainings, including, but not limited to: ICS 100; ICS 700; ICS 800; ICS 200; ICS 300 and VDEM PIO Basic PIO Course.

Core Skill Sets:

• Truthful
• Dependable
• Good Communicator (written and oral)
• Tactful
• Team Builder
• Objective Thinker
• Creative
• Demonstrates Leadership
• Ability to use graphic design tools to create high-quality and aesthetically pleasing materials;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to keep complete and accurate records;
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business documents, regulations, professional correspondence and journals, and work-related manuals;
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, clients, customers and the general public;
• Ability to apply basic math functions;
• Ability to solve practical problems and professionally situations with only limited guidance or direction;
• Ability to interpret information and instruction presented in multiple formats (written, oral, diagrams, spreadsheets, forms, or schedules);
• Ability to use multi-media devices, including, but not limited to: laptop computer, smartphones/cell phones, iPad or equivalent, digital/video cameras, audio devices;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Canva, MS Teams, and other desktop publishing and communication software
• Familiar with approved writing standards /styles;
• Ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written form;
• General understanding and ability to utilize the county’s adopted software platforms.

Expectations from Department and County Leadership :

• Excellence in all areas of service
• Tasks completed on time, thoroughly and correctly;
• Demonstration of leadership characteristics in daily work;
• Professional and emotional maturity;
• Positive daily attitudes - no drama;
• Strong work ethic and dedication;
• Excellent attendance and punctuality;
• Prioritizing departmental work;
• Consistency and solid team support;
• Focus on solving problems, innovation, and moving our department and the County forward;
• Respectfulness and truthfulness in all communications;
• Focusing on the best in others, outstanding customer service;
• Personal accountability for words, decisions, and actions.