Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Job Summary

This position is an essential part of El Paso County's small but mighty Communications Department. We are a highly collaborative team that supports a wide range of internal and external communication needs for the County, and we are looking for a new team member who can contribute and readily adapt to cross-functional communications work, supporting a variety of initiatives and priorities.

The primary focus of this role is creating clear, accurate, and engaging content for both the public and County employees. This includes drafting public information materials, developing internal communications, supporting social media content, and assisting with other communication initiatives that help keep residents informed and engaged.

While communications is the core of this position, the role may also assist with open records processes, including gathering information and coordinating with departments as needed. You may also contribute to special projects that require adaptability, strong judgment, and the ability to manage shifting priorities.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, works well in a fast-paced environment, and wants to make a meaningful impact. You will partner with departments across the County, support transparent and accessible communication, and help advance the mission of a dedicated team that values teamwork, service, and high-quality communication.

If you're looking to grow your communications skills and be part of a supportive team that gets things done, this role offers a rewarding opportunity with El Paso County.

Hiring Range: $65,000.00 - $67,260.00

This position has an anticipated work schedule Mon – Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00pm, subject to on-call, subject to change.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

This position is responsible for communication activities, including strategic development, implementation, and evaluation, media relations, oversight of digital platforms, marketing activities, and emergency/risk communication. Prepares and disseminates communication materials and responds to, monitors, and evaluates strategic communication efforts in partnership leadership. Proactively researches community issues, assesses community needs, and develops educational and outreach initiatives to align with the strategic plan and goals. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function. This position may be subject to grant funding.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Analyzes communications needs and develops strategic communication plans.
• Responsible for proactively researching and developing timely, relevant, and credible information releases and marketing materials in coordination with leadership to ensure vital information is provided to the media and public; promotes related activities and events. Develops and distributes information via digital platforms using evidence-based and industry best practices.
• Develops and maintains accurate communication and promotion materials, including printed materials, website content, and other electronic and visual media. Coordinates public relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, coordinating with media, and facilitating media requests as directed. Collaborates with leadership to identify appropriate spokespersons, research inquiries, and advise staff; attends and assists with conducting media interviews.
• Responsible for responding to and monitoring media and digital media platforms. Documents, tracks, and archives all related media coverage.
• Coordinates and prepares for presentations, community events, and event sponsorships. Develops and maintains activity records and reports to demonstrate progress towards goals; maintains media contact lists, mailing lists, invitation lists, and information sources. Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings to address program needs; contributes to the development and coordination of strategic program plans.
• Develops and implements strategies to improve internal communications by compiling and distributing communications, newsletters and editing applicable platforms.
• Inputs, tracks, and manages all project requests; coordinates communication projects in conjunction with leadership.
• Assesses individual and community needs for promotion and education for various target audiences. Conducts research on evidence-based programs for the purposes of planning and development.
• Researches and stays current on emerging communication and industry trends, tactics, and best practices. Effectively implements these best practices across all platforms.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates programming for target populations using a variety of educational and community outreach approaches. Prepares and delivers presentations to various audiences.
• Leverages analytics, metrics, and reports to determine effectiveness and seek continual improvements of marketing and communication initiatives.
• Provides support for maintaining the website, including web editing, design and layout, and content development. Maintains a high level of accuracy and ensures website content is timely, credible, and engaging.
• Supports the development of strategic communication plans and participates in managing communication budgets.
• Participates in program evaluation activities, including the development of evaluation tools. Supports and evaluates results of communication campaigns.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure, as well as primary functions and responsibilities of county government.
• Must possess exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Knowledge of video-editing software is a plus.
• Ability to foster goodwill by working collaboratively with various offices, departments, agencies, volunteers, and others.
• Skill in using social media, emerging media, and digital communication tools. Skill in developing marketing materials and public presentations.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner. Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, vendors, other agencies, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions; ability to prioritize tasks and to move between projects on short notice.
• Ability to monitor communication tools and make quick decisions.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
• Ability to identify problems and work creatively to resolve them, considering the impact of actions.
• Ability to write and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years of experience in media, communications, or related field

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or closely related field.

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Work Conditions

Duties are primarily performed in an office environment; however, may require frequent work outdoors. Some travel is required. The position will require flexibility to be available seven days a week. At times, it may be necessary for staff to travel to training and meetings and to work additional hours to meet the responsibilities of the position. The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.

El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer. El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits