COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Washington County, located in West Bend, Wisconsin has an excellent opportunity for a Communications Specialist. The Communications Specialist is a shared position supporting the Office of the County Executive and the County Clerk’s Office, with a primary focus on social media, digital content, public engagement, and customer service. The position helps tell Washington County’s story by creating timely, engaging social media content; attending County and community events to capture photos and video; developing graphics and other digital materials; and highlighting County programs, initiatives, employees, and community partnerships. Responsibilities include acting as liaison between the county and outside consultants focused on media and messaging. As a member of the County Executive’s Office team, the Communications Specialist also provides support for constituent services, community events, and other office initiatives. Within the County Clerk’s Office, the position supports social media and public information efforts while providing responsive, professional customer service to residents utilizing Clerk services. The ideal candidate is creative, personable, highly organized, comfortable working with the public, and able to move easily between digital communications, events, constituent needs, and day-to-day office responsibilities. Training and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or additional education in communications, marketing, public relations, graphic design, business, or a related field preferred. Experience in social media, digital communications, customer service, public-facing office work, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to create engaging social media content. Experience with photography, video, graphic design, or digital content creation preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organizational and customer service skills. Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, Planner, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Experience with social media platforms and graphic design/content creation applications. Ability and willingness to attend County and community events, including occasional events outside normal business hours. Valid driver’s license required. Ability to become a notary. Washington County is recognized for our commitment to providing quality services to the citizens of our community. Our team members embrace the challenge of meeting goals and expectations. Every day we work to creatively problem solve, innovate, and collaborate as a team to meet customer needs and deliver solutions. Our Mission: We create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy our authentic quality of life through a well governed and administered county dedicated to safe and secure communities; economic growth and vitality; effective mobility and reliable infrastructure; and access to basic needs. Our Vision: Washington County strives to cultivate its rich heritage, vibrant economy and attractive communities through the distinct values that define us. Our Values: Respect, Optimism, Integrity, Innovation, Compassion, and Collaboration. Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individual with Disabilities. Duties/Responsibilities Manages day-to-day social media content for the County Executive and County Clerk, including identifying content opportunities, drafting posts, developing graphics, scheduling content, and maintaining an active and engaging social media presence. Attends County and community events involving the County Executive, County Clerk, elected officials, departments, and community partners to capture photographs, video, and other content for use on social media and other County platforms. Identifies and develops creative opportunities to highlight County programs, services, employees, events, accomplishments, and initiatives through digital storytelling. Creates digital content using photography, videography, graphic design, and other communication tools and assists with maintaining organized photo, video, and digital content libraries. Works with County departments and the County’s communications partners to gather information and coordinate social media and digital content consistent with County messaging and communication priorities. Provides constituent service support for the County Executive’s Office, including receiving questions and concerns from residents, researching or routing inquiries to the appropriate department or staff member, tracking follow-up, and helping ensure constituents receive timely and professional responses. Assists the Executive Assistant with planning and staffing larger County Executive events, community meetings, listening sessions, and other special initiatives, including event preparation, logistics, materials, photography, guest assistance, and day‑of‑event support. Supports the County Clerk’s Office by assisting residents and other customers with questions, requests, and routine Clerk functions and by directing more complex matters to the appropriate staff member. Assists the County Clerk with social media, public information, outreach, special projects, and communication related to Clerk programs, services, deadlines, and activities. Provides professional, friendly, and responsive customer service when interacting with residents, elected officials, County employees, community organizations, media, and other stakeholders. Assists with general administrative and office support within the County Executive and County Clerk offices as needed. Handles sensitive or confidential information with appropriate discretion and professionalism. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Direction Received Works under the general supervision of the County Executive’s Chief of Staff and County Clerk. Works closely with the Executive Assistant and other staff within the County Executive and County Clerk offices. The position requires flexibility in balancing responsibilities between both offices and coordinating priorities as needs arise. Decision Making Exercises independent judgment in managing day-to-day social media content, identifying appropriate content opportunities, prioritizing assignments, responding to routine constituent and customer inquiries, and coordinating follow‑up with County departments and staff. More significant public messaging, media relations, policy communications, and sensitive or high‑profile matters are coordinated with the Chief of Staff, County Clerk, County leadership, and/or the County’s communications partners as appropriate. Interaction Works extensively with the County Executive, County Clerk, Executive Assistant, County departments, elected officials, residents, community organizations, and the public. The position has regular public contact and represents Washington County at community events and activities. Essential Knowledge and Abilities The successful candidate should have strong written and verbal communication skills and an understanding of how to create engaging content for social media and digital platforms. The position requires creativity and an eye for identifying moments, people, and stories that translate well to social media. Must be comfortable taking photographs and video, developing graphics, writing concise and engaging social media copy, and learning or using digital content tools. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines are essential. Because this position works directly with residents and constituents, the successful candidate must also enjoy working with people and demonstrate excellent customer service, professionalism, patience, follow‑through, and good judgment. The ability to listen to a concern, identify what assistance is needed, connect an individual with the appropriate County resource, and ensure appropriate follow‑up is important to the role. The position requires flexibility, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment where priorities may change throughout the day. Position : 201077 Job Family : ADMINISTRATIVE Posting Start : 09/03/2026 Posting End : 12/31/9999

MINIMUM SALARY: $64,544.81