Communications Assistant

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

Department: Office of Communications

Grade: 150

Salary: $21.15/hour

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Jackson County Communications Department is seeking a creative, organized, and detail-oriented Communications Assistant to support daily department operations, internal communications efforts, and public engagement initiatives. This position assists with administrative coordination, budget tracking, vendor communication, event support, website updates, and promotional activities while helping maintain the professional image and communication standards of Jackson County.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, possesses strong communication skills, works well in a fast-paced government environment, and can manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Process purchase orders, invoices, and departmental financial entries through Workday
• Maintain records of invoices, departmental expenditures, and budget line items
• Assist with tracking departmental budgets and preparing Excel spreadsheets and reports
• Coordinate office supplies, department inventory, and organization of communications equipment and checkout procedures
• Create, organize, and maintain department filing systems and records
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with county departments, outside vendors, and partner agencies
• Serve as a liaison with outside vendors, partner agencies, and departments by responding to questions and gathering requested information
• Proofread promotional materials, publications, presentations, social media content, and internal communications for accuracy and consistency
• Assist with planning and coordination of internal and external events, press conferences, employee initiatives, and community outreach activities
• Support updates and maintenance of county webpages and digital communication platforms
• Assist with employee morale and engagement initiatives by developing creative promotional ideas and activities
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Communications Manager and Director of Communications
• Maintain organized records, files, and department resources
• Deliver excellent customer service to county departments, vendors, media representatives, and the public
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Assist with additional communications and administrative projects as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field.
• OR an Associate's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field and at least two years of experience in communications, public relations government, marketing, office administration, or customer service.
• Previous experience in communications, public relations, government, marketing, office administration, or customer service preferred
• Experience with event coordination, administrative support, or public-facing communications is beneficial
• Must possess/maintain valid driver's license
• Must submit to/pass pre-employment background and drug screen.

Preferred Qualities

The ideal candidate is:

• Creative and proactive
• Highly dependable and organized
• Detail-oriented
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Professional in appearance and communication
• Passionate about public service and community engagement

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent proofreading, organizational, and multitasking abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to prepare reports, spreadsheets, and budget tracking documents
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a government setting
• Familiarity with website updates, social media platforms, and communications tools preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position operates in a professional office environment and may require occasional attendance at evening or weekend events, meetings, or county functions. Work environment is primarily indoors, within a modern smoke-free office setting, where noise and temperature levels are moderate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Climbing/Balancing - Must be able to balance oneself sufficiently to maintain body equilibrium and prevent falling while moving up and down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, to complete various assigned tasks.
• Crawling - Must be able to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet, to complete various assigned tasks.
• Crouching/Kneeling - Must be able to crouch and/or kneel sufficiently to complete various assigned tasks.
• Grasping/Handling - Must be able to extend arm(s) and hand(s) in any direction sufficiently to pick up, hold, and/or otherwise work with an object, using one's hands to complete assigned tasks.
• Hearing - Must be able to have normal conversations and two-way radio/telephone communications; must be able to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound, to complete various assigned tasks.
• Lifting - Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds of equipment and supplies, to complete various assigned tasks.
• Mental Acuity - Must be able to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, to complete various assigned tasks.
• Pushing/Pulling - Must be able to sufficiently haul, tug and/or push objects weighing 20 pounds, using one's arms, to complete assigned tasks
• Repetitive Motion - Must be able to repetitively move and/or motion using one's wrists, hands, and/or fingers, to complete various assigned tasks.
• Sitting - 60% of the time - Must be able to sit for long periods of time to complete various assigned tasks.
• Speaking/Talking - Must be able to speak English clearly to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.
• Standing -15% of the time - Must be able to stand while completing various assigned tasks. Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping - Must be able to sufficiently bend one's body down and forward, requiring full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles, to complete various assigned tasks.
• Visual Acuity - Must be able to operate motor vehicles, heavy equipment, miscellaneous handheld tools, and complete various assigned tasks.
• Walking -25% of the time - Must be able to walk between workstations and to wait on the general public.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!