Communications Manager

Communications ManagerThe Communications Manager is responsible for developing, establishing, and managing Madison County's countywide communications, public information, branding, and community engagement efforts. As the County's primary communications professional, this position provides strategic direction and independently manages a comprehensive communications program designed to promote County services, programs, projects, events, accomplishments, and initiatives and strengthen public awareness of County government. The Manager develops the County's overall communications strategy and works collaboratively with the Chairman, all County Commissioners, the County Administrator, and County department heads to identify communication needs and opportunities throughout the organization. The position is responsible for ensuring County information is presented in a professional, accurate, timely, consistent, and impartial manner and communication support is provided equitably across County leadership, Commission districts, and departments. The Manager is responsible for developing and advancing the County's communications function. This includes assessing the County's communication needs, establishing a countywide marketing and communications strategy, developing the County's brand and communication standards, creating processes and resources, identifying appropriate communication platforms, and proactively recommending new approaches for promoting County government and engaging the community.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe following duties are typical for this position but may not encompass all duties performed. (All duties listed may not be included in any one position nor does the list include all tasks found in a position of this class.)Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive countywide communications strategy that supports the County's priorities, services, programs, projects, and community engagement efforts.Develops and maintains a consistent Madison County brand, including visual identity, messaging, voice, and communication standards across County platforms, publications, departments, programs, and initiatives.Works collaboratively with the Chairman, all County Commissioners, County Administrator, and department heads to identify communication needs and opportunities.Proactively identifies stories, programs, projects, employees, services, accomplishments, and other opportunities to educate the public about Madison County government and the services provided to the community.Plans, develops, writes, edits, designs, and produces content for multiple communication platforms, including social media, websites, digital communications, newsletters, brochures, flyers, presentations, advertisements, press releases, public notices, event materials, and other print and electronic communications.Develops and manages the County's social media presence and content strategy, including creating and scheduling content, developing campaigns, monitoring engagement, responding or coordinating responses as appropriate, and evaluating effectiveness.Creates and produces multimedia content, including photography, graphics, video, and other digital content, and coordinates outside professional production services when appropriate.Assists County leadership and department heads with the development of talking points, presentations, speech writing, public information materials, announcements, and other official communications.Drafts press releases, media advisories, statements, and other media materials and coordinates responses to media inquiries in consultation with the County Administrator and appropriate County officials.Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with local and regional media representatives, governmental agencies, community organizations, and other external partners.Coordinates media interviews, press conferences, public announcements, and other media-related activities as directed or authorized by County leadership.Assists with communications during emergencies, significant events, or other situations requiring timely dissemination of public information and coordinates messaging with County leadership, public safety agencies, departments, and other appropriate entities.Monitors emerging communication trends, technologies, social media practices, and public-sector marketing strategies and recommends new approaches, platforms, and communication tools appropriate for Madison County.Tracks and analyzes websites, social media, digital communication, campaign, and engagement metrics and uses available data to evaluate and improve marketing and communication strategies.Coordinates communications-related vendors and professional services, including advertising, printing, photography, videography, graphic design, promotional materials, and other services, in accordance with County purchasing requirements.Maintains organized records and archives of communications, photographs, videos, graphics, media coverage, marketing materials, and other content for future use and historical reference.Represents Madison County at community events, meetings, programs, and other activities as assigned in order to obtain photographs, video, interviews, and other content for use in County communications and promotional efforts.Maintains professional, accurate, consistent, and impartial communications that appropriately represent Madison County government as a whole.Performs other related duties and special projects assigned by the County Administrator.Maintains compliance with all County policies and procedures.Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Media, Broadcasting, or a closely related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, journalism, digital media, or a closely related field. Experience must include responsibility for developing and implementing marketing or communications strategies, creating content across multiple platforms, managing social media or digital communications, and independently coordinating communications projects or campaigns. Experience developing, establishing, or significantly expanding an organizations communications, branding, or public information program is strongly preferred. Professional communications experience within local government, another governmental agency, a public-sector organization, or a nonprofit organization is preferred. Experience working directly with executive leadership, elected officials, department leadership, media representatives, or other high-level stakeholders is preferred. Applicants may be required to submit professional writing samples and a portfolio demonstrating previous communications, social media, graphic design, photography, video, web, campaign, or other relevant professional work.Knowledge, Skill, and AbilityThorough knowledge of professional communications, public relations, branding, media relations, and community engagement principles and practices.Demonstrated ability to develop and implement a comprehensive communications program, including assessing organizational needs, establishing priorities, developing strategies, and implementing new initiatives.Strong strategic and creative thinking skills with the ability to independently identify communication opportunities and translate organizational activities into meaningful and engaging public-facing content.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex governmental information clearly, accurately, and effectively to diverse audiences.Considerable knowledge of social media platforms, digital communication strategies, website content management, and current communication trends.Skill in developing engaging written, visual, photographic, video, and digital content for multiple platforms.Working knowledge of graphic design, photography, video production and editing, and content creation software and applications.Knowledge of media relations practices and the ability to professionally interact with reporters, community organizations, governmental agencies, and members of the public.Ability to establish and maintain consistent organizational branding, messaging, visual standards, and communication practices.Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and discretion when handling sensitive, confidential, controversial, or time-sensitive information.Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, deadlines, events, and communication requests independently.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, County administration, department heads, employees, media representatives, community organizations, vendors, governmental partners, and members of the public.Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and respond effectively to emerging communication needs.Ability to analyze communication and engagement data and use results to evaluate and improve marketing and communications efforts.Knowledge of appropriate accessibility standards and practices for governmental digital and printed communications.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and professional communications, graphic design, social media management, photography, video editing, and related content creation tools.Work is primarily performed in an office environment but requires regular travel to County facilities, meetings, programs, and community events. Must be able to operate standard office equipment, computers, cameras, mobile devices, and other equipment associated with communications and content production. Requires the ability to occasionally lift, carry, set up, and transport communications, photography, video, display, or event-related equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to attend County meetings, community events, special programs, emergencies, or other activities that may occur outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.Certifications or Licenses RequiredMust possess and maintain a valid Alabama Driver's License.BenefitsA comprehensive set of benefits is offered for all full-time employees. No benefits are offered to part-time or seasonal employees. Please consult with the Human Resources Department for a full list of benefits. Madison County periodically reviews and when fiscally able, adjusts salary rates and our benefits package to remain competitive in our area. Benefits Summary Healthcare Insurance: Blue Cross of Alabama is administered through the Local Government Health Insurance Plan (LGHIP). Coverage Type Employee's Premium Single Coverage Bi-weekly Premium $ 61.0