This position serves on the Community and Media Relations team to create engaging and interesting content (press releases, social media posts, and other creative content), develop public relations strategy including digital communications, and connect with media outlets and journalists to share the County’s story. Responsibilities include writing and storytelling, assisting with event planning, working with vendors and graphic designers, and collaborating with County leadership to bring ideas and programs to life.

NOTE:   The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position.  Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement.  Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.

Produces public information materials that promote County services and programs to internal and external audiences. Markets County programs and services through various communication methods. Develops high quality informational materials including flyers, programs, advertisements, and other materials. Develops and distributes public notices and news releases. Organizes press conferences and other public events, programs, and/or activities to promote County activities. Assists in producing the County Administrator’s Annual Report including developing content, design, and layout.

Performs spotlight innovative activities and techniques practiced by the County. Prepares feature articles and/or columns for local, regional and national publications. Develops public relations materials and/or emails as needed for internal and external dissemination on County topics. Develops events list to track and promote County events and activities that occur on an annual, quarterly or routine basis. Assist in organizing press conferences or other public events to promote County activities.

Assist County departments and divisions with general communication needs. Prepares public notices, news releases and marketing campaigns. Prepares speaking points, event briefs and more for County events. Assist with departmental event planning, logistics and execution and more. Prepares and approves the layout and design of printed materials.

Maintains and documents records of County programs and events. Prepares and maintains County’s digital  photo files. Works with County staff to tell story of their areas successes and accomplishments. Drafts and reviews award submissions for local and national professional organizations. Assists with and coordinates public meetings, communications plans and agenda items.

Knowledge of  writing techniques and practices for printed materials, such as professional newsletters, brochures, and magazines. Knowledge of grammar and style usage. Knowledge of desktop publishing techniques and practices. Knowledge of photography techniques and practices. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of public relations, public information, mass communications, journalism, news reporting, editing, advertising, or marketing. Ability to write printed materials such as professional newsletters, brochures, and magazines. Must possess grammar and style skills used in professional publications and style guides. Must possess photography skills. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others. Ability to follow through on assignments with attention to detail. Ability to make independent judgment in the absence of supervisor. Ability to maintain a courteous and professional demeanor while interacting with customers.

The use of independent judgment will be used in this position when initially drafting feature articles, news releases, speaking points and other job functions that are in the preparation of information for dissemination to the public. The work product of this position also requires an extreme level of creativity, of which independence of action also will be needed.

Personal computer, word processing software, spreadsheet software, data base software, specialized software, fax machine, and a vehicle are some of the equipment and tools used in this position.

Most work is performed inside.  Job requires extensive use of a computer that may result in strain on eyes, back and wrists.  Also, job requires lifting.  Discomforts may result from the aforementioned task as well as emotional discomfort from the high stress of managing multiple tasks.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Graphic Design or a closely related field of study.

Experience: Two years of job related experience is preferred; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

FLSA STATUS:   Exempt.  Duties generally meet the administrative/creative professional exemptions. Essential duties require employee to exercise discretion and independent judgment though decisions are reviewed by a higher level.