Responsibilities

• Serves on 24-hour call, with responsibility for notifying County officials of significant incidents;
• Makes decisions under pressure and deadlines regarding information that may be released to the media;
• Coordinates and provides information regarding emergency incidents and other sensitive matters to the news media;
• Plans, directs, and executes publicity campaigns designed to inform citizens about various county programs, events or legislation;
• Supervises the work of subordinates engaged, in public information activities;
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media;
• Responds to requests for information regarding agency/County programs;
• Provides assistance to agency/County staff as to the most effective means of communicating information to the general public, government employees, and other target groups;
• May interact directly with the Board of Supervisors and County Executive's Office on behalf of the department;
• Provides strategic communication leadership for the department/division.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations or related field or field of public safety specialization (fire, police, health, safety), plus at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in management and supervision, which includes 5 years as a media or communications professional or first responder communicator to include four years of social media experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• CPR certification (Required within 60 days).
• AED certification (Required within 60 days).
• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
• Emergency/essential services personnel: required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.
• Additional Work Schedule Requirements: Flexible work schedule will be required to work evening and/or weekend community meetings or events to and/or be on call.

Preferred

• Seven or more years’ experience in the field of public health.
• Seven or more years’ experience preparing news releases and publications, developing information programs and public speaking.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated systemic and strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• Experience working with the media, for the media, or as a spokesperson for an organization.
• Digital communication experience, such as website design, administering social media platforms, video production, etc.
• Experience managing and supervising media and communications professionals.
• Incident Command Systems (ICS) or other relevant certifications.