Responsibilities

• SUMMARY: Responsible for creating and enabling effective communication between Nueces County and regional news media outlets and the general public. This position will serve as Nueces County’s primary steward of accurate information sharing and County adherence to relevant brand, communications, social media and related guidelines, policies, and laws. Acts in a public relations capacity in coordinating with the media and receiving inquiries from constituents. The incumbent is responsible for the overall development and implementation of the county’s Public Affairs programs and services.
• The employee will serve as part of the Emergency Management Team and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for Nueces County.
• The employee is required to be on duty before, during, and after natural disasters and emergencies, as directed.
• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Effectively communicate critical information to the public.
• Maintain County digital communication accounts, editorial calendars, compose planned and ad hoc content.
• Prepare and distribute all press releases and information for distribution by media outlets on behalf of Nueces County.
• Help develop a social media plan for Nueces County Commissioners Court.
• Help each member of the court with social media design and message delivery.
• Respond to media and public information requests.

Requirements

• EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) with a Master's Degree (M.A.) preferred from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, English, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or Law or a related field and a minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible strategic communications, media relations and/or public information experience, including working knowledge of print and online media; or Associate’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Relations, English, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or Law or a related field with eight (8) years progressively responsible strategic communications, media relations and/or public information experience, including working knowledge of print and online media.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, may be considered.
• LANGUAGE SKILL S: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organizations
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS : Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
• REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid class C Texas driver's license.
• OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES : Refined ability to compose and deliver concise, accurate information to the public and media. Familiar with digital communications leading practices. Deft ability to build and maintain relationships with members of the media, public, elected, and appointed government leadership. Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments under demanding timelines. Comfortable operating in dynamic with incomplete information and under extreme scrutiny. Thorough knowledge of agenda preparation in public agencies. Ability to communicate concisely and effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to manage, coordinate and prepare effective reports on complex projects. Ability to perform a full range of supervisory and management tasks, including work planning and assignment, training, budgeting, employee evaluation, and special projects planning. Ability to work effectively with elected officials, county department, other governmental entities, consultants, the media, and the public. Ability to utilize a personal computer to perform tasks associated with word processing, spreadsheet, and database functions.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• WORK ENVIRONMEN T: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.