Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and directs comprehensive internal and external communications strategies that align with County goals and priorities; provides strategic communications counsel to leadership.
• Serves as the County’s primary media contact and spokesperson; oversees media relations, press releases, and public statements; builds and maintains relationships with media, stakeholders, and partner organizations to maximize communication opportunities.
• Leads branding and messaging initiatives to promote and protect the County’s reputation; ensures alignment of communications with Board of County Commissioners’ objectives and organizational priorities.
• Oversees the development, production, and distribution of print and digital communications, including newsletters, press releases, websites, social media, and other collateral; ensures content is accurate, consistent, engaging, and effectively reaches target audiences.
• Directs and manages digital communications platforms and tools, including website content and online engagement strategies; ensures timely updates and accessibility of public information.
• Coordinates communications efforts across County departments, leadership, and external partners; fosters collaboration and ensures consistent messaging across the organization.
• Leads crisis and emergency communications efforts, including coordination with public safety leadership; ensures timely, accurate information dissemination and availability of communications support as needed.
• Oversees research, data collection, and reporting related to communications and public information to inform strategies and decision-making.
• Manages departmental operations, including supervision of staff, employee development, performance management, and succession planning; administers personnel actions in accordance with County policies and procedures.
• Establishes departmental goals and objectives; develops work plans, monitors performance, and prepares reports on program effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or corporate affairs, to include leadership or executive-level experience managing staff, operations, customer service, and policy development, with a proven track record of leading large-scale communication strategies.
• Valid driver’s license.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be available to support communications outside normal business hours.
• Ensures continuous 24/7 communications coverage through an on-call rotation or designee structure.
• Operation of a County owned vehicle.
• Subject to background investigation.

Benefits

• 15 days of sick leave, 10 days of annual leave, and 5 personal days.
• 13 paid holidays ( 14 in an election year ).
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan & 457(b) Deferred Compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
• Gym membership discounts.
• Hybrid work arrangements may be available, depending on organizational needs.