CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Under direction of the Chief Operations Officer, plans, organizes, and directs countywide communications, public and relations, public information, community engagement, and grant administration functions. Serves as an official spokesperson for the Board of Supervisors’ Office and assigned departments and provides strategic communications counsel to County leadership. Coordinates closely with elected officials, department directors, boards and commissions, community organizations, media representatives, and the public to develop communications activities that promote public understanding of County programs, services, policies, and initiatives. 

1. Directs county-wide communication, public and media relations, public information, and community engagement activities by leading strategy development and implementation to effectively, accurately, and efficiently inform the public and ensure media coverage of County issues, activities, and accomplishments. 
2. Serves as an official spokesperson and communications advisor for the Board of Supervisors; represents the county in interactions with officials, community partners, other jurisdictions, and board or commissions; communications authorized county positions, coordinating significant or sensitive matters with the Chief Operations Officer and County Administrator. 
3. Coordinates responses to media inquiries and public information requests; advises leadership on strategic, crisis, and sensitive communication matters. 
4. Oversees digital communications platforms, including websites, social media, publications, and other communication challenges to maximize public awareness and engagement; ensures a consistent voice that represents Polk County’s mission and vision. 
5. Directs grant application and award activities, overseeing the development, submission, tracking, and management of grant applications and awards. Provides administrative leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing county-wide grant applications and community-based initiatives, ensuring alignment with county priorities, compliance with grant requirements, and effective collaboration with internal and external partners. 
6. Develops policy recommendations and implements approved policies within communications and grant divisions; reviews organizational structures, staffing, workflows, and service develop; leads improvements that produce documented gains in effectiveness, cost, timeliness, or service quality. 
7. Prepares confidential correspondence, memorandums, press releases, statistical reports, lists, tables, and other specialized departmental documents utilizing a personal computer, word processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs. May make public presentations.
8. May lead intergovernmental, community-based, and special initiatives that advance County priorities and foster collaboration with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community stakeholders. 
9. Supervises front office staff to ensure strategic coordination and support of the Board of Supervisors; directs administrative support for Boards and Commissions assignments.
10. Performs related duties as required.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends of public information, strategic communications, media relations, public relations, community engagement, and employee communications. 
• Thorough knowledge of local government operations, including the roles and responsibilities of elected officials, appointed administrators, boards and commissions, and public agencies.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing public information, public records, open meetings, elections, and governmental communications. 
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, project management, and performance management principles. 
• Knowledge of grant development, administration, compliance, and reporting requirements. 
• Knowledge of digital communications platforms, social media, website management, and emerging communication technologies. 
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic communications plans that support organizational goals and building public understanding and trust. 
• Skill in serving as an organizational spokesperson and communicating effectively with elected officials, employees, media representatives, community organizations, and the public. 
• Skill in managing crisis, emergency, and sensitive communications and developing appropriate messaging under rapidly changing circumstances. 
• Skill in analyzing complex issues, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment, discretion, political acumen, and professionalism when handling confidential, controversial, or sensitive matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations to the Board of Supervisors, boards, commissions, community groups, media representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff.
• Ability to establish priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to translate complex policies, programs, and technical information into clear and accessible communications for diverse audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees, representatives from other agencies, and the public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field, or
• Six years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, including progressive leadership experience, or related, or 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Special Requirements

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required. 
• Must be available for meetings outside normal business hours and administrative response to urgent operational matters.