Communications Specialist - Public Information

Compensation Range

$31.09 - $40.41

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Job Description Summary

As a Communications Specialist for the Weld County Communications and Public Information Department, you will manage communication projects, oversee the implementation of these projects, and analyze the measurable outcomes of said projects. You will be responsible for creating public information initiatives and campaigns on a variety of communication platforms for multiple county departments and multiple divisions within those county departments, in order to assist departments with reaching their program goals and objectives, as well as assisting the county overall reach the communication and public engagement goals as outlined in the county's strategic plan. You will be supervised by the county's Public Information Officer and will work directly with multiple division directors and department heads as well as provide support to the Weld County Board of Commissioners. Communications Specialists with the county's Communication and Public Information Department play a crucial role in building and maintaining a positive image of Weld County government through strategically building and managing public information regarding county projects and policies in a manner easily understood by and relatable to the public.

Ideal Candidate Traits:
* Outgoing
* Motivated
* Collaborative
* Creative

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Job Description

Strategic Communications and Engagement - 45%

• Recommend, conceptualize, write, design, implement, manage, and assess the impact of strategic communication plans that meet the marketing, advertising, public relations, and community engagement goals for multiple county departments.
• Initiate and manage planning efforts in the development and execution of strategies including coordination of budgets (if applicable), timelines, media purchases and communication tools to meet the objectives of multiple county departments and/or multiple divisions within county departments.
• Work as a project coordinator to organize and align various components of work between divisions, departments, community organizations, and partners.
• Align communication and public participation initiatives with overall county mission goals values and brand priorities.
• Advise department heads and division directors for multiple departments on communication strategies, projects, and goals to ensure communication projects align with both department and county goals.
• Present professional opinions, insights, and recommendations confidently to division directors, department heads, and elected officials regarding communication needs, issues, and concerns.
• Prepare and provide proactive information for the Weld County Board of Commissioners; assist in preparing and providing responsive/reactive information for commissioners as needed.
• Set and achieve percentage increase goals annually for communications projects such as e-newsletters, social media engagement, program participation and other communications related projects for multiple departments, including overall goals and projects of the Communications and Public Information Department.
• Track, compile, and analyze data from communication projects to assess success or opportunities for improvement; present that information, along with recommendations, to division directors and department heads regularly.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the county’s Joint Information Center (JIC) and Joint Information System (JIS) supporting the needs of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency events; maintain FEMA training and familiarity and understand expectations of serving as lead positions within the JIC/JIS plan; perform duties within the JIC/JIS as assigned, including monitoring public sentiment, drafting informational updates and material as needed for the situation; monitor and respond to public and media questions; and provide briefing notes and reports to EOC staff during EOC briefings to provide essential updates to team leaders; provide updates, recommendations and information to the board of county commissioners.

Public and Media Relations - 25%

• Write and submit press releases, pitch stories, answer questions and respond to media and public inquiries
• Monitor media stories and social media content to gauge public sentiment and responses to county news and information; formulate strategies for best responsive communication on social media platforms
• Coordinate and/or schedule interviews, when asked by the county PIO.
• Work collaboratively with other team members to build and maintain a professional network of reporters and media professionals

Copywriting and Editing - 10%

• Write and edit news releases; advertising/promotional copy; annual program reports; e-newsletters; blog posts; social media content; video and/or radio scripts; website updates; presentations and handout materials.
• Edit/revise written materials created by county officials and staff.

Strategic Operational Support - 10%

• Create and gather materials for meetings and public events that may include displays and signage.
• Provide direction and context for the communication promotion public education engagement and public relations aspects of work related to multiple county departments and county government overall.
• Manage project processes including printing needs, ordering promotional items, and collaborating with graphic design and video teams in the production of marketing materials.
• Assist with photography or videography projects related to communication projects as needed.
• Work with the communications team to create messaging, build proactive communications, community outreach and engagement across social media channels.

Other Duties as Assigned - 10%

• Follow policies and procedures, the Weld County Code of Conduct, and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and appropriate release of information outlined in both.
• Not all duties mentioned may be applicable to every position, and the examples provided do not encompass all possible duties that may exist within this job classification.

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Required Qualifications

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree Journalism, Mass Communications, Strategic Communications, or related field.

Experience Qualifications

• 2 years Professional experience in media, communications, journalism, or public relations.
• 1 year Experience in copy editing in a professional context.
• 1 year Experience implementing AP Style in a professional context.

Preferred Experience

• 1 year Experience in website/page content creation and management for a professional organization.
• 1 year Experience on using social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for a professional organization.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong to expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and In-Design; experience in Premier beneficial.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office tools including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Candidate must pass criminal background check prior to employment start date.

Licenses and Certifications

• Pre-employment substance screening is required for this position.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening in accordance with Weld County policy.

This position is non-exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings.

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Use the link below to get a closer look at the generous benefits offered:

https://www.weld.gov/Government/County-Information/Join-Our-Team/Employee-Benefits

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Weld County is an equal employment opportunity employer. We ensure that all employment practices are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other protected status in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Weld County pledges to uphold a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, promoting fairness and dignity for all employees. We actively take affirmative action to comply with nondiscrimination policies and invite qualified individuals in need of reasonable accommodations to contact our Human Resources Department at [email protected] or (970) 400-4234.