Public Affairs and Communications Chief

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regularly assigns work to other employees and supervises related activities. 

Provides recommendations on managing employees who also report to other managers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TIME SPENT

35%

25%

15%

15%

10%

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

This position reviews, edits and provides recommendations on County-wide, Elected Office, department and project and team budgets.

Participates in planning and administration of departmental and project-related communication budgets. Reviews, monitors, and administers expenditures associated with communication initiatives, public outreach efforts, digital platforms, emergency communications activities, contracted services, and media-related projects.

PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides project resource allocation and coordination involving organizational planning projects, public outreach initiatives, technology projects, emergency communications projects, process improvement projects, branding initiatives, digital modernization efforts, and strategic communications campaigns.

Initiates, communicates, reviews, and evaluates communication strategies and public engagement activities supporting County operational priorities and strategic objectives. 

ORAL COMMUNICATION DUTIES

This position conducts presentations, participates in meetings, moderates gatherings, trains colleagues, responds to public inquiries, coordinates media interviews, explains County procedures and policies, negotiates diplomatically, and speaks publicly on behalf of the County.

This position routinely communicates with Elected Officials, County leadership, Department Directors, media representatives, regulatory agencies, community organizations, partner agencies, and members of the public during both routine operations and emergency situations.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION DUTIES

This position creates or edits documents, internal memos, emails, press releases, emergency notifications, public advisories, executive communications, speeches, talking points, social media content, website materials, reports, procedures, public information materials, presentations, formal correspondence, policies, strategic communication plans, and community outreach materials.

INTERACTIONS WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Interacts extensively with employees, customers, the general public, vendors, regulatory bodies, and other groups, and/or individuals and Institutions over the telephone, by email, and/or in person.

This position also interacts extensively with Elected Officials, media representatives, partner organizations, community stakeholders over the telephone, electronically, and/or in person.

INTERACTIONS SPECIFICALLY WITH CUSTOMERS

Continuously (More than 70% but less than 85% in a year).

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED/PREFERRED

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, Marketing, Emergency Management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Master’s Degree preferred.

MINIMUM YEARS OF DIRECTLY RELATED EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in public affairs, communications, public information, media relations, emergency communications, government relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or related field; including experience involving executive-level communications responsibilities, crisis communications, and public-facing operations.

Government or emergency management experience preferred.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS REQUIRED

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 certifications required within six (6) months of hire.

Public Information Officer (PIO) training preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Communications and media relations; crisis communications; public administration; emergency management principles; Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and statutes; digital communications systems; social media administration; website management; public engagement strategies; branding and marketing principles; strategic planning; and public sector operations.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills; public speaking and presentation skills; analytical writing skills; media coordination skills; crisis communication abilities; strategic planning abilities; assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands; interpreting laws, policies, and regulations; effectively communicating in written and verbal forms; interacting professionally with individuals of varying social, economic, political, and cultural backgrounds; maintaining composure in stressful situations; and preparing clear, comprehensive, and accurate reports and communications materials.

ABILITIES REQUIRED

Generate fluent and useful ideas; solve problems using deductive reasoning; maintain calm demeanor during emergencies and stressful situations; communicate effectively under pressure; assess communications risks and organizational impacts; analyze information and make logical recommendations; develop and implement strategic communication initiatives; respond to sensitive citizen concerns and media inquiries; maintain confidentiality; and represent the County professionally in public settings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Incumbents in this position constantly spend time in office environments. Occasionally perform work at public meetings, emergency operations centers, outdoor locations, incident scenes, community events, media events, and other County facilities.

SAFETY RISK EXPOSURE

Incumbents in this position may become exposed to emotional or distressed individuals during emergencies, public controversies, crisis situations, or stressful operational events.

PROTECTIVE GEAR & SAFETY MANUALS

Incumbents in this position are required to follow written safety procedures, emergency management protocols, and departmental policies relevant to the division or department.

CONSEQUENCES OF ERROR

Potential errors can have legal ramifications, loss of funding, loss or organization’s credibility.