Communications Manager

Under the general direction of the County Administrator, this position provides timely and accurate information to the public; maintains proactive media relations, and develops communication strategies that promotes transparency, excellence, innovation, and alignment with overall goals to brand the organization; and ensures clear messaging to the community.  This position assists with developing and presenting annual and quarterly reports to the Commission, the community, and other special communication requirements assigned by the Administrator, to include providing crisis communications.

• Develops and delivers internal and external comprehensive communication strategies that align with the strategic and operational direction of Augusta-Richmond County.  Coordinates County-wide communications on high profile matters such as public information campaigns, legislative communications, and responding to constituent concerns regarding programs and services.
• Collaborates with management on community relations projects, activities and plans, and executes special events from a communications perspective; creates and implements communications plan for event; designs, produces and publishes various materials and articles; communicates information to the public and performs community outreach and engagement
• Facilitates and monitors communication activities via websites, social media, print media, newsletters and other venues, and utilizes metrics to track the success of the communication efforts. Works with Information Technology and other departments as needed.
• Manages the development of a brand platform and style guides; leads outreach and collaboration efforts with the Administrator, department directors, and other staff regarding the County’s brand; and helps ensure consistency, continuity, and effectiveness of communications countywide.  
• Writes and coordinates the publication and distribution of marketing and promotional materials, including newspaper articles and advertisements, press releases, brochures, fliers, newsletters, etc.; consults with departments regarding program goals and to gather information; consults with Graphic Artists regarding artwork, design and layout; edits drafts and approves final designs; posts and submits materials to County website and media outlets; and takes photographs for use in press releases and newsletters: attends events and activities; chooses and edits photos; maintains photo database and develops images for promotion.
• Receives and responds to media inquiries and questions: ensures that communication with the news media is timely, accurate, and responsive; initiates op-ed pieces, news releases and other methods as necessary to ensure organization’s position on issues is put before the public.  Consults with County staff and management to provide appropriate response to media inquiries and appropriate speaking points; provides and/or coordinates interviews as needed and assists in managing essential and time-critical communications and keeps County staff and management apprised of all media interactions. Reports outcomes of news coverage: monitors and reviews print and broadcast media coverage regarding County activities and services; compiles statistics, program data, and other information; prepares and submits report.
• Provides crisis communications: collaborates with County staff and management to formulate response to crisis; determines issues to be addressed and formulates responses; provides regular updates to critical staff; manages and coordinates media interviews and press conferences; monitors the effect of response efforts and media coverage on public opinion and sentiment.  Prepares related reports and updates for the Administrator, Mayor, and Commission.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level.

Required minimum qualifications: 

Education: BA/BS degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or closely related field of study.  

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing and business or public administration.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of communications and leveraging multiple communication tools for maximum effect.
• Very comfortable with technology, including social media channels, web sites, and general office systems
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, self-motivated, pro-active, positive professional leadership skills
• Ability to influence internal customers and effectively establish and build partnerships with external customers and constituencies
• Review and analyze a variety of technical review comments on projects; respond effectively to a variety of changing situations; interpret, manage and prepare budget information.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, deliver projects on time and on budget 
• Ability to work long hours as required
• Extensive ability to show initiative, independent judgment, and sensitivity to the subject matter
• Familiarity with SEO
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Abreast of industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies to enhance communication strategies and tactics.

OTHER:

• Travel required from office to other locations on a regular basis.
• This position requires staff call up in emergency situations.

Licensing:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license with good driving history.  If State license is other than Georgia or South Carolina, applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

• Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to synthesize and integrate data for predicting, anticipating, and planning for future events impacting the organization. Includes determining strategic and tactical decisions at the highest organizational levels of authority and responsibility.
• Human Interaction:   Requires the ability to apply principles of negotiation. Performs such in formal situations within the context of legal guidelines.
• Equipment:  Ability to operate or use various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operate and maintain digital photography equipment; operate a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operate general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions..
• Verbal:  Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference, descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable.
• Math:  Requires the ability to perform calculations for essential job functions.
• Functional Reasoning:   Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to implement both intellectual and practical relationships; involves responsibility for consideration and analysis of complex organizational problems of major conceptual functions.
• Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in critical and/or unexpected situations involving moderate risk to the organization.
• Physical Abilities:   Tasks require the ability to perform sedentary to light work.
• Sensory Requirements:   Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate cues or signals.

• Environmental Factors:  Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

Salary : $62,636 - $93,954