Communications Director

Salary : $78,004.20 - $103,910.64 Annually

Location : Marshall, MI

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 2024-00062

Department : Administration

Opening Date : 06 / 07 / 2024

Bargaining Unit : NON-UNION

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Administrator / Controller or designee, this position develops and implements a county-wide communication plan, directs specific communication projects, and assists with official Public Information Officer responsibilities. Leads public outreach and communication campaigns and initiatives, prepares and facilitates meetings and events, maintains the County's website and manages social media outlets, creates newsletters and other publications, and plays a key role in emergency and other communications to the public and employees. This position coordinates communications and supervises communications staff to ensure education, professionalism, transparency, and building and maintaining public trust and integrity.

Calhoun County is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workplace that provides an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all employees and the public it serves.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for the administration and management of the communication strategies and related functions of the County, supports elected officials, judiciary and department heads and participates as a member of the County's Administrative Executive team.
• Develops and leads the Communications Department staff to ensure the highest level of professional customer service, knowledge and expertise related to functions, and compliance with policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations. Provides supervision and performance management as needed.
• Develops and implements a county-wide communication plan and provides leadership for strategic communication initiatives throughout the County, both internal and external, including facilitating committees and boards engaged for communications-related initiatives.
• Serves as liaison with the media in regards to receiving and responding to information requests, as well as preparing and providing media / press releases.
• Prepares and / or reviews written communications, presentations, remarks, and other correspondence for the County Administration staff and Elected Officials on a range of issues.
• Develops, designs, publishes, and distributes publications explaining and promoting County program, services, and initiatives, such as brochures, booklets, reports, newsletters, flyers, and other informational items.
• Manages the County social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, etc...), provides and / or coordinates content development and review, and responds to citizen communications received via social media sites and other online forums.
• Serves as main point of contact for maintaining the County's website, ensuring accurate and updated content that best reflects the County's values and branding, and providing training and support for department liaisons to enable them to assist with content management.
• Acts as a resource for County departments for a variety of communication needs, including, education, training, preparing communications and reports, crisis management response, as well as assisting with department based social media posts and responses.
• Manages and directs the collection and organization of photos and videos of County activities and oversees the preparation of graphics and other materials for communications and public relations initiatives and projects.
• Proactively monitors and researches trends in communication and public relations, and continuously surveys the industry landscape for emerging trends and technologies.
• Develops and implements quality procedures, policies, and / or training initiatives that help to ensure the professional appearance and consistency of correspondence, press releases, documents, e-mails, reports and other communications.
• Oversees a variety of special projects, along with administrative functions related to improving the professionalism of County communications, public relations, education, image, and workplace environment.
• In coordination with the County Human Resources Department, oversees the personnel management functions of staffing, recruitment / employment, training, performance evaluation, the handling of disciplinary issues, and other similar matters.
• In coordination with the County Finance Department, oversees the preparation of the annual budget, monitors ongoing expenditures and recommends budget revisions as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

Calhoun County's benefits package offers flexibility, choice, and value. It is an attractive component of our employees total compensation package. At Calhoun County, we know that good benefit plans are important to employees and their families. We're committed to providing employees with access to a wide range of information and tools so they can stay informed and make the most of their Calhoun County flexible benefit package.

What benefits does Calhoun County offer its full time employees?

Medical : Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Michigan with 3 Different Flexible Benefit Plan Options

Dental : 100% Employer Paid through Delta Dental

Vision : 100% Employer Paid through BCBSM Vision Services Plan (VSP)

Employee Health & Wellness Center (Premise Health) : Most Services 100% Employer Paid

Life Insurance : 100% Employer Paid for Basic Life & AD&D

Short Term Disability : 100% Employer Paid for 67% Wage Loss Benefits up to 26 Weeks

Retirement : Employer 401(k) Match Program Up to 7% of Employee Contribution

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) : 100% Employer Paid Through Bronson HelpNet

Flexible Scheduling & Telecommuting Options Depending on Position & Department

Paid Time Off :

amounts & distribution may vary slightly by union contract, policy, and / or defined work week)

Paid Holidays : 14 Paid Holidays Throughout the Year

Additional Voluntary Benefits :

Salary : $78,004 - $103,911