What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator position at Dane County?
The Dane County Board Office has a current full time (1.0 FTE) Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within the next six (6) months.COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
The Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator works under general supervision of the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications and works closely with the Sustainability and Program Evaluation Coordinator. Develops and implements communications strategies for the Dane County Board, including media advisories, press releases, social media materials and press events. Plans and coordinates community engagement outreach efforts on behalf of the Dane County Board members, including event organization, coordination of speakers, and development and maintenance of the County Board website. Provides research and analysis on budget, operational and public policy issues to assist the Board in carrying out its policy-making responsibilities. Drafts legislation on behalf of the Dane County Board members, including resolutions and special matter resolutions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Drafts communications materials, plans outreach efforts, and works on policy matters on behalf of the Board and the Chair of the Board. Drafts press releases, media advisories and social media content to highlight key initiatives, policy updates, and important events. Develops and implements a comprehensive social media strategy to enhance and promote the work of the Dane County Board. Maintains and updates the Dane County Board website, ensuring that all content is current, accurate, and accessible. Assists County Board members in determining creative and appropriate outreach approaches to maximize participation and foster a more transparent, accessible County Board. Conducts research, drafts legislation, and prepares memorials, recognition resolutions, and certificates on behalf of County Board members, as assigned by the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications.Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, public administration or a related area. Must possess at least three (3) years of experience in policy, outreach, and/or communication strategies.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required during some evening meetings and special events as needed.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
This position functions in an environment of sensitivity and political issues. Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.Knowledge of local government operations and the legislative process. Experience in legislative drafting, planning outreach events, and managing and editing communications materials including press releases. Strong written and oral communications skills and editing experience. Meticulous attention to detail and ability to achieve goals and objectives in a timely manner to advance the mission of the Dane County Board. Basic computer skills, including efficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, and Power point) and other office software. Ability to effectively establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, public officials, and the general public.
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
The Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator works under general supervision of the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications and works closely with the Sustainability and Program Evaluation Coordinator. Develops and implements communications strategies for the Dane County Board, including media advisories, press releases, social media materials and press events. Plans and coordinates community engagement outreach efforts on behalf of the Dane County Board members, including event organization, coordination of speakers, and development and maintenance of the County Board website. Provides research and analysis on budget, operational and public policy issues to assist the Board in carrying out its policy-making responsibilities. Drafts legislation on behalf of the Dane County Board members, including resolutions and special matter resolutions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Drafts communications materials, plans outreach efforts, and works on policy matters on behalf of the Board and the Chair of the Board. Drafts press releases, media advisories and social media content to highlight key initiatives, policy updates, and important events. Develops and implements a comprehensive social media strategy to enhance and promote the work of the Dane County Board. Maintains and updates the Dane County Board website, ensuring that all content is current, accurate, and accessible. Assists County Board members in determining creative and appropriate outreach approaches to maximize participation and foster a more transparent, accessible County Board. Conducts research, drafts legislation, and prepares memorials, recognition resolutions, and certificates on behalf of County Board members, as assigned by the Manager of Policy, Outreach, and Communications.Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, public administration or a related area. Must possess at least three (3) years of experience in policy, outreach, and/or communication strategies.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required during some evening meetings and special events as needed.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
For Bilingual Positions:
- Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
- Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
This position functions in an environment of sensitivity and political issues. Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.Knowledge of local government operations and the legislative process. Experience in legislative drafting, planning outreach events, and managing and editing communications materials including press releases. Strong written and oral communications skills and editing experience. Meticulous attention to detail and ability to achieve goals and objectives in a timely manner to advance the mission of the Dane County Board. Basic computer skills, including efficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, and Power point) and other office software. Ability to effectively establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, public officials, and the general public.
Salary : $42 - $55