Communication Specialist

DEFINITION OF WORK: Under the direction of the Director of Communication and Public Affairs, our Communication Specialist is responsible for implementing various county-wide communication programs. Primary job responsibilities include website content management, working with departments to respond to citizen inquiries, developing social media posts, writing news releases, event planning, and designing collateral such as posters, or fact sheets. The work may also include reporting for the department and other administrative tasks.    

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The following examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be all-inclusive.)

• Responsible for implementing communication plans for various county departments and offices, including written and designed content for specific target audiences, and talking points for elected officials.
• Delivers strong, brand/journalism-style writing and editing for various distribution channels in a deadline-driven environment.
• Manages internal and external web content for Communication and Public Affairs. Co-manages countywide website team alongside IT liaison.
• Manages County presence on Google; researches and proposes opportunities for improvement in the digital space.
• Supports various events with logistics, including meeting room setup, materials and audio/visual, and collateral or talking point development.
• Maintains community/stakeholder contact lists.
• Supports community events by maintaining a community calendar (including meeting dates of municipal governments within Douglas County) and attending/supporting events as needed.
• Works with Communication Manager, Digital News Strategist and Director of Public Affairs to develop marketing, outreach, and engagement materials including presentations, programs, and community resources.
• Coordinates and collaborates with a variety of stakeholders countywide, including other county departments, local and state agencies, and community groups to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Lives out the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of the Communication and Public Affairs Department, maintaining a supportive environment conducive to teamwork and the culture of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the Department’s business operations and statutory compliance.
• After-hours work may be required for events, emergencies or other workload requirements.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:   Reports to the Director of Communication and Public Affairs. Must be willing to learn and take direction yet work independently and understand when situations should be advanced to a higher level of authority.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  None.

INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT:   

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:   

• A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, or other closely related field is required.
• Minimum of three years of experience in communications or public relations is required.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:  

• Strong working knowledge and understanding of the public relations process – Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation. Understands basic principles of public relations.
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of current trends in marketing and social media.
• Knowledge of and ability to adjust and adapt communications style and leverage different communication platforms to appeal to and impact a variety of diverse internal and external audiences.

Skills:  

• Strong writer and command of the English language and AP Style. Produces written information that is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Proficient skill levels in most current Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and basic graphic design software (such as Canva).
• Excels at writing for digital and printed platforms, such as Nextdoor, Facebook, X, Instagram, emails and an online newsroom. Understands and keeps current with social media best practices.
• Skilled in creating visually appealing presentations and messaging and in managing special events and community outreach efforts.
• Skilled in WordPress website platform. Experience with SharePoint.

Abilities:   

• High aptitude and professionalism. Exceptional willingness to learn and bring new ideas to the team. Seeks feedback.
• Strong ability to manage and perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature, without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Strong ability to manage multiple activities concurrently, allocating time to each according to prioritization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information consistent with applicable federal, state, and county rules and regulations.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority and to assess or understand both the short-term and long-term impact of decisions.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with internal, community, and professional partners.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: 
Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance. Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment. This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national databaseFor more information on job functions, requirements and to apply please visit: https://douglasco.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/2646?c=douglasco

Douglas County offers an excellent comprehensive benefit package including but not limited to: Medical/Dental/Vision. 
For a more detailed overview please view the full Employee Benefit Guide.      

Salary : $68,953 - $103,429