Community Relations Specialist

DESCRIPTION

COMPENSATION &BENEFITS:
0-3% Merit upon successful completion of the probationary period and 0-3% annual merit increases thereafter based upon evaluation score.
Benefits include:

• No Nevada state income tax.
• Stable, friendly/family environment that fosters internal talent with training/educational programs and encourages career advancement.
• Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), 33.50% employer-paid.
• Health Insurance: County provides medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and dependents with co-payment by employee dependent and/or family status.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Gym Membership
• Employees Assistant Program (EAP)
• Vacation: Accrued at the rate of 4.6154 hours per pay period, or 120 hours per year (increase with years of service).
• Sick Leave: Earned at the rate of 3.3846 hours per pay period, or 88 hours per year.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Administrative Leave: 5 days per year.
• Deferred Compensation: the County has a voluntary deferred compensation program.
• Douglas County is a drug, alcohol and smoke-free workplace.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Designs, produces and distributes content using video, audio, graphic design, print material, digital material, and social media to create and maintain positive branding and perceptions of the County;
• Promotes understanding of County departments, initiatives, programs, services, policies, projects, community events and maintains public awareness of departmental/program issues, concerns, and resolutions; organizes and participates in related outreach events and activities.
• Serves as an administrator to Douglas County’s website and social media accounts; monitors social media and website channels and maximizes public engagement; monitors and reports on media coverage through various forms of media; compiles and disseminates daily related reports and media metrics.
• Responds professionally to a variety of inquiries from staff, the media or the public; fosters good working relationships with the media by providing pertinent information in a timely manner, and notifies the media of newsworthy events at the direction of management.
• Assists with the development and publication of press releases and internal and external communications with department and division heads, elected officials, and County employees; develops proactive internal and external messaging; supports communications strategies and plans; discusses possible approaches for meeting Department needs, overall goals and assists with instructional design and development.
• Assists with press conferences and press statements from staff members and elected officials to present messages/information/issues within approved County guidelines.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the areas of communications, social media and marketing and makes recommendations regarding social media platforms and their uses.
• Supports the County Public Information Officer or designee with crisis communications during times of emergencies either remotely or at the assigned duty location; works in conjunction with Emergency Management and at the direction of the Community Relations Manager or designee to coordinate the dissemination of public information and notifications.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:
High School diploma/GED; AND four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in work involving the collection, analysis, design and dissemination of information in the field of news media, public relations, publicity, and/or advertising OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of social media.
• Principles and practices of public information as it applies to emergency response.
• Principles, practices, materials and techniques of public information and education.
• Hardware and software used in the desktop publishing process.
• Graphic design and printing techniques and materials, including slides and video production.
• Techniques and procedures for dealing with the print and broadcast media.
• Advanced knowledge of the management of social media accounts
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles and techniques of preparing effective informational or educational materials.

• Working collaboratively with good organizational skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Adhering to deadlines and short time constraints.
• Producing accurate, timely information with minimal errors using appropriate tools/media.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds in person, in writing, or over the phone.

• Valid Driver's License.
• FEMA or State Public Information Officer training within six (6) months of date of employment.

• Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
• Employment is contingent on successful completion of background/screening.
• Douglas County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS, with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered employment must complete Section 1 of the Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity prior to starting employment. Please be prepared to provide required documentation as soon as possible after the job offer is made.

Overview of Douglas County Benefits
Disclaimer: Douglas County provides benefits to full time employees. Benefits are prorated for some part time positions (depending on job). Some part time positions may provide no benefits.

No Nevada State income tax.

Retirement – Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada
Douglas County contributes 33.50% of an eligible Regular Member and 50% of an eligible Police and Fire Member's salary for retirement. Deferred Compensation Plans – Employees can participate in the VOYA Retirement Plans, which is funded by the employee.

Paid Leave
12 paid holidays per year. Generous paid leave accrual's including 96 hours sick annually, begin accruing 120 hours annual leave each year. Administrative leave of 5 days or 3 days annually applies to some positions. Please refer to our leave policies https://www.douglascountynv.gov/687/Policies-Procedures
or relevant labor agreement https://www.douglascountynv.gov/688/Labor-Contracts
for more information.

Health Insurance
The County has rich benefits plans to choose from: Preferred Provider (PPO) and Health Savings Account (HSA) with supplemental benefits to include: prescription plan, dental plan, vision, life insurance opportunities, cancer insurance, and disability insurance. Benefit eligibility is the 1st of the month following 30-day waiting period or 60 days, depending on the position. For more detailed information on the Health Insurance you may refer to our website located at: https://www.douglascountynv.gov/693/Employee-Benefits-Information
for more information.

Compensation
Douglas County's compensation system is based on Pay for Performance wherein employees are eligible for annual performance evaluations. The current structure consists of merit increases up to 3% on a qualifying employee's anniversary and Cost of Living Adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index during the first pay period of each fiscal year. The COLA will be up to 5% depending on the CPI each year. Additionally, eligible employees can be recognized for outstanding performance, above and beyond the call of duty, and receive additional compensation through the Recognition of Excellence Program.



2024