CSB Communications Director (Information Officer III)

Works as an experienced, creative individual to direct public information, outreach, marketing, news media interaction, and internal communication initiatives. CSB is the public agency that provides services to local residents who have mental health concerns, substance use disorders and intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Working closely with the CSB executive director, senior strategy director, and senior management as well as with the CSB Board, this position supports government and community relations activities and coordinates special events requiring strategic communications.

Additional duties include:

• Ensures that CSB public information and communication efforts are integrated across the department and that county officials and the public are informed about services offered by the department.
• Develops strategic approaches to communication and information sharing that promote cultural competence and the organization's mission and vision.
• Oversees the development of communication tools and products, as well as varied approaches to share information and build open communication approaches to include social media.
• Supervises CSB Communications Team (Communications Specialists I and II).
• Works collaboratively with the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs, as well as varied approaches, including use of social media, to share information and build open communications approaches with public affairs officials from other local governments, Board of Supervisors offices, and community and business partners, as needed.
• Oversees development and maintenance of the CSB public website.
• Coordinates with county officials regarding internal and external communications during significant incidents that affect the CSB or the county as a whole, supporting crisis response needs in the community and countywide emergency communications.
• Ensures CSB internal and external communication is culturally competent and reflective of the county One Fairfax policy.
• Serves on 24-hour call, with responsibility for notifying county officials of significant incidents.
• Makes decisions under pressure and deadlines regarding information that may be released to the press.
• Coordinates and provides information regarding emergency incidents and other sensitive matters to the news media.
• Plans, directs, and executes publicity campaigns designed to inform citizens about various county programs, events or legislation.
• Supervises the work of subordinates engaged, in public information activities; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media; and responds to requests for information regarding agency/county programs.
• Provides assistance to agency/county staff as to the most effective means of communicating information to the general public, government employees, and other target groups.
• Monitors and edits county's internal and external website content for style, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Develops and implements county's website publicity program to increase participation and use. 
• Establishes and maintains countywide electronic public information policies; coordinates electronic FOIA issues.
• Serves as liaison to vendors, county agencies, and others regarding county website activities.
• Serves as contact for international, national, and local dignitaries, senior management, and others who desire information about the county's e-government program.
• Ensures that county's e-government program is effective and useful for internal agencies and the general public.
• Plans and executes the county's technology marketing program to inform the public about the benefits of e-government.
• Conducts presentations to county management and Board of Supervisors to present public access technologies and capabilities.
• Designs, develops, and implements effective navigation schemes for applications and business transactions for the county worldwide website.
• May write and disseminate Board news releases, coordinate Board members public appearances and ceremonies, and keeps Board members abreast of new communication tools and trends.
• Conducts audience/constituent research on projects. Develops and maintains the CSB social media presence.

The incumbent in this position should have:

• Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the media regarding content, format, and timing of official releases;
• Broad knowledge of the principles of public administration and public relations as applied to local government operations;
• Knowledge of current media trends, methods, and its applications; 
• Knowledge of fundamentals of still photography and video;
• Ability to plan and execute photographic and video coverage of complex events;
• Ability to adapt broadly defined policy guidance to specific situations with a minimal amount of supervision;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to participate in meaningful interchange of views on matters of critical importance to the county;
• Ability to plan and review the work of others;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, the press, and county employees; and
• Ability to maintain and update internal Sharepoint and public web site information.

Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video "CSB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Providing Care."MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, government, public administration, or a related field; plus six years of progressively responsible experience in public information, broadcasting, or publications editing.
 
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire. This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)    

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master's degree in communications or related field.
• Experience and advanced capability with social media applications; familiarity with graphic design, publication, and video production software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Previous experience working in a health care setting.
• Five or more years of professional communication experience.
• Strong strategic communication planning and experience, including: project management skills, identifying the process, roles, and timeline to reach key goals and produce deliverables, integrating information and input to create project plans that will achieve objectives; tracking tasks and recommending actions to correct course, as needed; and ensuring that projects achieve the agreed-upon level of quality while remaining on schedule and on budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Ability to travel to attend meetings and make public presentations; communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; access and utilize current communication and related technologies; and use keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: 
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  
 
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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Salary : $77,640 - $129,400