What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Coordinator - Community and Veterans Services position at Manatee County, FL?
General Information
Work Location: 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Community and Veterans Services Communications Coordinator is responsible for developing and managing communication strategies to support Manatee County’s Community and Veterans Services Division, including Manatee County Animal Welfare, Probation Services and Veterans programming.
This role involves creating engaging content for social media, press releases, newsletters, and other outreach materials to enhance public awareness and engagement.
Key Responsibilities to include:
- Manage and grow social media presence for Manatee County Animal Welfare, including creating posts, responding to inquiries, and promoting pet adoption and welfare initiatives.
- Develop and implement communication plans for veterans programming, highlighting available resources, events, and services for local veterans.
- Write press releases, articles, and digital content to promote department initiatives and events.
- Coordinate with internal teams, community partners, and media outlets to ensure consistent and effective messaging.
- Monitor and analyze social media and public engagement metrics to optimize outreach efforts.
- Assist in organizing and promoting public events, campaigns, and community outreach initiatives.
Provide support to a comprehensive public affairs program for assigned County department by planning, developing and implementing communication programs to build goodwill in the community and establish a high level of credibility with consumers, lawmakers, officials, regulators, and the media. Develops, analyzes, and integrates divisional plans and programs with other County departments to achieve departmental objectives. Develops and supervises the department's emergency management functions and ensures compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations.
Working Conditions
Typical indoor office environment. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer. Lifting equipment or supplies up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Frequent high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens or emergency incidents. Regularly required to work other than normal business hours.
Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Participates in printed, electronic, and telephonic interviews with the media.
Coordinates the content, planning, design, production, and dissemination of publications, including brochures, press releases, newsletters, and commercials.
Revises, and updates the Department's Communication Plan, including policies, purpose, and scope.
Oversees the Department's web content editors and social media users.
Monitors and assesses relevant news coverage. Recognizes and responds to communications issues, analyzes the impact on the Department and/or public opinion, and takes appropriate action.
Coordinates programs to educate and increase the public's awareness of department projects and operations and directs customer research projects.
Plans and coordinates the implementation of customer service, public affairs, and community and educational programs to promote a favorable department image, and to enhance community relations and standards governing programs.
Conducts policy analysis. Drafts and reviews responses to proposed rules, legislation, and regulatory changes.
Recommends legislative and communications strategies for both internal and external agencies. Develops recommendations on issues related to local, state, regional, and federal intergovernmental relations.
Represents the department and serves as a resource for committees, government bodies, stakeholder groups, and various customer groups served by the Department. Appears before special interest groups and community organizations. Attends relevant meetings as requested to present programs or materials regarding department activities.
Integrates divisional plans and programs with other County departments to achieve departmental objectives. Serves as department representative on interdepartmental committees and working groups.
Participates in the development, implementation and revision of departmental policy and planning processes with the Director and other divisional managers.
Provides supporting information to assist in strategic decision making.
Coordinates and plans the management team's annual strategic planning meetings.
Assists in developing, implementing, promoting, and tracking departmental goals.
Oversees public records and other informational requests.
Prepares and reviews requests for legal services and agenda items for Board of County Commissioners meetings.
Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.
Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or closely related field.
One (1) or more years of progressively responsible professional public sector experience in communications, governmental affairs, or related position.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
More
Proficiency in speaking and writing in the Spanish language preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to resolve difficult and sometimes complex situations and problems.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of current principles, techniques, and objectives of public information programs and governmental communications.
Good knowledge and understanding of the history, character, demographics and culture of Manatee County.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of techniques and accepted practices of speech writing, copyrighting, news gathering and interviewing.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties, including state and county policies, procedures, and practices.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including public presentation skills and conflict resolution skills, to be able to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, elected officials, the general public, and other stakeholders. Able to influence others regarding policies, practices, and procedures. Able to maintain composure during confrontational or emergency situations.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO/ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.
Drug-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
- Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.
- Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
- On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
- Personal Training (5 Free per year)
- Pharmacy Technician
- Group Fitness Classes
- Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
- Diabetes Care Program
- Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
- Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Personal Sick Leave
- Family Sick Leave
- Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
- Professional Medical Appointment Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Military Leave
- Military Training Leave
- FMLA
Years of Service Vacation Days
6-10 19.50 days
11 22.75 days
- Earn an additional day of vacation every six (6) consecutive months of no sick leave.
Insurance:
- Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Prescription Insurance
- Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
- Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
- Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
- 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
- FRS Webinars
- Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner
- Professional Leadership Programs
- Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Career Counseling
- Toastmasters
- Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
- Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards
Education Benefits:
- Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
- Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- Fitness Center Access for employee only
- FRS options
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
a pro-rated basis
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
- Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.
- Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
- On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
- Personal Training (5 Free per year)
- Pharmacy Technician
- Group Fitness Classes
- Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
- Diabetes Care Program
- Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
- Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Personal Sick Leave
- Family Sick Leave
- Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
- Professional Medical Appointment Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Military Leave
- Military Training Leave
- FMLA
Years of Service Vacation Days
6-10 19.50 days
11 22.75 days
- Earn an additional day of vacation every six (6) consecutive months of no sick leave.
Insurance:
- Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Prescription Insurance
- Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
- Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
- Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
- 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
- FRS Webinars
- Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner
- Professional Leadership Programs
- Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Career Counseling
- Toastmasters
- Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
- Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards
Education Benefits:
- Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
- Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- Fitness Center Access for employee only
- FRS options
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
Paid Time Off:
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
a pro-rated basis
Salary : $61,523 - $92,296
