Public Relations Manager

FLSA: Exempt

Reports To: Assistant County Administrator

Summary of Position: Under the general supervision of the Assistant County Administrator, the purpose of this position is to connect County government to citizens through traditional media, digital media, and social media; engage County employees; maintain media relations; develop and execute marketing plans; and serve as an emergency support public information specialist as outlined in the County’s emergency operations plan. This is accomplished by writing and coordinating news stories; working with media and assisting them with scheduling interviews; advising County Administrator and any department on internal and external communications; producing camera ready advertisements and flyers and media kits for marketing campaigns; and providing professional response in emergent situations.

Essential Job Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Drives efforts internally and externally to promote the County, its mission and overall public awareness of County services; operates in a highly visible and independent manner that includes extensive contact with County staff and the general public, requiring a high degree of discretion and judgment;
• Develops and prepares a public relations plan for the County in support of the communication plan;
• Designs, creates, and maintains branding images, logos, and slogans for the County and respective departments;
• Stays abreast of local media reports; proactively applies rumor control practices to ensure accurate information dissemination to citizens;
• Conducts internal and external presentations on behalf of County; seeks opportunities to inform and educate citizens; responds to citizens’ questions, concerns, and recommendations;
• Advises Board of Supervisors, Administration, and Management on public relations matters and communication best practices; works cooperatively with the County Attorney to ensure public information is accurate, transparent and legally viable;
• Oversees development and maintenance of online public communication processes; works cooperatively with technical staff to research, develop, and implement existing and future formats and technologies for timely public information disbursement (i.e. social networking opportunities, wide-spread texting services, video/televised public information resources, etc.);
• Creates and submits on behalf of the County, award nominations, and other applications to enhance the County’s image locally and throughout the Commonwealth;
• Oversees external, public-facing communication and branding in various online and print platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and industry magazines;
• Assists Board of Supervisors, Administration and County staff in developing presentations, speeches, and other important public messages;
• Schedules and plans special events that are open to the public;
• Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with members of the media;
• Communicates both internally and externally the mission and goals of the County’s strategic plan;
• Serves as a liaison to the news media by responding to media inquiries, and producing and distributing news releases;
• Produces editorial content for the County’s online presence and social media outlets;
• Analyzes community relations needs and makes recommendations to address these needs;
• Available to provide professional response on behalf of County in crises situations during non-traditional hours;
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Assistant County Administrator.

Core Competencies:

• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Collaboration/Teamwork
• Personal Accountability/Delivering Results
• Diversity and Inclusion

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) from a four-year accredited college or university in marketing, public administration, journalism, public relations, communications, or related field; minimum three years related full-time work experience; proven track record of producing communications materials.

Required Knowledge and Skill:

• Knowledge of communications methods and theory as they relate to public and media relations;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; public speaking and presentations in various settings;
• Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees and the general public;
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and to respond effectively to changing priorities;
• Work within deadlines to complete projects and assignments;
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute a public relations campaign;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Certifications and licenses: Possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment, but may require visits to outdoor project sites. May be exposed to heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals, and extreme weather conditions. Moderate noise (industrial buildings, business office with computers/copiers and printers, light traffic). May require additional duties after normal working hours in order to complete tasks. Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, work with fingers, and perceives attributes objects and materials. Work requires vocal communication for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and the general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties and performance that may be required of employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments an employee may be given. The County reserves the right to modify the job description as deemed appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Employer