• Provides leadership and direction in managing the County's communications strategy and engagement; responsible for brand guidelines and identities for the County’s family of brands, County websites, and social media platforms; evaluates new and existing communication systems and channels; utilizes modern and innovative technology, systems, software, and tools to assist in the delivery of communication internally and externally.

• Plans, directs, and supervises the work of staff engaged in day-to-day activities; selects, assigns and motivates employees through coaching, team-building feedback, goal setting, conflict resolution, and appropriate recognition. 

• Responsible for ensuring the County’s community outreach and partnership efforts reach their target audiences; identifying communication gaps and critical areas of need through meaningful, thoughtful, and inclusive engagement strategies; and encouraging cooperation within the organization and with community groups.

• Oversees and participates in the creation, editing, and issuance of press releases, social media content, educational materials, and other related communication content for the County; ensures the maintenance of webpages in accordance with applicable laws, guidelines, and best practices.

• Supports developing and designing equitable and inclusive community engagement plans and processes with staff across the organization, including accountability measures for work plans and projects.

• Advises and makes recommendations to County leadership, County Manager, Elected Officials, and relevant staff of public sentiment, trends, and mentions across all media; performs a variety of professional media, communications, and community outreach-related activities/campaigns in support of strategic initiatives.

• Serves as liaison for interdepartmental communication initiatives, developing long-term strategic plans, planning and executing communications campaigns, and conducting internal and external outreach initiatives; works with representatives from across the County to deepen understanding of communications and engagement practices and unearth opportunities for collaboration and cross-promotion.

• Develops and monitors contract compliance with external resources and contractors in developing and delivering communications and informational materials; evaluates performance and work product; monitors program expenditures and forecasts future budgetary needs.

• Acts as Public Information Officer, serving as the main point of contact for media and coordinating communications with staff during emerging crisis events; responsible for Emergency Support Function 15 (ESF15) or recovery-related coverage as assigned. 

• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

• 3 years experience as a Supervisor or Manager in a department or function.

• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, communications, journalism, public administration or related fields. Bilingual English/Spanish is highly desirable.

• Bachelor's Degree required. Master’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Knowledge Of:

• Professional and technical writing methods and practices.

• Project management principles, practices and methods.

• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.

• Organizational and community planning.

• Public policy processes. 

Skill In:

• Managing staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities and providing coaching and feedback.

• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.

• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.

• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

• May be required to work outside of regular business hours (e.g., evening and weekend hours).

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.