Communications Specialist - Digital Communications

PURPOSE SUMMARY.  The Communications Specialist supports the county by enhancing outreach, recruitment, and public education efforts. This position develops and delivers communications. The specialist coordinates public awareness campaigns, assists with community engagement initiatives, and facilitates information sharing between departments and the public. The role gathers and relays public feedback, promotes collaboration with state, county, and city partners, and is available to support communications during emergencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES. 

1. Media and Public Communications

Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries.

Prepare and disseminate news releases, public service announcements, and other communications during emergencies and routine operations; ensure follow-up with reporters.

Develop and distribute news releases, public service announcements, and other media materials.

Assist with coordinating and conducting news conferences and media briefings as needed.

Research and analyze information and data related to media and public inquiries.

2. Public Outreach and Education

Assist with developing and implementing outreach programs to educate the public about the roles, services, and county initiatives.

Collaborate with departments to create and manage educational content, including brochures, social media posts, and multimedia materials..

Assist with organizing and participating in community events, fairs, and forums to promote public safety awareness and engagement.

3. Emergency and Crisis Communications

Respond to emergencies to provide timely and accurate information to the public and media.

Coordinate with departments during incidents to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication.

Provide updates and emergency messages.

Assist in the Joint Information Center during large-scale disasters or emergencies.

Assist in the development and execution of crisis communication plans.

4. Community Engagement

Gather feedback from the public regarding services and relay this information to relevant departments for continuous improvement.

Foster positive relationships with community members and organizations.

Assist with conducting surveys and community meetings to understand public concerns and expectations.

5. Interagency Collaboration

Act as a liaison with partner agencies at the state, county, and city levels, including neighboring county Public Information Officers.

Assist with promoting and facilitating collaborative initiatives and partnerships.

Assist with coordinating joint communications and outreach activities with partner agencies.

6. Recruitment Support

Assist public safety departments with recruitment campaigns and initiatives.

Develop marketing materials and strategies to attract qualified candidates for public safety roles, ensuring Spanish-language versions are available.

Participate in recruitment events and career fairs to represent the county’s public safety departments, including those serving Spanish-speaking communities.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  Other duties as assigned.   Requires flexibility to work outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS.

A.  Education. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, Public Relations, Emergency Management, or a related field.

B.  Experience. Three (3) years of experience in public information, communications, or public relations, preferably within a public safety or government setting. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

C.  Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County policy. 

D.  Licenses/Certifications. Must have a valid driver’s license.  Must maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with County policy.  Must obtain a Certification in Public Information and Emergency Management within the first year of hire.

E.  Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background check and driving record check. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of:

Professional journalistic methods.

Current principles, techniques, and objectives of marketing, public information, media relations, and community relation programs.

Media tactics, interview preparation, and techniques.

Public safety operations and terminology.

Emergency communication and crisis management.

Social media management and content creation.

Local, state, and federal public safety agencies and protocols.

Business correspondence standards including English grammar, formatting, spelling, and punctuation.

Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.

Skill in:

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including public relations and presentations.

Apply strong interpersonal skills to interact with diverse audiences.

Handle crisis situations, sensitive issues, and confidential information in an appropriate manner.

Prepare and present information for diverse audiences in clear and accessible formats.

Ability to:

Build relationships with the media, other agencies, and the public.

Work under pressure in both routine and emergency situations.

Handle multiple tasks in high-stress environments.

Adapt to changing needs and priorities.