NATURE OF WORK Working closely with the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager, Elected Officials, and department directors, the position provides advice and guidance on communication and public relations for both internal and external subjects. The position requires knowledge of, and ability to apply, the principles of: public relations, communication, visual design and the knowledge of the technical characteristics associated with various methods of visual display, the ability to present subject matter information in both written and visual form that will convey the intended message to, or have the desired effect on, the intended audience. This position will develop and disseminate strategic communication and public information materials to build a positive awareness of County services, programs, offices, departments, and positions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
- Develops written communications for both internal and external use.
- Develops social media strategies and produces content (text, photo and video).
- Researches and recommends new forms of media and social media outreach and seeks opportunities to promote County activities through approved and established outlets.
- Develops public information strategies for County programs based on internal and external communications needs of the program.
- Plans, develops and produces written materials including fact sheets, displays, slide programs, brochures and other educational and promotional materials related to County programs.
- Coordinates with Commissioners, Commissioners' Office staff, department heads and division and program managers on visual products and information that accompanies speaking engagements, forums, workshops, meetings, and open houses; assists with design and production of associated promotional materials for those public meetings and events in a manner facilitating a positive contact with Lewis County. Working closely with management, produces talking points, speeches, fact sheets, brochures, and other education and outreach materials.
- May serve as liaison with news media and the general public, as assigned on specific projects. Builds strong working relationships with local media. Researches and discusses strategic plans with management, and, when assigned, responds to media inquiries.
- Supervises the production of graphic materials; explains desired typography, illustrations, layouts, and other requirements to printers and other consultants.
- Serves as a resource to all County departments and elected offices in producing promotional and educational materials to support programs and services. Provides in-house information and training on communication-related topics.
- Develops and maintains an effective, positive working relationship with interest groups, public agencies, and the general public.
- Responsibilities may include communications internally and externally in times of emergency or natural disasters.
- Oversees development and distribution of, writes, and edits media releases, pamphlets, flyers, newsletters and other publicity materials for activities, events, and recreational programs.
- Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in a standard office environment; subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 35 pounds.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a closely related field; AND three (3) years’ of professional experience in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism or related field is required. A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
- County policies and procedures.
- Social Media and the use of other various mediums used to communicate both internally and externally.
- Knowledge of public information strategy and the principles and methods used in the preparation of public information materials.
- Knowledge of various media sources and how to package information to ensure wide dissemination.
- Knowledge of graphic arts and printing methods, materials and terminology. Computer/Desktop Publishing experience preferred.
Skills in:
- Extensive electronic media experience, including but not limited to work with the various social media platforms.
- Ability to take communication points and complex technical information and convert them into desired products and practical application.
- Ability to write, edit and simplify messages from all parts of county government.
- Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with local media.
- Ability to quickly and proactively develop talking points and relative themes on any given issue, and recognize and address problems prior to escalation into larger areas of concern.
- Ability to conceptualize and design effective publications and public information materials.
- Knowledge of public policy and decision-making processes.
- Extensive independent judgment is required to make recommendations regarding, and to carry out County public information policies and activities.
- Ability to conduct opinion surveys.
- A solid understanding of video production; computer, graphic art or photography capability is desirable.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a closely related field; AND three (3) years’ of professional experience in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or related field is required.
- A valid Driver’s License is required. May be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Ability to quickly and proactively develop talking points and relative themes on any given issue.
- Extensive electronic media experience including social media platforms.
- A solid understanding of video production; computer, graphic art or photography capability.
- Public sector experience preferred
HOW TO APPLY Application materials and job description are available online at https://jobs.lewiscountywa.gov/. All applications must be completed online using the Lewis County web page.
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