Public Relations Manager

General Description of Duties

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAY GRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.

This position is highly responsible professional and supervisory work assisting the Communications Director in the development and implementation of external communication strategies and initiatives. Performs administrative, technical, and professional work, providing information on the programs, services, and policies of the County. Work involves considerable exercise of independent initiative and judgment. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Communications Director and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and achievement of results obtained.

Tact and diplomacy are essential as the employee will have considerable contact with the County Administration, Board of County Commissioners, Constitutional Offices, employees, vendors, external agencies, and citizens.

Essential Job Functions

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Supports commissioners, executive leadership, and departments across the County by providing strategic media relations technical assistance.

• Anticipates, responds and tracks requests from members of the media and the public.

• Develops and prepares executive communications, such as talking points, scripts, and presentations as needed.

• Drafts informative communications for members of the media and public, including press releases, news advisories, media tips, etc. as needed.

• Manages advertising and media buys for the County.

• Identifies and creates opportunities to bolster a positive reputation for the County, including nominations, subject matter expertise, events, community engagement opportunities, etc.

• Serves as Emergency Management Lead for the Communications Department providing expertise and support in the event of an emergency; ensures all County communications channels are updated including the website, etc.

• Supports the Citizen Information Center operations in the event of an emergency.

• Captures high-quality photo and video imagery for the County to be used for marketing materials and provides video editing support as needed.

• Provides guidance, support, and supervision to subordinate staff.

• This is a Tier 2 position, and as such will be required to report as directed during a County emergency or disaster.

• Performs other duties as assigned/necessary which are related or logical in assignment to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: bachelor's degree in communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or related field.

Experience:Four (4) years of progressive experience in communications and public relations to include one (1) year of supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Preferred skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to write in a creative and innovative style.

• Ability to be perceptive and analyze situations logically and respond with practical solutions to meet the needs of the hour.

• Good listener and open to suggestions and feedback as this will help him/her and the growth of the County.

• Ability to make immediate decisions which should be wise and appropriate.

• Ability to coordinate and adapt to every new environment.

• Skill in new ideas and policies for promotional activities, campaigns, etc., in an innovative and creative manner.

• Ability to analyze different issues and provide effective and favorable solutions to all parties.

• Ability to understand and express ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Skill in interpersonal and leadership communications with the public, representing the county; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing, and in presentations.

• Ability to engage in a range of activities that comprises editing and maintains records, writing speeches, sending out press releases, web copies, and other sources of data that promote the image of the county.

• Ability to interpret and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, public officials, the general public, and representatives of other agencies.

• Ability to access, operate, and maintain various software applications.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demand: Light

• 20 pounds maximum lifting.

• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 lbs.

• If less lifting is involved will require significant walking/standing.

• If mostly sitting is involved will require push/pull on arm or leg controls.

• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.

• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.

• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.

• Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.