Strategic Communications Office - Gsp041, Communications Spec 2 "District Communications Specialist," Pay Grade I - Gainesville, GA

GSP041, Communications Specialist 2 (Pay Grade: I) - "District Communications Specialist"

Job Salary: $55,000.00

JOB SUMMARY: Under supervision, assists with the planning, development and implementation of a communications program, and/or public relations plan for an assigned agency, department, facility or function.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES: Creates and maintain a positive public image for the GDOT District to which he or she is assigned. Produces media releases, feature articles and social media content to shape public perception of the agency and to increase awareness of its work, goals and service to the public. With guidance from General Office Strategic Communications, proactively plans, develops, implements and directs media, communications and marketing campaigns for a district. Must cultivate relationships with news media outlets, journalists, bloggers and opinion leaders. Occasionally assists in preparing senior leadership for press conferences, media interviews and speeches. Positions agency for media success by implementing prescribed protocols for internal crises communications and leveraging opportunities for rapid response. Collaborates on media strategy across organization. Writes, edits, manages and prepares printed materials for the district. Assists district personnel regarding activities associated with Public Hearings/Informational Meetings.

STATE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Communications or a related field from an accredited college or university AND One year of communications or related experience

OR

Four years of communications or related experience

OR

One year of experience required at the lower level Communications Spec 1(GSP040) or position equivalent

AGENCY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possesses experience in performing professional level tasks associated with media relations:

• Possesses ability to complete press releases or alerts and manage press interviews while managing responses to requests from within the Department, social media comments and/or inquiries and questions from the public.

• Possesses experience as media spokesperson; ability to serve as a department spokesperson when needed.

• Possesses ability to communicate with a large audience, to include colleagues in various offices, news media and the public.

• Demonstrated experience in working with reporters and other members of print and broadcast media outlets, coordinating inquiries and responses in a timely manner, crafting media pitches and building relationships.

• Knows and understands the news media cycle.

• Demonstrated experience in use of social media for communications and/or marketing in a professional role, and/or actively managing social media channels for an organization.

• Possesses ability to identify opportunities for social media and to develop compelling social media content using graphics and/or visuals such as video and still photography.

• Willingness and ability to manage follower engagement and respond to comments on GDOT social media channels in a timely and effective manner.

• Possesses ability to monitor social media channels, identify trends and adopt trending concepts to amplify agency messages.

• Must be proficient in computer and software usage; ideal candidate also possesses experience with audio-visual equipment and video editing programs and is savvy on trends.

• Possesses experience with event planning, such as business meetings and press conferences.

• Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently as an office of one, with support of colleagues; demonstrated ability to effectively manage own time and workload.

• Must be able to prioritize job duties which can change quickly; performs well under pressure; displays a commitment toward completing projects by deadline; makes sound and well-informed decisions; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and recommend a solution.

• Must be willing to work late days, weekends and holidays when the need arises.

• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communications skills.

• Displays persistence in gathering information and is proficient in translating highly technical information to convey to the media and the public in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

• Possesses ability to identify and use all available platforms to broadcast agency messaging to reach the largest possible audience.

• Possesses ability to develop a communications plan and to implement communications campaigns and projects.

• Upholds and protects the agency brand by managing public perception of the agency through strategic communications efforts and initiatives; maintains a positive and professional image and is respectful in dealing with all audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to provide accurate information to the media and the public; shows attention to detail.

• Displays desire and willingness to learn about the agency and everything its employees do, from maintaining infrastructure to managing weather events and supervising construction.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL GDOT JOBS

The interview is just one part of the overall selection process and is not the only criteria used to make the final selection. In addition to the interview, the final selection is based on the applicant's work history and performance (documented in HR and/or Office files), PeopleSoft/employee status (i.e. rehire code), employee performance reviews, personnel file review (HR & Office Files), criminal background check, employment reference checks (including references and commendations from Managers and other relevant documentation) and, for supervisory positions, demonstrated leadership skills based on past and current work history will be considered.

Good Employment Standing:

In accordance with the Interview and Selection Process (ISP), an applicant must have no active disciplinary actions to be in good employment standing. Actions that may disqualify an applicant include letters of reprimand (active for 12 months after issuance date); suspension without pay or disciplinary demotion (active for 12 months from the effective date); Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) and Leave Restriction Plans (active until 12 months after the date of conclusion). In addition, an employee must have an overall ePerformance rating score of three (3) or higher on their most current evaluation. Please note that Memorandums of Concern are not considered disqualifying factors. Human Resources may remove any employee from consideration for selection who is pending a disciplinary action; however, if the action is resolved in the employee's favor, he or she will be allowed to compete.

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION.

THE SELECTED APPLICANT FOR THE POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REFERENCE CHECK AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK, WHERE APPLICABLE

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL RELEVANT JOB INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR

CONSIDERATION. ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRESCREENED.

UPON PROMOTION, THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL RECEIVE 10% or THE GDOT JOB SPECIFIC MINIMUM SALARY, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

GDOT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of communications or job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Communications Spec 1 (GSP040).

Additional Information

• Agency Logo: Requisition ID: ADM0H5E

• Number of Openings: 1

• Advertised Salary: $55,000 (I)

• Shift: Day Job

• Posting End Date: Jul 16, 2024