Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Communications Director
Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Bartow, Florida, United States, 33830
Job Description
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Director
Paygrade 31
$107,681.60 - $172,265.60 annual salary
**THIS POSITION WILL BE POSTED UNTIL FILLED**
Employee BenefitsDirect Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay ChecksMedical, Dental, VisionLife InsuranceFRS Retirement10 Paid HolidaysPaid Time OffTuition ReimbursementEducation IncentivesDeferred Compensation PlanWellness IncentivesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Free Employee GymFree Employee Health Clinic** Internal candidates should apply via Polk One- Me Section **
This position is exempt from appeals procedures. The successful applicant works at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
MAJOR FUNCTIONS
Responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic, multi-faceted communications program that strengthens the county's mission and reputation and promotes its services. Ensures all communications follow approved policies and procedures. With expertise in external and internal communications, the director designs/writes/assigns/edits/approves messaging and supervises the Communications team. Executive Producer of PGTV, the county's cable access television operations and video production services for county divisions.
Reports to the Deputy County Manager for Support and Human Services.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Direct all activities and personnel associated with the county's centralized communications program including budgets, work priorities and assignments, hiring, evaluations, scheduling, and discipline.Develop and maintain ongoing working relationships with media, commissioners, community leaders and other stakeholders. Represent the Board as a spokesperson in contacts with the news media, community and civic organizations.Prepare various types of information on current and anticipated issues for publication and provides specific information requested by the media and through public records requests.Respond to natural and manmade disasters and other crisis events. Reports directly to the Emergency Management Director during declared emergencies and is responsible for the creation, management and implementation of countywide emergency public information.Provide media relations and other related training to employees who are designated to speak to the media.Oversee external communications including news and public information, public relations and marketing to meet the county's communications objectives.Lead the strategic planning, design, writing, editing and production of publications, including but not limited to PowerPoint presentations, brochures, booklets, e-newsletters, and the annual report;Develop and implement social media content strategy and campaigns that are consistent with the county's brand identity and support communications goals. Oversee the content creators for quality, consistency and effective scheduling; monitor and evaluate the county's social media presence and performance. Respond to inquiries seven days a week.Maintain relationships with vendors to develop and manage content on the county's websites, chat bot, and text messaging services. Analyze data for SEO effectiveness.Oversee and direct budget, creation, production and delivery of all content for Polk's Government Cable Television (PGTV) channel, live streaming and video content for all county uses, including social media. Assist divisions with development and implementation of content to promote their programs and services. Provide script writing and content approval. Serve as a host on-camera when needed.Plans, manages and provides PGTV team support for boardroom and meeting room audio-visual systems, room set-up and recordings for public record.Provide guidance in the coordination of all county events to include ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, major announcements, press conferences and community events.Manage the county's internal communications services through a web app; email and push notices to employees on their desktops, tablets and cell phones.Coordinate with the county manager's office to assist with the county's legislative initiatives. Serve as the lead event planner for Polk County Day for the commissioners, including sponsorship solicitation, event logistics in Tallahassee, and creating and assembling informational packets for staff and commissioners.Oversee the county switchboard service; investigate and respond to resident complaints and inquiries; oversee the county's general email account and website chatbot message board to ensure timely customer service.Perform special or related duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively verbally, in writing, including creative and journalistic writing, and presentations.Knowledge of best practices and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) law in operating a broadcast station.Knowledge of branding, marketing, and design principles, as well as digital development technologies and trends; ensure consistency of key messages and brand identity.Strong understanding of social media/digital marketing, communications platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and others with the ability to analyze and interpret data and make data-driven decisions.Ability to create and prepare information for publication on a broad range of issues for a diverse audience, using all media sources.Time and project management skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage complex workloads in a fast-paced environment.Ability to analyze information and data quickly, to gain insights, solve problems, strategize, and then use independent judgment to make effective decisions.Visual capabilities.Ability to ambulate independently.Knowledge of ADA compliance requirements for websites and documents, FCC regulations for PEG (government) television channels, Florida Sunshine and government social media law.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or a related field plus a minimum of five years (5) experience in public administration or public information which included developing and overseeing a public information program and digital strategies, including at least three (3) years management experience in a public relations/information environment.
Intermediate to advanced-level experience with Microsoft Office 365 (including PowerPoint), graphic and digital design platforms including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Rush), ChatGPT or other AI platforms.
Intermediate to advanced-level experience working with digital platforms to include WordPress, Hootsuite, Constant Contact, Survey Monkey and digital asset management.
Must have a valid driver license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver license at the time of employment within this classification.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications Director
Paygrade 31
$107,681.60 - $172,265.60 annual salary
**THIS POSITION WILL BE POSTED UNTIL FILLED**
Employee BenefitsDirect Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay ChecksMedical, Dental, VisionLife InsuranceFRS Retirement10 Paid HolidaysPaid Time OffTuition ReimbursementEducation IncentivesDeferred Compensation PlanWellness IncentivesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Free Employee GymFree Employee Health Clinic** Internal candidates should apply via Polk One- Me Section **
This position is exempt from appeals procedures. The successful applicant works at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
MAJOR FUNCTIONS
Responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic, multi-faceted communications program that strengthens the county's mission and reputation and promotes its services. Ensures all communications follow approved policies and procedures. With expertise in external and internal communications, the director designs/writes/assigns/edits/approves messaging and supervises the Communications team. Executive Producer of PGTV, the county's cable access television operations and video production services for county divisions.
Reports to the Deputy County Manager for Support and Human Services.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Direct all activities and personnel associated with the county's centralized communications program including budgets, work priorities and assignments, hiring, evaluations, scheduling, and discipline.Develop and maintain ongoing working relationships with media, commissioners, community leaders and other stakeholders. Represent the Board as a spokesperson in contacts with the news media, community and civic organizations.Prepare various types of information on current and anticipated issues for publication and provides specific information requested by the media and through public records requests.Respond to natural and manmade disasters and other crisis events. Reports directly to the Emergency Management Director during declared emergencies and is responsible for the creation, management and implementation of countywide emergency public information.Provide media relations and other related training to employees who are designated to speak to the media.Oversee external communications including news and public information, public relations and marketing to meet the county's communications objectives.Lead the strategic planning, design, writing, editing and production of publications, including but not limited to PowerPoint presentations, brochures, booklets, e-newsletters, and the annual report;Develop and implement social media content strategy and campaigns that are consistent with the county's brand identity and support communications goals. Oversee the content creators for quality, consistency and effective scheduling; monitor and evaluate the county's social media presence and performance. Respond to inquiries seven days a week.Maintain relationships with vendors to develop and manage content on the county's websites, chat bot, and text messaging services. Analyze data for SEO effectiveness.Oversee and direct budget, creation, production and delivery of all content for Polk's Government Cable Television (PGTV) channel, live streaming and video content for all county uses, including social media. Assist divisions with development and implementation of content to promote their programs and services. Provide script writing and content approval. Serve as a host on-camera when needed.Plans, manages and provides PGTV team support for boardroom and meeting room audio-visual systems, room set-up and recordings for public record.Provide guidance in the coordination of all county events to include ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, major announcements, press conferences and community events.Manage the county's internal communications services through a web app; email and push notices to employees on their desktops, tablets and cell phones.Coordinate with the county manager's office to assist with the county's legislative initiatives. Serve as the lead event planner for Polk County Day for the commissioners, including sponsorship solicitation, event logistics in Tallahassee, and creating and assembling informational packets for staff and commissioners.Oversee the county switchboard service; investigate and respond to resident complaints and inquiries; oversee the county's general email account and website chatbot message board to ensure timely customer service.Perform special or related duties as assigned.KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively verbally, in writing, including creative and journalistic writing, and presentations.Knowledge of best practices and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) law in operating a broadcast station.Knowledge of branding, marketing, and design principles, as well as digital development technologies and trends; ensure consistency of key messages and brand identity.Strong understanding of social media/digital marketing, communications platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and others with the ability to analyze and interpret data and make data-driven decisions.Ability to create and prepare information for publication on a broad range of issues for a diverse audience, using all media sources.Time and project management skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize, and manage complex workloads in a fast-paced environment.Ability to analyze information and data quickly, to gain insights, solve problems, strategize, and then use independent judgment to make effective decisions.Visual capabilities.Ability to ambulate independently.Knowledge of ADA compliance requirements for websites and documents, FCC regulations for PEG (government) television channels, Florida Sunshine and government social media law.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or a related field plus a minimum of five years (5) experience in public administration or public information which included developing and overseeing a public information program and digital strategies, including at least three (3) years management experience in a public relations/information environment.
Intermediate to advanced-level experience with Microsoft Office 365 (including PowerPoint), graphic and digital design platforms including Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Rush), ChatGPT or other AI platforms.
Intermediate to advanced-level experience working with digital platforms to include WordPress, Hootsuite, Constant Contact, Survey Monkey and digital asset management.
Must have a valid driver license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver license at the time of employment within this classification.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.