Kent County, MI
Communications Manager
Kent County, MI, Grand Rapids, Michigan, us, 49528
Salary:
$84,805.00 - $96,451.00 Annually
Location :
County Administration Building 300 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids
Job Type:
Full-time
Job Number:
2409-101-3761
Department:
Administrator/Controller
Opening Date:
08/30/2024
Closing Date:
9/13/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Responsibilities
Please attach two professional writing samples to your application. These samples are crucial to our evaluation process and should include letters, news releases, and/or social media posts you wrote.
Under general supervision, the successful candidate will plan, develop, and implement various communication strategies. They will also work to deliver public information, promote the utilization of Kent County services, and build positive relationships with community stakeholders. The focus areas for this role include public health and parks.
Duties of this position include:Help raise public awareness of Kent County and its mission, vision, and role within the community.
Write, design, and develop content for multiple communication channels, including the County's website, e-newsletters, news releases, presentations, social media, and more.
Use an e-mail subscription management system for communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Support media relations efforts by fielding media calls, responding to requests, and coordinating interviews as appropriate.
Ensure brand standards to safeguard consistency across all communications and help educate teams on brand standards.
Consult with County departments and offices to develop and execute plans to communicate information on County services and programs.
Coordinate special projects with varied stakeholders.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or relevant discipline combined with four years of progressively responsible experience in designing, developing, and implementing marketing, public relations, or communications programs and activities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Proficient in Microsoft Office, databases, and social media content management systems. (i.e. Sprout Social)Excellent written and public speaking skills and strong interpersonal skills.Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Granicus) is desirable.Familiarity with graphic design principles and tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work under tight deadlines.Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, executives, community leaders, and residents across various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, with varying levels of education and communication skills.Knowledge of public health and park services is a plus.
Additional Information
*Notices will come via email so please be sure to monitor the email address indicated on your application*
Don't take our word for it that Kent County is a great place to work and thrive. Watch this video on why our staff have made us their employer of choice.
Kent County Human ResourcesBenefit SummaryManagement Pay Plan (MPP), Exempt
Effective January 1, 2024
Medical and Prescription Plans/Health Care PremiumHealth Care Providers - BCBS Wellness PPO, Blue Care Network HMO orBCMS Wellness High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA)Prescription Provider -Capital RxPPO or HMO: 20% of total healthcare premium per month - pretaxHDHP w/ HSA: 15% of total healthcare premium per month - pretaxHSA - One time new enrollment County contribution of $1,000 single or $2,000 family,max HSA contribution $4,150 single / $8,300 family
Eligible for non-smoking and wellness exam incentivesMedical benefits will become effective first day of the month after hire.BENEFIT ELECTION FORM MUST BE RETURNED TOHUMAN RESOURCES WITHIN 4 DAYS OF HIRE.
Dental Plan - VariproClass I - 100% of incurred charges (2 cleanings and 1 x-ray per person, per year)All other Services - 50% of reasonable costs (including Orthodontics)Up to $2,500 annually per family
Vision Plan - VSPNo charge for WellVision Exam; $20 materials co-pay or up to $60 co-pay for contact fitting with participating doctors
Life Insurance$50,000 County paid Term Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance/Dependent Life InsuranceSelf-pay in increments of $5,000; Minimum-$15,000/Maximum-$450,000Spouse term life = $25,000, Child term life = $10,000
Flexible Spending - VariproPre-tax contributions for Health and Dependent Care - only for HMO & PPO plans
Vacation Leave6 hours 40 minutes each month - after initial month of hire (0-3 years)See MPP Benefit Book for subsequent accrual
Paid Time OffPro-rated amount of 80 hours based on number remaining months in the year at time of hire.80 hours on the payroll at start of the year.May accumulate up to 120 hoursUnused paid time off in excess of 120 hours will be added to the employee's retirement bonus bank.
Paid Parental Leave80 hours of paid time off for birth of a child or temporary placement of the child for adoption. Eligible the 1st of the month following date of hire, runs concurrently with FMLA
Sickness & Accident Plan1st day of accident or 8th day of illness67% of gross wages; 26 week benefitEligible 1st of the month following date of hireEligible for one-time S&A Supplement Bank of 48 hours.
Long Term Disability60% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $5,000 per month; 180 day waiting period
Holidays11 Scheduled Holidays
Probation PeriodNone - At Will Employee/Management Relationship
Tuition Reimbursement$365 per credit hour; maximum of 9 credit hours per year (see policy for eligibility)
MileagePublished IRS Rate
Deferred CompensationEnrollment first of each month with a minimum investment of $25 per pay period
Retirement/Defined PensionMandatory participation in a Contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan.Employee contribution is 9.21% of pre-tax earnings
Supplement to Medical Benefits PremiumBased on years of service, employees may be eligible for a medical benefits premium supplement.Kent County reserves the right to modify Management Pay Plan benefits.
*The above is a summary of benefits. For specific benefits information consult the MPP handbook and summary plan descriptions.
$84,805.00 - $96,451.00 Annually
Location :
County Administration Building 300 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids
Job Type:
Full-time
Job Number:
2409-101-3761
Department:
Administrator/Controller
Opening Date:
08/30/2024
Closing Date:
9/13/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Responsibilities
Please attach two professional writing samples to your application. These samples are crucial to our evaluation process and should include letters, news releases, and/or social media posts you wrote.
Under general supervision, the successful candidate will plan, develop, and implement various communication strategies. They will also work to deliver public information, promote the utilization of Kent County services, and build positive relationships with community stakeholders. The focus areas for this role include public health and parks.
Duties of this position include:Help raise public awareness of Kent County and its mission, vision, and role within the community.
Write, design, and develop content for multiple communication channels, including the County's website, e-newsletters, news releases, presentations, social media, and more.
Use an e-mail subscription management system for communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Support media relations efforts by fielding media calls, responding to requests, and coordinating interviews as appropriate.
Ensure brand standards to safeguard consistency across all communications and help educate teams on brand standards.
Consult with County departments and offices to develop and execute plans to communicate information on County services and programs.
Coordinate special projects with varied stakeholders.Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or relevant discipline combined with four years of progressively responsible experience in designing, developing, and implementing marketing, public relations, or communications programs and activities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Proficient in Microsoft Office, databases, and social media content management systems. (i.e. Sprout Social)Excellent written and public speaking skills and strong interpersonal skills.Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Granicus) is desirable.Familiarity with graphic design principles and tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work under tight deadlines.Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, executives, community leaders, and residents across various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, with varying levels of education and communication skills.Knowledge of public health and park services is a plus.
Additional Information
*Notices will come via email so please be sure to monitor the email address indicated on your application*
Don't take our word for it that Kent County is a great place to work and thrive. Watch this video on why our staff have made us their employer of choice.
Kent County Human ResourcesBenefit SummaryManagement Pay Plan (MPP), Exempt
Effective January 1, 2024
Medical and Prescription Plans/Health Care PremiumHealth Care Providers - BCBS Wellness PPO, Blue Care Network HMO orBCMS Wellness High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA)Prescription Provider -Capital RxPPO or HMO: 20% of total healthcare premium per month - pretaxHDHP w/ HSA: 15% of total healthcare premium per month - pretaxHSA - One time new enrollment County contribution of $1,000 single or $2,000 family,max HSA contribution $4,150 single / $8,300 family
Eligible for non-smoking and wellness exam incentivesMedical benefits will become effective first day of the month after hire.BENEFIT ELECTION FORM MUST BE RETURNED TOHUMAN RESOURCES WITHIN 4 DAYS OF HIRE.
Dental Plan - VariproClass I - 100% of incurred charges (2 cleanings and 1 x-ray per person, per year)All other Services - 50% of reasonable costs (including Orthodontics)Up to $2,500 annually per family
Vision Plan - VSPNo charge for WellVision Exam; $20 materials co-pay or up to $60 co-pay for contact fitting with participating doctors
Life Insurance$50,000 County paid Term Life Insurance
Supplemental Life Insurance/Dependent Life InsuranceSelf-pay in increments of $5,000; Minimum-$15,000/Maximum-$450,000Spouse term life = $25,000, Child term life = $10,000
Flexible Spending - VariproPre-tax contributions for Health and Dependent Care - only for HMO & PPO plans
Vacation Leave6 hours 40 minutes each month - after initial month of hire (0-3 years)See MPP Benefit Book for subsequent accrual
Paid Time OffPro-rated amount of 80 hours based on number remaining months in the year at time of hire.80 hours on the payroll at start of the year.May accumulate up to 120 hoursUnused paid time off in excess of 120 hours will be added to the employee's retirement bonus bank.
Paid Parental Leave80 hours of paid time off for birth of a child or temporary placement of the child for adoption. Eligible the 1st of the month following date of hire, runs concurrently with FMLA
Sickness & Accident Plan1st day of accident or 8th day of illness67% of gross wages; 26 week benefitEligible 1st of the month following date of hireEligible for one-time S&A Supplement Bank of 48 hours.
Long Term Disability60% of monthly covered earnings to a maximum of $5,000 per month; 180 day waiting period
Holidays11 Scheduled Holidays
Probation PeriodNone - At Will Employee/Management Relationship
Tuition Reimbursement$365 per credit hour; maximum of 9 credit hours per year (see policy for eligibility)
MileagePublished IRS Rate
Deferred CompensationEnrollment first of each month with a minimum investment of $25 per pay period
Retirement/Defined PensionMandatory participation in a Contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan.Employee contribution is 9.21% of pre-tax earnings
Supplement to Medical Benefits PremiumBased on years of service, employees may be eligible for a medical benefits premium supplement.Kent County reserves the right to modify Management Pay Plan benefits.
*The above is a summary of benefits. For specific benefits information consult the MPP handbook and summary plan descriptions.