Spokane County is hiring: Communications Specialist - Webmaster/Digital Content

This position works 37.5 hours per week.The position allocated to this class performs professional work developing, designing, writing, coordinating, producing, and publishing a variety of general, technical, and marketing materials for County personnel in both electronic, video and print-ready formats. Duties include developing content and communication strategies in coordination with departments, the Communications Manager and Communications Director. The incumbent analyzes facts and applies judgment to determine proper action within the limits of standard digital content outreach procedure. Regular contact is made with both inside and outside sources to supply or obtain information for distribution. Serving as Webmaster, the incumbent has primary responsibility for oversight and content posted to the County website, and functions as a subject matter expert on the Content Management System (CMS). Work is performed under the administrative direction and supervision of the countywide Communications Director, closely coordinated with the Elected officials/Department Heads or their designee, in a highly diverse and political environment. The position requires considerable independent judgment with results reviewed by achievement of goals and effectiveness. Specialists may assign work to technical and clerical employees.TOTAL COMPENSATION: $73,364 - $102,638 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices. Key Responsibilities:Researches, writes, edits, and coordinates with departments throughout Spokane County on the production and design of community engagement and marketing material(s) for Spokane County website, social media, and other digital platforms.Analyzes previously published materials to determine the need for revisions and development of new material based on Spokane County branding and messaging guidelines for websites, social media, and other digital platforms.Performs all duties within the context of building upon public understanding and support of BoCC priorities and initiatives for public engagement.Reviews feedback mechanisms and content effectiveness metrics to fine-tune content design.Provides both print and digital content, including photography, video, graphic design, and journalistic writing for the website and social media.Manages content projects from start to finish, leading discussions with stakeholders and departments while providing updates and problem-solving.Prepares, outlines, formats, and designs graphics, page layouts, and printing specifications for various print documents and manuals.Creates annual multi-media presentation, advertisement, and marketing materials for the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC).Writes, edits, and reviews periodic publications including informational documents and newsletters.Publishes and reviews online material including social media, static and dynamic website content.Monitors and provides assistance to over 50 department social media accounts.Maintains publishing calendar and creates consistent content for the county's primary social media accounts. Interacts with the general public on a routine basis through official social media.Maintains authorization and login for all County social media accounts to include the creation of any new accounts.Develops, updates, and manages departmental adherence to Spokane County Web Governance Policy and Social Media Use Policy.Advises, researches, designs, and publishes forms and questionnaires for countywide use.Serves as CMS Administrator/Webmaster. Establishes training programs for non-technical personnel and provides consultation on web design and publishing to departmental personnel.Reviews, assesses, and as needed, revises content within print and electronic media.Archives and maintains digital public information in accordance with Washington Public Records Law.Manages analytics for website maintenance, search engine optimization (SEO), marketing, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, etc.Responds and supports crisis communication efforts, including media relations and public response.Supports the Communications Manager and Communications Director with event marketing needs.Manages audio/visual equipment and software.Manages and coordinates live streaming functions, as needed.Provides accurate and timely information for media requests. Acts as back-up for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and the Communications Director.Advises on best practices and strategic communications plans.Coordinates security and legal review of digital content with legal direction.Organizes and prioritizes work to ensure deadlines are met and projects are completed in a timely manner.Maintains open and continuous communication with the Communications Director, the Communications Manager, and department contacts regarding work product and the status of various projects.Performs other related duties as required/assigned.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in English, technical writing, journalism, communications, or a closely related field, andThree (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in written communications, including general and technical writing, desktop publishing (and closely related activities), as well as experience in CMS application or database management software.An equivalent amount of related education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job may be considered.A valid driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation.Preferred Qualifications:Knowledge of content strategy, content operations, design thinking, or user-centered design strategy.Knowledge of conventions of technical writing and editing.Knowledge of desktop publishing techniques, related computer system applications, and printing methods, including text and graphic layout and design.Knowledge of training principles, Project Management skills, and techniques.Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with both inside and outside contacts.Skilled in the use of office technology, including word processing, database development, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Create Cloud.Ability to produce clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports, documents, forms, flowcharts, and other printed materials.Ability to independently prioritize and organize work assignments and meet critical deadlines.Ability to demonstrate strong organizational abilities and high-level detail orientation.Ability to exhibit superior critical thinking and analytical skills.Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.#J-18808-Ljbffr