Director, Public Relations & Marketing

Job Summary

The employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the activities of the Public Relations Department. Work involves administering and directing a wide variety of public information, outreach and marketing programs and activities, utilizing various media. The Chairman and CEO assigns work in the form of broad policy statements. Work requires the exercise of independent thinking within the limits of guidelines, policies, standards, and precedents. This positions shall be appointed by the Chairperson with the consent of the Board of Commissioners.

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Serves as county spokesperson to the media; has daily contact with local reporters about a variety of issues; writes and issues press advisories, releases and official statements of the Chairman.

Receives all requests from the media and the public for information under Georgia Open Records Law and handles appropriately.

Directs county public education, outreach, open meetings, marketing and branding efforts; writes and reviews all printed materials including press releases, brochures and newsletters to be mass disseminated to public and media; plans and directs special events, town hall meetings and citizen involvement programs; oversees content and operation of government access channel.

Fulfills responsibilities as a member of the county management team; participates in strategic planning sessions with the Chairman and Board of Commissioners; assists Chairman and CEO with outlining and communicating to the public County goals and priorities.

Managing the planning, administering, and monitoring the County’s communications program.

Collaborate with Directors, Deputy Directors, Department Heads and SPLOST Communications Committee in managing the planning, administering, and monitoring of the SPLOST marketing and communications program.

Plans, organizes, and directs activities of the Public Relations Department; directs, monitors and evaluates performance of staff; selects, trains, rewards, and disciplines employees.

Represents the County at meetings of civic and community groups; facilitates meetings upon request.

Develops and/or reviews and maintains information for the County’s website and works in conjunction with the County’s Technology Services staff to manage the website.

Additional Duties:

The employee in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of local government structure and functions, policies, and procedures.

Thorough knowledge of the principles of management and their application to the administration of public information activities.

Thorough knowledge of journalistic, public relations and marketing principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of Georgia Open Records and Open Meetings Laws.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Working knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style guidelines for news writing.

Some knowledge/familiarity of television broadcasting equipment and software.

Ability to plan, implement and coordinate large scale public relations programs.

Ability to coordinate numerous unrelated projects simultaneously at various stages of development.

Ability to write and assemble interesting and informative articles, news releases, pamphlets, reports and other publicity materials.

Ability to interpret and present abstract ideas in creative pictorial graphic forms.

Ability to hire, plan, supervise, and review the work of subordinates.

Ability to regularly work closely with the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners leadership on various issues and initiatives.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the media, general community, co-workers, elected and appointed officials, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Working Conditions

Work takes place in an office environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, marketing, journalism or a closely related field; including supervisory experience. Must have five (5) years of relevant experience in government.
• OR have a combination of education, training and work experience that is equivalent to #1 and #2 above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.

Preference

1. Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.