Public Information Officer/Marketing Coordinator

Job Description

This position is responsible for developing and coordinating the execution of the County’s communication and marketing strategies.

Job Duties

• Creates, organizes and manages the public relations activities, media relations, and communication objectives and products for the county across multiple channels using traditional, on-line and social media platforms. Communication tools may include, but are not limited to, websites, news releases, media advisories, video production, e-newsletters, brochures, flyers, speeches, presentation and feature articles.
• Develops and coordinates the execution of a communication strategy for the County. Works with County departments and offices to create effective and coordinated messages that promote awareness of County services, projects, policies, and events.
• Serves as an official County spokesperson and public information officer (PIO) on a wide range of County issues, including during disasters, emergency scenarios and drills.
• Performs public relations/news dissemination functions, including preparing news releases, coordinating press inquiries, brochure development, conducting interviews, gathering information from individual County departments and preparing County representatives for media interviews when necessary.
• Develops and implements public outreach initiatives, including coordinating informational campaigns, community meetings, and public presentations to promote transparency and engagement on county projects.
• Maintains professional media relations and monitors media coverage of pertinent topics. Develop strategies and policies for communicating information to the media and the public to ensure accurate and timely responses to public inquiries.
• Acts as a media advisor to the County on public information and media issues. Creates, reviews and updates communication policies and procedures in alignment with best practices and standards.
• Creates various print and digital communications which include graphics, photography, videography, etc. Researches latest trends and technology for improved communication strategies.
• In conjunction with Information Services, maintains and updates content on the County’s website and/or social media sites and ensures the website is ADA compliant.
• Create and implement a plan for the County's use of social media tools in communicating with the public; assists with development of policies regulating the use of such tools.
• Works with each department head and/or their designee on their specific social media sites and communication plans.
• Tracks and analyzes communication performance metrics (e.g., web analytics, social media engagement, media coverage) to evaluate effectiveness and improve outreach strategies.
• Acts as a resource for County departments regarding their communication strategies, public relations and marketing needs.
• Oversees the intake, tracking, and fulfillment of open records requests; ensures timely, accurate responses and maintains documentation in accordance with public records laws and retention requirements.
• Coordinates the branding and marketing efforts and ensures brand consistency throughout the county. Designs graphics for electronic and/or print communication. Seek opportunities to enhance the brand and coordinate outreach community events.
• Coordinate media training for County staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field
• Three to five years experience in government communications involving writing, media relations, and public relations responsibilities.
• Two years of experience in graphic design; creating print, digital, and video or related content in the Public sector.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Iowa driver’s license.

• Knowledge of public and media relations including public speaking.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Understanding of various communication methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of digital and social media including website content management and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of the English language to include grammar spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including excellent proofreading and editing skills.
• Strong creative abilities and the ability to develop innovative ideas and concepts.
• Working understanding of effective design and communication, including conceptualization, production artwork, pre-press, printing technologies and web, Internet, design, software technologies.
• Ability to effectively interact with a broad range of people to effectively accomplish assigned tasks or projects and develop and maintain professional relationships.
• Must have strong attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to handle multiple tasks, changing priorities and work under deadlines.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in mediating and resolving disputes.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.
• Eligible to telecommute with the approval of the Director of Finance and Operations.