Public Communications Specialist

Description

This position is responsible for coordinating various community outreach activities and services relevant to assigned departments and issues and assists with overall County Community Information initiatives. Performs community relations functions, develops outreach programs, coordinates information, and serves as a liaison between assigned departments and the public.

**Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the .

**Additional compensation based on licensure.

Essential Functions

Note : 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.

Collaborate with management to develop and implement effective community outreach and messaging campaigns based on assigned issues and departments.

Collaborates with Seminole County department directors to develop outreach goals and strategies that meet the needs of the community consistent with Seminole County's overall strategic initiatives.

Write, edit, and distribute content, including press releases, talking points, speeches, presentations, articles, digital content, annual report copy, video scripts, and other marketing materials that communicate County activities and services.

Attends assigned community and neighborhood events and prepares collateral as necessary. Plans County-related groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, and other events as assigned.

Develops community outreach programs to educate the public regarding services associated with assigned departments.

Provides media coordination and support to Community Relations Officer as needed, including arranging interviews. This is not a spokesperson position.

Coordinates external communication efforts with applicable outside agencies as well as departments and divisions within Seminole County.

Responds to public, media, and community inquiries as needed.

Works collaboratively with SGTV and Graphics offices.

Monitors media reports, editorial, and social media pertaining to assigned departments and Seminole County overall.

Maintains records of media coverage, community outreach activities, and other work performed as assigned.

Additional Duties :

Performs other related work as required.

In the event of an emergency, Community Relations employees are considered essential personnel and will be required to serve at the Emergency Operations Center in a public information capacity.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, or a closely related field and six years relevant experience in communications role. This may include social media and digital media management, media relations, copywriting or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Additional Requirements

This position will require a significant amount of writing. The ideal candidate must have excellent writing and editing skills, including strong grammar, spelling, and familiarity with Chicago and APA styles of writing.

This individual will work with representatives of the media and various community members, therefore must have strong verbal and presentation skills.

Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and manage last-minute project requests with a 24-hour or less turnaround.

Strong time management and organizational skills. Ability to exercise independent initiative and judgment towards completion of assigned duties.

Ability to effectively utilize digital communication tools and websites.

Thorough knowledge of social media applications.

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

All employees must attend Seminole County required trainings.

Department-specific training per position may be required.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Community Relations Officer and is reviewed based on accuracy, timeliness, and effectiveness of results achieved.