Communications & Operations Manager

Bonneville County•Idaho Falls, ID

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Bonneville County invites you to join a dynamic team committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve. As one of Idaho's growing communities, Bonneville County is an exciting place to build a career in public service, and this position offers the opportunity to make a visible impact through communications, collaboration, and organizational leadership. The Communications & Operations Manager is a unique opportunity to combine strategic communications with operational leadership and community engagement. This position plays a central role in how Bonneville County communicates with the public and employees while also supporting County Administration with strategic initiatives, special projects, and organizational priorities. This is a highly collaborative role for someone who enjoys variety, visibility, and meaningful work and wants to see their efforts make a difference in their community. The Communications & Operations Manager is responsible for leading Bonneville County's internal and external communications strategies while supporting the operational priorities of County Administration. Serving as a primary communications resource for the Board of County Commissioners, elected officials, department leaders, media, employees, community partners, and the public, this position promotes transparency, enhances public education, protects the County's brand, and establishes consistent communication practices across departments. The position also supports cross-departmental coordination, strategic initiatives, special projects, and organizational improvement efforts to help ensure County priorities are effectively communicated and implemented.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Administration, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related field; and Four (4) years of professional communications or public administration experience, preferably in a public-sector or local government environment; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong knowledge of local and state government structures, public-sector communications, media relations, public records concepts, open government principles, and governmental neutrality.
Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in both small and large group settings.
The ability to translate complex policy, technical information, and sensitive issues into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.
Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and content-development skills.
The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, department heads, elected officials, community partners, media representatives, and the public.
Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects independently while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
Sound judgment and composure in crisis or high-pressure situations.
The ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise tact, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive matters.
Strong conflict-resolution, mediation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency with Content Management Systems (CMS), social media management tools, graphic design software such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite, process-mapping software such as Visio or Lucidchart, and standard office platforms such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Must possess and maintain a current Idaho State driver's license.
Must successfully complete required pre-employment drug/alcohol testing and a background check.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive communications strategy that supports Bonneville County's strategic priorities, organizational goals, and commitment to transparent and effective public service.
Serve as the primary media contact by drafting press releases, media advisories, public notices, official statements, and other public information; managing media inquiries and interviews; and fostering positive relationships with news organizations.
Draft, edit, and coordinate communications for the Board of County Commissioners, County Administration, elected officials, and County departments, as assigned.
Develop communication plans and coordinate consistent messaging for major County projects, initiatives, policy changes, public meetings, emergencies, and other significant events.
Monitor local and regional media coverage involving Bonneville County and provide leadership with strategic insights and media preparation.
Direct County branding, public image, and digital communications, including the website, social media, newsletters, and informational materials.
Coordinate photography, video, graphic design, website content, public information materials, and other communications resources.
Evaluate communications tools, technologies, and best practices and recommend improvements to the County's communications program.
Collaborate with Human Resources to develop employee engagement campaigns, announcements, policy updates, and internal newsletters.
Create and maintain organizational accountability charts, workflow maps, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for media protocols, brand guidelines, public communications, and other applicable processes.
Establish and manage communication channels that promote effective information flow, organizational alignment, and employee engagement across County departments.
Identify opportunities to improve internal communication, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness.
Assist the Board of County Commissioners and County Administration with the coordination and implementation of organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and special projects.
Establish project timelines, tracking mechanisms, and progress reports to support leadership in managing key organizational priorities.
Coordinate cross-functional teams and external partners on multi-agency County projects.
Assist in identifying operational challenges and developing recommendations to improve efficiency, coordination, communication, and service delivery.
Plan and coordinate public education campaigns explaining County programs, policies, services, and resources.
Design clear visual guides, process flowcharts, and other tools that make complex information easier for residents and employees to understand.
Coordinate town halls, public hearings, outreach events, and other community engagement activities.
Help explain County programs, policies, services, and initiatives to residents, community stakeholders, and other interested parties.
Build collaborative relationships with regional municipalities, state agencies, community organizations, and other partners, representing the County at official functions as authorized.
Assist Commissioners and County leadership in communicating complex, technical, or sensitive issues to the public, employees, media, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate communications related to Board actions, resolutions, ordinances, major projects, public hearings, policy initiatives, and other significant County business.
Assist leadership in preparing for significant meetings, public events, presentations, media interviews, and community engagements.
Assist with the development, administration, and monitoring of communications and assigned administrative budgets.
Assist Commissioners and executive leadership with public presentations, Board action messaging, budget monitoring, and strategic communications.
Partner with the County Clerk, Legal Counsel, Human Resources, and other appropriate departments to support compliance with Idaho public records laws and open meeting requirements.
Help ensure public information practices promote transparency while appropriately protecting confidential and privileged information.
Maintain reliable attendance and consistent, high-quality work in accordance with Bonneville County expectations.
Other job-related duties may be assigned or required.

Benefits

One of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit
12 paid holidays
Generous vacation and sick leave that start accruing as soon as you start
Medical, dental, and vision insurance! (full-time/30+ hours per week)
PERSI Choice 401(k)
Deferred compensation plan
Life insurance
Short and long-term disability insurance
Student Loan Forgiveness
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)