Communications Specialist - Public Information

County of Weld•Greeley, CO

12d

About The Position

The Communications Specialist works in Weld County’s Communications and Public Information Department to manage communication projects from planning through implementation and evaluate their measurable outcomes. The role develops public information initiatives and campaigns across multiple platforms for county departments and divisions, supporting their program objectives as well as the county’s communication and public-engagement goals in its strategic plan. The position reports to the county’s Public Information Officer and works directly with division directors and department heads, while also supporting the Weld County Board of Commissioners. It helps build and maintain a positive public image of county government by presenting information about county projects and policies in ways that are understandable and relatable to the public. The role also supports emergency communications through the county’s Joint Information Center and Joint Information System, including work in support of the Emergency Operations Center during emergency events. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, strategic communications, or a related field, along with professional experience in communications or related work. It is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and eligible for overtime pay. Applicants must provide a resume and cover letter and pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, strategic communications, or a related field.
At least 2 years of professional experience in media, communications, journalism, or public relations.
At least 1 year of professional copy-editing experience.
At least 1 year of professional experience implementing AP Style.
Strong to expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Must pass a criminal background check before the employment start date.
Must pass the required pre-employment substance screening.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of experience creating and managing website or page content for a professional organization.
At least 1 year of experience using social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for a professional organization.
Experience with Premiere is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Recommend, conceptualize, write, design, implement, manage, and assess strategic communication plans for county departments.
Coordinate communication-plan budgets when applicable, timelines, media purchases, and communication tools.
Coordinate project work among county divisions, departments, community organizations, and partners.
Align communication and public-participation initiatives with county mission goals, values, and brand priorities.
Advise division directors and department heads on communication strategies, projects, and goals.
Present recommendations and professional opinions on communication needs, issues, and concerns to county leaders and elected officials.
Prepare proactive information for the Weld County Board of Commissioners and assist with responsive information as needed.
Set annual percentage-increase goals for communication projects and track, compile, and analyze results; present findings and recommendations to department leaders.
Serve as a subject matter expert in the county’s Joint Information Center and Joint Information System, supporting the Emergency Operations Center during emergency events.
Maintain FEMA training and familiarity with JIC/JIS expectations; perform assigned JIC/JIS duties, including monitoring public sentiment, drafting updates, responding to public and media questions, and providing briefings and reports to EOC staff and commissioners.
Write and submit press releases, pitch stories, answer questions, and respond to media and public inquiries.
Monitor media stories and social media content, assess public sentiment, and develop responsive social media communication strategies.
Coordinate or schedule interviews when requested by the county Public Information Officer and collaborate with colleagues to maintain a professional network of reporters and media professionals.
Write and edit news releases, promotional copy, program reports, e-newsletters, blog posts, social media content, video or radio scripts, website updates, presentations, and handout materials.
Edit or revise written materials created by county officials and staff.
Create and gather materials for meetings and public events, including displays and signage.
Provide direction and context for communications, public education, engagement, and public-relations work across county departments and county government.
Manage project processes, including printing, promotional-item orders, and collaboration with graphic design and video teams.
Assist with photography or videography projects as needed and help develop messaging, proactive communications, community outreach, and social media engagement.
Follow county policies and procedures, the Weld County Code of Conduct, and confidentiality and information-release guidelines.