Deputy Director, Public Relations & Marketing

Rockdale County, Georgia•Conyers, GA

About The Position

The Deputy Director, Public Relations & Marketing plans, administers, and directs public relations activities, community outreach, programming, and marketing across various media platforms to support County initiatives and inform the public. The position manages the department’s day-to-day operations, evaluates systems and procedures, and sets departmental goals. It exercises independent judgment within established guidelines and directly manages professional, supervisory, and support staff. Work is assigned by the Director, Public Relations & Marketing, and reviewed for accuracy and the propriety of results. The role supports the Director and oversees department operations, public engagement efforts, marketing materials, press releases, social media, audiovisual productions, and programming for consistency with County branding and voice. It plans departmental goals and projects, coordinates community events and public education campaigns, attends Board of Commissioners meetings, and represents the department and County when the Director is absent. The position also serves as a media spokesperson when needed, handles information requests under Georgia Open Records Law, and manages staff hiring, training, performance, and employee relations. Work is typically performed in an office, with occasional off-site visits to outdoor locations and event venues. The position may occasionally require evening and weekend work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent education, training, and work experience.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or a closely related field, including supervisory experience, or equivalent education, training, and work experience.
Valid State of Georgia driver’s license.
Knowledge of local government structure and functions, policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
Knowledge of supervisory and management methods and techniques.
Thorough knowledge of management principles and their application to 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 and familiarity with television broadcasting equipment and software.
Working knowledge of Associated Press style guidelines and ability to write and assemble articles, news releases, pamphlets, reports, and other publicity materials.
Public speaking and customer service skills, including the ability to conduct presentations and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to implement County branding standards and guidelines.
Ability to plan, implement, and coordinate large-scale public relations programs.
Ability to manage diverse projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
Ability to hire, plan, train, supervise, and review the work of subordinates.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media, community members, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, department personnel, the public, and people of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Professional certificate in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director by overseeing Public Relations Department operations and providing operational support.
Develop and implement tactics to increase public engagement with County government.
Monitor marketing materials, press releases, social media accounts, audiovisual productions, and programming to ensure consistent branding and voice.
Draft and prepare departmental, budget, and special-project reports, proposals, and presentations; plan short- and long-range departmental goals.
Plan, organize, and direct department activities, including community events, communications, programming, and productions.
Meet with department representatives and Public Relations staff to plan social media projects and public education campaigns.
Attend Board of Commissioners meetings to assist with departmental duties and represent the department when the Director is absent.
Initiate hiring and promotional processes, review applicants, interview candidates, prepare hiring paperwork, and coordinate onboarding with Human Resources.
Serve as County spokesperson to the media when the Director is absent; communicate with local reporters and write and issue press advisories, releases, and official statements of the Chairman.
Plan, assign, monitor, and evaluate staff work; select, train, reward, and discipline employees; and ensure required training and certifications are completed.
Represent the County at civic and community group meetings and facilitate meetings.
Receive and handle media and public information requests under Georgia Open Records Law.
Investigate and address department complaints, information requests, and concerns.
Perform other related duties as required by proper authority.