Information & Education Specialist

County of Kauai

9d•$6,043•Onsite

About The Position

Plans, directs and implements a comprehensive information and educational program for the public and employees of a major operating department that includes community relations activities; maintains effective working relationships with members of the media, community groups, and key individuals in the public and private sectors; coordinates and facilitates departmental training and strategic planning to improve organizational effectiveness; and performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in journalism, public relations, communications, public administration or a related field
Three (3) years of specialized work experience
One (1) year of experience in conducting informational workshops and coordinating or facilitating press conferences
Professional work experience in public relations, journalism, communications or public administration that included experience in researching, organizing and developing newsletters, brochures, websites, press releases and other informational materials for the media

Responsibilities

Plans and executes a comprehensive information program to publicize the activities and accomplishments of a major operating department to improve the public’s perception and support of its various programs and projects
Recommends and implements policies and procedures relative to the department’s public information program and the dissemination of information
Conducts fact-finding studies and surveys; evaluates information and opinions; prepares reports of findings with recommendations for administration’s response, informational presentations, or for a review of an operational concern identified in the survey
Determines choice of media and methods for disseminating information; writes news releases, articles, bulletins and radio announcement scripts; speaks before government, business and community organizations
Meets with appropriate community organizations and/or concerned and interested residents; interprets and explains the department’s policies, programs and operations; clarifies department’s policy decisions; provides information on CIP projects, program design or construction status
Plans the layout and design and arranges for printing of informational material; arranges for photographs and other illustrative material; assists with demonstrations and exhibits for public display
Coordinates tours of department’s facilities and coordinates informational presentations by staff
Plans and develops video and power point presentations; develops and maintains social media sites and departmental or county websites
Identifies potential sources of loan/grant funds from federal, state and private sources; evaluates appropriateness of loan/grant funds relative to department goals; prepares loan/grant applications and supporting documentation
Assists in the preparation of annual and special reports and publishes internal newsletters
Organizes and coordinates the department’s participation in community projects and events to foster community relations
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with the press, radio and television executives, and with other business and community representatives
Serves as departmental liaison to coordinate county-wide public informational and/or educations activities and programs with the Office of the Mayor
Keeps abreast of communication and social media technology and practices; modifies departmental programs to improve its effectiveness
Provides coaching and support to all groups and keeps stakeholders informed of status and progress of plans
Assists superiors in contracting for or developing strategic planning training; meets with core group, management, staff and stakeholders
Assists staff with implementation of new initiatives and strategies to improve organizational effectiveness