Public Affairs and Communications Chief

Gila, County of•Globe or Payson, AZ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under limited supervision, serves as the County’s principal advisor and administrator for public affairs, strategic communications, public information, media relations, crisis communications, digital communications, and community engagement activities for Gila County. Develops, coordinates, and administers Countywide communications strategies and public information initiatives supporting the County Manager, Board of Supervisors, County departments, emergency operations, and County strategic priorities. Serves as the County’s designated Public Information Officer (PIO) and oversees emergency and crisis communications in accordance with Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles. Provides executive-level communications support involving strategic messaging, media coordination, public outreach, website administration, social media management, reputation management, and organizational transparency efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, Marketing, Emergency Management, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in public affairs, communications, public information, media relations, emergency communications, government relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or related field; including experience involving executive-level communications responsibilities, crisis communications, and public-facing operations.
ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 certifications required within six (6) months of hire.
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
Communications and media relations knowledge.
Crisis communications knowledge.
Public administration knowledge.
Emergency management principles knowledge.
Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and statutes knowledge.
Digital communications systems knowledge.
Social media administration knowledge.
Website management knowledge.
Public engagement strategies knowledge.
Branding and marketing principles knowledge.
Strategic planning knowledge.
Public sector operations knowledge.
Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
Public speaking and presentation skills.
Analytical writing skills.
Media coordination skills.
Crisis communication abilities.
Strategic planning abilities.
Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
Interpreting laws, policies, and regulations.
Effectively communicating in written and verbal forms.
Interacting professionally with individuals of varying social, economic, political, and cultural backgrounds.
Maintaining composure in stressful situations.
Preparing clear, comprehensive, and accurate reports and communications materials.
Generate fluent and useful ideas.
Solve problems using deductive reasoning.
Maintain calm demeanor during emergencies and stressful situations.
Communicate effectively under pressure.
Assess communications risks and organizational impacts.
Analyze information and make logical recommendations.
Develop and implement strategic communication initiatives.
Respond to sensitive citizen concerns and media inquiries.
Maintain confidentiality.
Represent the County professionally in public settings.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred.
Government or emergency management experience preferred.
Public Information Officer (PIO) training preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates Countywide public affairs, strategic communications, media relations, public information, digital communications, and community engagement initiatives supporting County leadership, departments, and organizational priorities.
Provides executive communications guidance and strategic messaging recommendations to County leadership involving sensitive, controversial, or high-profile matters.
Serves as the County’s designated Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, disasters, incidents, and crisis situations.
Coordinates emergency public information activities in accordance with Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Joint Information Center (JIC) principles.
Develops and disseminates emergency notifications, public advisories, media briefings, and crisis communications materials.
Oversees County website content, social media platforms, digital communications systems, public messaging standards, branding consistency, accessibility compliance, and multimedia communications efforts.
Monitors public sentiment, media coverage, and communications trends impacting County operations and reputation.
Coordinates media relations activities including press releases, interviews, public statements, executive messaging, speeches, presentations, talking points, and responses to public inquiries.
Represents County Administration during meetings, public events, media engagements, and intergovernmental activities.
Assists departments with public outreach initiatives, communication planning, public education campaigns, strategic initiatives, and organizational transparency efforts.
Researches and implements communication best practices, emerging technologies, and community engagement strategies.
Performs other duties as assigned.