Senior Communications Officer

County of Santa Clara•San Jose, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, to plan, develop, direct, coordinate, implement, and evaluate an assigned County communications program; and to act as a consultant to management regarding communications strategies. This role involves formulating and directing communication strategies, serving as the primary media contact and spokesperson, organizing press conferences, studying public interest, developing awareness programs, managing social media presence, monitoring media activity, advising management on communication strategies, training employees, acting as a liaison with other entities, coordinating newsletters, creating presentations, interviewing sources, evaluating communication efforts, potentially supervising staff, managing the County's brand identity, coordinating special events, preparing budgets, establishing community information programs, conducting research, managing special projects, coordinating with vendors, representing the County, providing staff support, potentially establishing a speakers' bureau, arranging tours, preparing risk or emergency communications, and participating in public information staff during emergency operations.

Requirements

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks.
Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Journalism, or a closely related field.
Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
One (1) year of full-time experience planning, directing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating an assigned communications program.
OR Four (4) years of full-time experience as a public information or communications officer, journalist, or related work experience in a public relations/communications function.
Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work.
If driving, possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of web page design and development.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of copy writing, speech writing, planning press conferences, and preparing news releases.
Knowledge of methods and techniques used in evaluating public attitudes regarding County and agency/departmental operations and issues, the determination of public affairs needs, and evaluating the effectiveness of communications programs.
Knowledge of concepts of branding.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective communication, and public relations, and news media relations.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of current and emerging public communications, relations, and information media.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Knowledge of methods of administrative problem solving.
Knowledge of customs and practices of traditional media, social media, and citizen journalists.
Knowledge of presentation techniques.
Knowledge of research, analysis methods, and report writing.
Knowledge of principles of project management.
Knowledge of tools and software necessary for audio and video recording and editing.
Knowledge of computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, graphics, and digital photography.
Ability to scale social media accounts to significant levels across multiple platforms.
Ability to plan, organize, direct, and implement an effective and complex communications program.
Ability to write, edit, and lay out a variety of clear and concise articles for publication, speeches, scripts for radio and television, and reports and correspondence, often for the signature of executive leaders.
Ability to measure effectiveness of communication methods and implement improvements.
Ability to identify and implement emerging and new forms of communications.
Ability to effectively speak before, and facilitate discussions with, large and small groups.
Ability to organize, write, design, and lay out various written communications for a broad range of target audiences.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and written communications.
Ability to be proactive, creative, and resourceful in completing assignments.
Ability to supervise, train, develop, and motivate staff.
Ability to effectively utilize information systems.
Ability to learn the principles and practices of risk, crisis, and emergency communications.
Ability to learn the County organizational structure/operations, and the laws and regulations pertaining to the operations of the assigned agency/department.
Ability to understand and communicate technical data to the media and other audiences.
Ability to use excellent time-management and work prioritization skills.
Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure, with frequent interruptions, short deadlines, and tight schedules.
Ability to meet deadlines with minimal direction.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

Specialized knowledge of assigned agency/department operations is desirable.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, direct, coordinate, implement, and evaluate an assigned County communications program.
Act as a consultant to management regarding communications strategies.
Formulate, direct, and implement strategies, goals, procedures, policies, standards, and guidelines for collection, review, and presentation of information to the public, news media, and County employees.
Function as primary media contact and spokesperson for the County/agency/department.
Review and/or write and submit news releases to online and print newspapers, television, and radio stations.
Pitch news stories to the news media.
Serve as a point of contact for the news media regarding incidents, issues, inquiries, and requests, 24 hours per day.
Develop media list and 24-hour media survival guide.
Organize and coordinate press conferences.
Prepare questions and talking points for County staff.
Study the public's interest/knowledge in various programs, activities, and outcomes of County government, or the assigned agency/department.
Design and tabulate surveys and conduct focus groups.
Develop and implement awareness and educational programs using a variety of promotional techniques.
Design, write, produce, or coordinate production of informational materials, such as news releases, brochures, flyers, direct mail, advertising, marketing, website, and social media content.
Oversee the creation of content by others.
Develop and maintain social media presence for the County/agency/department.
Instigate and participate in web-based discussions.
Ensure discussions among key officials and other appropriate individuals occur across platforms, as necessary.
Monitor traditional and social media activity pertaining to the County/agency/department, identify controversies and public relations issues, and initiate corrections to inaccurate media reports.
Advise County/agency/department management on communications strategies that ensure effective flow of information to stakeholders.
Train and coach other County employees about subjects and processes related to community and media relations.
Act as a liaison with other County departments, government entities, and community organizations to disseminate and exchange information.
Coordinate, write, edit, and produce newsletters.
Create and make presentations before various groups on a local, state, and national level.
Interview department officials, employees, representatives from various groups and organizations, and members of the public to secure information.
Establish measures to evaluate communications efforts and implement improvements.
Supervise and assign work to subordinate communications and/or support staff on an on-going or project basis.
Interview, select, train, coach, and discipline subordinate staff.
Develop and manage County/agency/department brand visual identity, including logo, letterhead, and communications templates.
Establish and maintain brand center and guidelines for usage.
Ensure staff understand and utilize brand appropriately.
Plan, coordinate, and supervise special events.
Prepare or assist in preparing program’s budget.
Monitor program’s expenditures.
Establish a community information program.
Conduct research and prepare reports of findings, conclusions, and recommended actions.
Coordinate and manage special projects.
Coordinate with and manage vendors and consultants assisting with the County’s communications and outreach programs.
Collaborate with Procurement Department.
Schedule and purchase media space and time.
Represent County/agency/department on committees and at meetings, presentations, and special events.
Provide staff support and direction to advisory commissions, as assigned.
Establish and maintain a Countywide speakers’ bureau.
Arrange tours of County facilities for interested groups and individuals.
Prepare risk or emergency communications.
Upon activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), participate as a member of the public information staff.
Perform other related duties, as required.