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JOB SUMMARY
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Reporting directly to the County Administrator, the Public Information Officer directs and coordinates internal and external communications pertaining to public interest throughout Washtenaw County Government. This position integrates the organization's communications, public relations programs, and initiatives into a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent, timely, and accurate message in support of the County's mission, strategic goals, and objectives to provide a positive organizational image.
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EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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Essential Duties:
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Plans, develops, directs, and coordinates comprehensive communication programs, to include media, public affairs and publications, in close collaboration with other county communications and/or public relations personnel.
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Initiates and oversees the establishment of integrated strategies, plans, and programs designed to ensure that all communication and public relations efforts are cohesive, consistent, and effective in supporting the mission and advancement goals of the County.
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Working in collaboration with the Digital Media Manager, shares the responsibility of the county's overall social media presence and policy.
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Prepares, reviews, and edits press releases, scripts, articles, brochures, etc.
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Provides information to media outlets by generating news releases and acting as spokesperson and media liaison to disseminate county related information intended to inform and educate the public.
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Monitors media coverage and responds to media inquiries.
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Consults with all county departments when responding to media inquiries and when promoting county programs and services.
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Establishes and maintains working relationships with media outlets and reporters.
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Recommends and implements communication strategies for Executive Team initiatives.
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Disseminates information to the public in emergency situations.
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Coordinates surveys, evaluations, and assessments of external communications activities to determine the effectiveness of the organization's communications plans.
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Provides training to employees on media and protocol.
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Recommends and participates in the development of county communications policy and procedure.
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Establishes and implements short and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures as they pertain to communication, monitors, and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, effects changes required for improvement.
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Assures quality and appropriateness of county communications programs and initiatives, whether internally or externally produced.
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Participates on county committees and in professional development activities.
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Plans, directs, hosts and or emcees County or partner events.
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Develops and implements plans, policies and procedures that are interagency in scope.
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Develop improved communication tools, to ensure consistent and clear communication of policy and project information.
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Direct strategic initiatives as directed by the County Administrator.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
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EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Principles and practices of public administration.
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Correct oral and written English usage.
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Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
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Ability to effectively maintain an effective working relationship with a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds, education, and economic levels, including internal staff, the public, news media and others contacted during assignment.
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Understand of and sensitivity to the political process and public relations.
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Ability to exercise sound judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information.
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Flexibility to respond to changing assignments and departmental priorities.
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Ability to maintain a flexible schedule.
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Standard office practices, including the operation of standard office equipment.
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Setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects, and meeting critical deadlines.
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Using sound, independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelines.
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Preparing clear, concise, and effective written materials.
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Maintaining accurate records and files.
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Entering and retrieving information from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the required work.
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
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These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
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EDUCATION
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Equivalent to possession of a bachelor's degree with major coursework in business, public administration, communication, or a field related to the work. An advanced degree in communications or a related field is preferred.
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EXPERIENCE
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Four (4) years of experience performing professional work in communications, centralized media infrastructure environment, and managing multiple program areas.
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This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.
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FILING DEADLINE: 1/28/25
CONTROL NUMBER: 2501-1100-3117-0001
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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