This full-time position will be filled in the Director's Office within the Department of Public Works
(DPW).
The Chief of Communications is responsible for the planning, organizing, and directing of comprehensive communications and outreach strategies. This includes effectively promoting DPW's mission, programs, and initiatives to target audiences. This role requires strong writing, editing, and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of digital and traditional communication channels.
Nature and Variety of Work
The occupational field of program management involves directing or carrying out assignments for one or more programs, or providing staff support to a higher-level manager directing a line program or function. This role is distinguished from general management-support functions such as personnel or budgeting, as it directly relates to DPW's mission of providing services and information to County residents.
The Chief of Communications will leverage a wide range of program management and subject matter expertise in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating communication programs and contracts. This position demands strong leadership and managerial skills to guide a small team, ensuring clear direction and fostering greater accountability for all communication efforts.
A critical aspect of this role involves reviewing communication practices to identify areas for modernization, particularly in how we communicate about capital improvement projects. The Chief of Communications will develop and implement innovative strategies to meet today's dynamic
communication needs, helping DPW continuously improve its approach to public outreach.
The employee independently plans and carries out all aspects of program development, implementation, and evaluation, advising higher-level management of program status and achievements. Completed work is reviewed in terms of a program's effectiveness in meeting stated goals and objectives. This position adapts standard communication practices and procedures to meet situations or cases not fully covered by
existing guidelines and recommends modifications to current guides. Work outputs affect the social, physical, or economic well-being of program participants or recipients of services. The work is primarily sedentary, performed in an office environment, and presents no significant hazards. This position exercises significant supervisory responsibilities, requiring a proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team to achieve strategic communication goals.
(May not include all duties performed)
Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans, including media relations, public relations, social media, email marketing, website content, and other relevant channels.
Manage all aspects of media relations, including press releases, media advisories, media pitches, and media monitoring. May require participation in or facilitation of interviews with media outlets.
Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, key stakeholders, and community partners.
Develop and implement social media strategies across various platforms, including content creation, community engagement, and social listening. Oversee social media content.
Manage the organization's website content, ensuring it is accurate, up-to-date, and user-friendly.
Manage development and implementation of email marketing campaigns, including newsletters and invitations to public outreach events.
Manage the development of marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, and presentations.
Collaborate with customer representatives from the five bureaus and other departments to ensure consistent messaging and brand identity.
Assimilates, analyzes, and disseminates information and data pertaining to issues affecting DPW programs, program recipients, and the general public.
Develop and manage customer feedback collection through surveys, group meetings and social media.
Serve as the DPW Public Information Officer (PIO) and oversee the response to all received Public Information Requests.
Directs lower-level professionals and other employees by assigning work, furnishing advice and instructions, and reviewing completed assignments.
Develops and administers communications-related contracts, which may include preparing requests for proposals (RFPs), advertising, reviewing bids and proposals, contract preparation and processing, contract fiscal monitoring, administration of funds, and oversight of contractor performance.
Plans and writes grant applications related to communication initiatives and manages grant-funded projects.
Analyzes, adapts, and/or implements departmental or agency operating and administrative practices and procedures related to records management, forms used, reports generated, and various other phases of program organization and administration within the communications function.
Maintains contacts with individuals, families, or groups to develop up-to-date information to help them explore solutions to their problems, and/or initiate appropriate and timely action.
Facilitates or expedites recommendations and innovative strategies to address and correct County problems and issues by providing background information and data to appropriate public and private groups, and determines ways to involve the private sector and/or business community in County efforts that will be mutually beneficial.
Initiates, coordinates, or contributes to special events such as workshops, professional and press conferences, seminars, and public hearings.
Emergency Management: Available to respond to emergencies 24/7/365 to provide critical communications before, during, and after emergencies.
Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations which apply to provisions and limitations of communication programs.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices or techniques of program development, implementation, management, and evaluation as they relate to communications and outreach.
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Deep understanding of digital and traditional communication channels, including social media, websites, press relations, and public outreach.
Knowledge of the general principles of procurement, contract management, and personnel administration, as required.
Knowledge of Federal and/or State grant funding requirements and regulations, as required.
Skill in leading assigned employees, providing instruction, and reviewing their work.
Skill in explaining and defending ideas and positions, both orally and in writing, and in persuading individuals and groups to support assigned program activities or decisions.
Ability to conduct analytical studies and make recommendations concerning effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of assigned program(s).
Ability to deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with people.
Ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office if necessary.
Ability to attend virtual and in person meetings outside of regular business hours.
