Summary

Acts as Communications lead on behalf of Adams County for the five-member Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). This includes speech and quote writing, community engagement, crisis communication, social media and event planning and management for the BoCC, as well as assistance with press releases and advisories for all county departments, and media relations support to the Public Information Officer (PIO)/Communications Director.

Description

What Success Looks Like In This Job

Examples of Duties for Success

Write speeches for elected officials including the BoCC Chair, Vice Chair, and other senior leaders.
Assist BoCC Chair and other senior leaders in preparing for speeches, public appearances, and presentations.
Create talking points for BoCC and ELT on needed topics.
Create social media posts and reels.
Create videos and reels that promote important county initiatives.
Write and/or assist BoCC with social media content.
Write blogs for the BoCC and Executive Staff as needed.
Coordinate and plan town halls and other events
Familiarize yourself with Adams County stories, programs, projects, events, current happenings, etc.
Prepare and distribute news releases, in conjunction with the Communications team and Adams County departments.
Identify news-worthy content and pitch to media, as needed.
Assist with news conferences as needed.
Regularly monitor local news and provide feedback, updates, and analysis on issues of interest related to Adams County.
Coordinate with PIO to provide recommendations to BoCC and other departments on media responses for sensitive subjects as needed.
Participate in weekly BoCC study sessions to become familiar with county priorities and upcoming projects.
Attend weekly Public Hearings to provide support for BoCC and gather content for outreach channels
Respond to media inquiries and requests for information regarding Adams County programs, priorities, policies, procedures, events, services, etc. as needed.
Some weekend and evening work will be required on occasion and as media stories and BoCC events necessitate

Qualifications for Success

Knowledge of public affairs, media strategy, print and broadcast media.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Prior Experience supporting elected officials or executive level staff
Event management
Highly proficient in computer software programs such as Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and SharePoint with an ability to teach others
Knowledge of style guidelines for writing news releases and language usage and terminology used by various news media.
Ability to effectively communicate with the public and collaborate and partner with local jurisdictions and agencies as needed.
Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form to various audiences.
Experience writing speeches at a senior leadership level and working with senior leadership to prepare for speeches, etc.
Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately, with tact and diplomacy.
Use sound judgment in the release of information and effectively communicate highly sensitive information.
Collaborate with Communications team, Adams County Health Department, and Office of Emergency Management to create and implement a crisis communications plan.
Knowledge of social media engagement strategies.
Ability to create reels and social media content.
Experience producing engaging video content.
Ability to make effective and interesting oral presentations.
Ability to organize a news conference.
Ability to effectively and persuasively write and edit, including excellent stylistic and grammar skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meeting required deadlines, and handling more than one project simultaneously.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, co-workers, media, community partners, and residents.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
Video voiceover experience a plus, but not required.
Experience in script writing.

More Qualifications for Success

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or closely related field required.

Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public affairs, public information, communications, journalism, or public relations.
Previous experience and/or knowledge of county or local government preferred, but not required.
Must have a demonstrated track record in media relations and crisis communication.
Extensive public speaking experience is a must.
Previous experience working with elected officials preferred, but not required.

Other: