Job Description

The Communications and Engagement Manager will provide visionary leadership, strategic counsel and demonstrated expertise in implementing an integrated and effective countywide approach to meaningful communication. This position collaborates internally and externally to drive civic engagement through transparent, clear and proactive communication.  The Communications and Engagement Manager will establish and maintain positive and proactive relationships with media, stakeholders, elected officials and staff. This position responds to media requests; leads branding, website and social media initiatives; develops and publishes content; and is the County’s main spokesperson.

Work is performed autonomously under general supervision and requires regular exercising of good judgment; discretion in interpreting objectives; and a high level of innovation, artistic skills and creativity in the materials produced.

Example of duties

• In consultation with county and departmental leadership and subject matter experts in the organization, tells the County’s story. Uses various methods to convey the County’s message including video, social media, press releases, newsletters, presentations and other methods. Coordinates messaging with a strategic eye on the narrative, transparency and the release of good information.
• Manages, monitors and oversees the County’s social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor, Twitter and YouTube. Collaborates with department social media representatives to ensure consistency and ensures that accurate information is released in a timely and coordinated manner.
• Produces both print and digital content including quarterly “Coast to Country” magazine, monthly “Headlines” e-newsletter, and a monthly “Flagler INFOcus” podcast for local media and the county website.
• Analyzes current practices with an eye towards continuous improvement and innovative ways to engage and inform the public. Guides and trains staff at all levels in developing written content and presentations.
• Develops and ensures the success of a countywide strategic communications plan for the benefit of the employees, residents, businesses, and the general public.
• Coordinates and assists with public relations activities such as press conferences, public appearances, interviews, and special events.
• Writes, edits, and assists in implementing communications plans for specific County projects or efforts including educational materials, press releases, social media content and campaigns, engagement events, graphic design, and other content creation.
• Assists in developing marketing and promotional materials for the County as they relate to communication and engagement.
• Acts as Public Information Officer, serving as the main point of contact for media and coordinating strategic communications with staff on issues of interest to the County and during emerging crisis events.
• Advises and coordinates with departments on strategic communications issues, including the County’s message, position, and portrayal in the news media, social media, the community, other government agencies and County partners.
• Cultivates relationships and establishes rapport, on behalf of the County, with members of the press, other government agencies, community partners, and organizations.
• Manages assigned staff to include selection, promotion, discipline, and termination and schedules, trains, motivates and evaluates.
• Assists in developing budget priorities for the budget process and prepares program budget information for review and approval.
• Attends various meetings and conferences, prepares agendas and presentations as required.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and provides innovative suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Communicates and engages with all related personnel in efforts to encourage, motivate, promote leadership, and encourage teamwork in accomplishing set forth objectives.
• Operates modern office machines and equipment and routinely uses a full range of word processing and computer software applications.
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this classification.
• Responds to all County public records requests, and instructs County employees in Public Records best practices.
• Acts as the Records Management Liaison Officer (RMLO) in accordance with FS 257(5)(a) providing assistance,   training, and disposal events for departments.
• In the event of an emergency, position is required to respond/perform duties as assigned and to work extended shifts in the Emergency Operations Center or other assigned locations within the County, to include holidays or weekends.

These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  All employees will be required to perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, journalism, public administration or liberal arts.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience involving communications, marketing, event management and /or related fields. Experience in a local government setting is preferred.(City or County)
• Any equivalent combination of related training, education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.
• Valid State of Florida Driver’s License.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications within six (6) months of employment required.

**In order to move forward in the hiring process, please upload a copy of the required Florida driver’s license and any diplomas/certificates relevant to position.

Flagler County is a drug free workplace, some positions may require a pre-employment drug screen.

Flagler County, Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Flagler County, Florida will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Applied knowledge of the best practices and principles of public information, public relations, social media and communications.
• Strong understanding of traditional media (print, television, radio), as well as blog sites and podcasts.
• Strong social media skills.
• Must be a strong storyteller and highly creative.
• May write in AP Style, as the standard for newspaper, broadcast, magazine publishing, marketing departments, and public relations firms.
• Knowledge of sound business principles, techniques, and management.
• Ability to express ideas and findings clearly and concisely in both oral and written form to various groups and the general public
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the media, communities, chambers, County departments and surrounding counties.
• Knowledge of National Incident Management System (NIMS) procedures, particularly as it relates to the Public Information Officer position.
• Knowledge of applicable computer applications and software.
• Ability to plan, direct, and supervise the work of employees and promote team leadership.
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with creating and writing press releases, newsletters, speeches, social media content, and other forms of communication materials;
• Some knowledge or experience with developing and reviewing graphic design content, short and long form video, and other forms of visual mediums;
• Knowledge of the function of services within the public sector, preferably within a municipal or county government;
• Some knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the overall functions, duties and responsibilities of assigned Departments/divisions;
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment;
• Knowledge of good phone etiquette and practices;
• Ability to edit and maintain web site and social media
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and supervise the work of others;
• Ability to identify communication and marketing needs and to develop strategies to address them;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and perform the work at a high level;
• Ability to deal with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may be upset over some issue involved with County activities and policies;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Ingenuity and inventiveness and the use of the appropriate levels of discretion in the performance of assigned tasks;
• Consistently performs assignments in accordance with the City’s Core Values of Putting Flagler F.I.R.S.T…Making a Difference – Financial Accountability, Innovative Solutions, Responsible Growth, Superior Service and Transparent Government.

Physical Requirements
Physical Demand:  Light

• 20 lbs. maximum lifting.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Some walking or standing may be required.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Position requires good hand dexterity for operating equipment; ability to hear, comprehend and respond to patrons, co-workers and supervisors both orally and in writing.
• Subject to working in adverse weather conditions.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: Not Disclosed.

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