The purpose of this classification is to perform professional level work providing direct support to county management and departments in the development and communication of public information and a positive image of the county. The primary work emphasis is on writing and designing a variety of communications, including newsletters, brochures and releases, and managing the county’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor and LinkedIn. The secondary responsibility is assisting the Director with the overall implementation of the County’s communications and public relations strategy.
 Coordinates and participates in the development, research, writing, editing, design, production, and publication of various reports and communications materials, including articles, reports, brochures, newsletters, and other publications: develops, designs, proofreads, or writes the publication of various documentation; prepares/edits speeches, correspondence, or projects as requested; develops text and illustrative slides for public presentations; designs and coordinates the printing and distribution of departmental brochures, programs, reports or other materials; assists with the coordination and integration of departmental reports/slides into consolidated reports or presentations; works on the coordination and design, formatting, and publication of annual county budgets.
Helps coordinate the county’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor and LinkedIn, to ensure consistent and professional branding and messaging across platforms; leverages social media as vital conduit for disseminating information to the public, including in emergency situations; monitors social media to ascertain the sentiment of Forsyth County residents and other stakeholders; makes the Director and other appropriate leadership aware of issues and areas of concern observed on social media channels.
Coordinates the production of monthly newsletters and other print materials to include writing and layout: takes photos and coordinates utilization of photographs to accompany news articles, press releases, internal releases, newsletters, or other publications; designs graphics to accompany print material; works with vendors to coordinate the production of various print media; and distributes materials as appropriate.
Conducts research of Intra/Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed: monitors local, state, and national newspapers, television/radio broadcasts, and other sources for information pertinent to county government; identification of news/information with potential impact on Forsyth County Government; brings pertinent news issues/articles to attention of Director of Communications; selection of relevant news articles and maintenance of scrapbook; and communicates with Director of Communications, employees, county officials, or other individuals to obtain information.
Assists with development and maintenance of information for publication on the County’s web sites and Intranet, social media sites, information channels, bulletin boards, or other media.
 
Provides information to the public regarding County government under the direction of the Communications Director: keeps the public informed about county programs, services, activities, and issues; responds to inquiries or comments from the public via telephone, e-mail, or mail; answers general questions or refers questions to appropriate individual/department; consults with county officials to review operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations relating to the dissemination of information to the public and media.
Assists with the coordination of media relations activities for the County: determines appropriateness and timeliness of information to be released; drafts press releases and distributes them to the media; and assists in coordinating media activities during emergency response situations requiring a public information response.
Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of strategic plans for public information, communications, and public relations: assists the Director of Communications in developing, executing and monitoring a consistent/positive image of county.
Prepares the completion of various forms, reports, correspondence, press releases, internal releases, newspaper articles, newsletters, calendars, draft documentation, departmental brochures, advertisements, county budget reports, slides, presentation materials, or other documents; submits to the Director of Communications for review/approval.
Assists with production of live and video taped programming for the government access cable channel.
Coordinates the purchase of various promotional items.
Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
Assists in organizing, publicizing, and/or coordination of special events/activities.
 
 
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
 
This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position, which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.
 
Attends Board of Commissioners meetings as required and takes notes; responding to questions from the media or the public during meetings.
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
 
Performs other related duties as required.Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or closely related field; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training that includes public/media relations, communications, marketing, graphic design and desktop publishing; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

• Some video production experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.