Deputy Director of Communications - 160003

The Deputy Director of Communications for Adams County oversees the department's day-to-day operations, client service model, and organizational communications priorities. This position partners closely with the Communications Director to translate strategic priorities into operational execution while ensuring departments receive responsive, effective communications support. The position serves as the primary liaison between the Communications Department and all other county departments, building strong partnerships to ensure marketing and communications needs are met effectively and in a timely manner. The Deputy Director will then collaborate with Communications leadership to identify opportunities, resolve any issues, and continuously improve service delivery.

The Deputy Director leads the teams responsible for the county's primary communications channels and external engagement, including social media, digital communications, web content, and digital accessibility. This role oversees workload prioritization, operational planning, personnel management, resource allocation, and department performance while ensuring communications priorities align with organizational goals and community needs.

The hiring range for this position is: $109,560.86 - $125,994.99. The full range for this position is: $109,560.86 - $164,341.29.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Communications Department, ensuring effective service delivery, efficient workflows, and alignment with organizational priorities. Partner with the Communications Director to translate strategic goals into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Communications Department and county departments, building strong relationships and ensuring communications, marketing, and engagement needs are met effectively, efficiently, and with a high level of customer service. Identify opportunities to improve service delivery models, processes, and collaboration.
• Lead operational planning efforts by assessing organizational priorities, managing department workloads, allocating resources, and establishing project timelines to ensure successful execution of communications initiatives across the county.
• Supervise, mentor, and support communications staff responsible for social media, digital communications, web content, and digital accessibility. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and accountable work environment while supporting employee growth and professional development.
• Provide leadership and oversight of the county's primary communications channels, including social media platforms, websites, and digital accessibility initiatives.
• Ensure content strategies align with organizational objectives, community needs, and industry best practices.
• Establish operational performance measures and monitor department effectiveness through data, analytics, and service feedback. Identify areas for improvement and implement process enhancements to strengthen communication outcomes and organizational support.
• Collaborate closely with county departments and external partners to support county initiatives, public engagement efforts, and organizational priorities.
• Facilitate communication and coordination across teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective project execution.
• Support the development and implementation of crisis communications plans and operational response strategies. Coordinate communications activities during emergency or high-profile situations to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information sharing.
• Assist in managing departmental budgets, contracts, and operational resources to support communications priorities while ensuring responsible stewardship of county resources.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of communications policies, procedures, standards, and governance practices. Ensure communications activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, accessibility requirements, and county policies.
• Partner with the Communications Director to identify emerging communications opportunities, address operational challenges, and continuously evolve the department's service delivery model to meet the changing needs of the organization and community.
• Stay informed of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in communications, digital engagement, accessibility, and public sector communications. Apply industry knowledge to improve departmental operations and service delivery.

• Knowledge of general theories and principles of public relations, marketing, and organizational communications.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading and developing high-performing communications teams through effective supervision, coaching, mentorship, and execution of innovative communications initiatives.
• Knowledge of crisis communication theories and practices.
• Knowledge of public engagement, event communications, and organizational outreach strategies.
• Project management skills.
• Knowledge of current and emerging social media and digital communications platforms.
• Knowledge of professional writing standards, media relations practices, and effective messaging strategies across multiple communication channels.
• Knowledge of organizational operations, workload management, and resource allocation practices.
• Ability to build and maintain effective client service relationships across a large, complex organization.
• Ability to evaluate organizational communications needs and implement operational improvements.
• Knowledge of digital accessibility standards and best practices.
• Ability to analyze organizational priorities and align communications resources to support strategic objectives.
• Experience using performance metrics, analytics, and data to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to stay informed of emerging technologies and trends related to public information and communications.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with the public, local jurisdictions, agencies, and community partners.
• Use sound judgment in the release of information and effectively communicate highly sensitive information.
• Handle sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Prioritize multiple projects, meet required deadlines, and manage competing priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster effective and collaborative relationships with internal clients, county officials, employees, media representatives, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Years of experience may substitute for a degree, on a year-to-year basis. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be as follows:

• Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field, including a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
  • Must have a demonstrated track record in organizational communications, media relations, digital communications, crisis communications, and the management of complex communications initiatives.
  • Experience overseeing digital communications programs, social media strategies, web content, and related communications functions.
  • Experience leading and supervising communications professionals, managing workloads and priorities, and supporting cross-functional organizational initiatives.
  • Must possess strong public speaking, presentation, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

• Education and Training: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or closely related field.
• License or Certificate: None.
• Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Salary : $109,561 - $125,995