Communications Manager

General Description

The Communications Manager develops, implements, and evaluates communication strategies and public information campaigns which will successfully and efficiently inform the public and employees of the County’s services, programs, special projects, and accomplishments. Work involves gathering, writing, and editing material to be released to news media, periodicals, or department brochures and pamphlets. Acting as the County’s Public Information Officer (PIO), this position is responsible for maintaining a quality reputation for the County by communicating information regarding all aspects of County government to a wide range of audiences including organizations, associations, employees, news media, industry representatives, and other units of government. Supervises and oversees the Communications Department, which includes the Audio-Visual Technician, Communications Specialist, and the Digital Content Coordinator job classifications. Manages the County’s social media presence and other communication related programs. In addition, this position will have oversight of the County’s video and broadcasting services.

Essential Functions

• Supervises, plans, and coordinates work of assigned staff. Reviews and evaluates employee performance and completes performance evaluations. Counsels staff and initiates commendations or disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Researches, develops, and disseminates electronic and printed publications, press releases, photographic materials, feature articles, videos, public service announcements, promotional materials, and other forms of communications to local media and the public to increase community awareness of the County’s activities, services and programs.
• Responds to public and media inquiries, in a timely and accurate manner, from special interest groups as well as the public concerning the County’s activities, services and programs.
• Maintains media lists and relationships with editors, reporters, and producers across various media outlets.
• Arranges media coverage, facilitates interviews, assists in responding to editorials, advises management and other employees concerning media-relation techniques and provides coaching on main message development.
• Serves as liaison between departments, officers, news media, government entities and other groups.
• Secures and manages consultant contracts for services including public relations, advertising, graphic design, printing, website programming and development, website hosting and other related services.
• Develops and executes the concept, content, and design of the County’s Annual Report, including writing, editing, photography, and project management of all phases.
• Designs, publishes, and prepares brochures, pamphlets, and newsletters, etc.
• Represents the County at civic events and organizations and acts as spokesperson when appropriate.
• Serves in an on-call capacity to respond to emergencies at the time if information needs to be released to local media and the public.
• Serves as the Public Information Liaison at the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the event of a hurricane or other related disaster or emergency.
• Attends staff meetings, community and Board of County Commissioners meetings as directed by the County Administrator to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the job.
• Prepares, coordinates, and conducts educational presentations to employees, civic groups, organizations, and the public.
• May prepare agenda items and support materials for Board of County Commissioners meetings; presents reports and agenda items for Commission review and/or approval. Posts updates via social media outlets, in live time, on pertinent agenda items and votes.
• Actively monitors all County social media accounts. Writes, produces, and/or manages material for the County’s social networking platform and websites; oversees creative inputs on County’s communication and publications to increase the positive image of Citrus County.
• Works closely with Visitors and Convention Bureau in the promotion of Citrus County.
• Updates public relations, marketing, and digital communications knowledge by attending seminars, conferences, and webinars; maintaining professional networks; reviewing professional publications; participating in professional societies.
• Drives and/or operates a county vehicle or equipment and must obey all safety policies, and roadway rules and laws.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years’ experience performing similar duties for a large organization, preferred.

• Ability to work under pressure maintaining a high degree of tact and diplomacy.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of news media, both print and electronics, as well as customer and public relations.
• Knowledge, skill and application of business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage, sentence structure and business mathematics.
• Knowledge and skill in the application of social media platforms, particularly in using social media as a communication platform.
• Has considerable knowledge of the state Sunshine Law and its application to activities of Municipal Operations.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced, complex organizational environment with a high degree of accountability.
• Ability to present information clearly and effectively to audience and make oral presentations before large groups of people.
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) in a clear, confident manner using proper grammar.
• Ability to learn and explain the functions and organizations of the County’s operations.
• Skilled in adapting information and writing for a variety of audiences and media, including writing, and editing news releases, feature stories, articles, scripts, and speeches.
• Ability to use discretion and good judgement in handling politically sensitive information and issues.
• Requires ability to maintain courteous and effective relations with County staff, elected officials, community interest groups and the public.
• Must have strong working knowledge of computers and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite of Products (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).

• Valid Florida Driver License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida.
• Must have or be able to obtain within 90 days certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • IS-800.c: National Response Framework, an Introduction
• Must have or be able to obtain within 6 months certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-0029: Public Information Officer Awareness
  • ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
  • ICS-400: Advanced ICS and General Staff

• Requires a combination of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday.
• The job involves occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds.
• The job requires frequent balancing, and occasional bending and reaching above shoulders.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve typing, simple grasping, operating foot controls/levers, driving automotive equipment and occasional fine manual manipulation.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supplemental Information

Employee Benefits at a Glance: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Employee Health & Wellness Center, Florida Retirement System (FRS), Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance $20,000, Long Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 11 Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Leave. Please visit the Benefits tab of this posting for additional information and a link to the Employee Benefits Highlights booklet.

Basis of Rating: Applications will be carefully reviewed to assess each individuals’ qualifications. Selected persons will be interviewed to determine who will be hired for the job. The kind and length of related work experience, training and education shown on the application will be an important consideration in the screening process.

Must successfully pass a criminal background check, physical examination, and drug screen. Drug screens will be in accordance with the Drug Free Workplace Act and/or the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.

Citrus County, Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected trait.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the Citrus County, Florida Board of County Commissioners in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.

Pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes or the “Public Records Law,” applications, resumes and personnel records are subject to public inspections. Details regarding the “Public Records Law”/ “The Sunshine Law” / Florida Statutes and the statutory exemptions are available on websites such as the Florida Office of the Attorney General, Florida Senate and Florida Legislature. Additionally, Citrus County Board of County Commissioners Public Information section is located on our website.

• Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance $20,000
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Assistance Program
• ComPsych Programs
• Voluntary AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
• Deferred Compensation
• Paid Holidays - no waiting period
• Vacation Leave - accrues each pay period
• Sick Leave - accrues each pay period