Public Affairs Specialist

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is seeking two Public Affairs Specialist for our Office of Public Affairs located in the County Administration building in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida.

St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including the #1 rated public school system in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019 St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest growing county in the United States showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County!

The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs is responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of communications efforts, both externally and internally, by establishing messages and procedures that help increase public awareness and understanding of county services, programs and initiatives. The Public Affairs team works with elected officials, administration and department staff on effective communication strategy as well as engages the community through public outreach.

This Public Affairs Specialists will act as liaison between the Office of Public Affairs, and the Parks and Recreation department or the Public Works Department. As Public Affairs Specialist, your responsibilities include assisting with the development and distribution of public information, media relations, marketing, community outreach and engagement, event planning, content development and social media administration related to programs, services and events.

Examples of Duties:

The ideal Public Affairs Specialist candidate must be creative and detail-oriented and possess St. Johns County’s core values of compassion, innovation, and trustworthiness and must work well in a collaborative team environment. Some of the specific tasks include but are not limited to:

• Provides support and assistance with the development, design, production, and distribution of high-quality communications materials explaining and promoting parks and recreation wide programs, projects, and initiatives, such as brochures, booklets, reports, newsletters, fliers, webpages, and other informational items.
• Conducts research and connects with the Parks and Recreation &Public Works Department and partners to write clear and concise news releases for the media and public.
• Helps coordinate the collection of information related to open record requests and media inquiries.
• Assists with planning groundbreakings, town halls, ribbon cuttings, and other community-related events.
• Develops digital and video content for our website and social media accounts.
• Supports crisis/emergency communications during critical incidents and performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications:

Candidates for the Public Affairs Specialist – Parks and Recreation / Public Works are encouraged to apply if they meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related course of study to the occupational field.
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in journalism, marketing, public relations, mass communications, television production, or a closely related field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills in order to serve others.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must be able to operate a computer.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS:

Candidates may apply through St. Johns County’s Online Application System: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sjcfl

Applications must be submitted through St. Johns County’s Online Application System in order to be considered. Paper documents, emailed resumes or otherwise are not accepted in lieu of an application. All applications must be submitted before the advertised closing date.

St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer.

All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,972.26 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48,972