JOB
Otter Tail County is seeking applications for a full-time Communications Professional.In collaboration with the Communications Team, the Communications Professional serves as a countywide expert for managing the county’s website and brand to support the county's mission, vision, and goals through effective communication. Website work involves the monitoring and maintenance of the county’s existing website and the development of new web initiatives, including the selection and coordination of web applications’ hardware and software platforms, site navigation, content, and application framework. Design work includes conceptualizing, refining, and creating visual and/or digital products for external and internal audiences. Designs and produces multimedia content and graphics in print, digital and interactive materials. Training work includes developing methods, procedures, and systems to support training initiatives. Evaluates the effectiveness of training and development programs to facilitate the growth of county staff.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
GRAPHIC DESIGN DUTIESManage and enhance the county’s brand and ensure internal and external adherence to brand standards.Create and maintain brand standards manual.Provide design and direction for collateral, web, social media, product packaging, promotional items, digital marketing, and other visual, external communications for the county and contracted organizations. Develop concepts and content for a variety of high-visibility and large-scale projects in print and/or digital environments using computer design software and online programs (such as Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress).Develop illustrations, logos and other designs using software or by hand to create innovative design solutions with a strong sense of typography, composition, and visual balance. Act as liaison between departments with external printers, advertisers, and other vendors. Work directly with vendors to obtain quotes, product specs, provide correct file formats and ensure quality.Produce original photography, graphics and other content for use with websites, social media and video productions.WEBSITE DUTIESDesign, develop, program, coordinate and administer county website and employee dashboard.Develop and enforce best practices and guidelines for the county website and employee dashboard.Ensure a consistent look and feel of the website and employee dashboard.Maintain the website and employee dashboard so that content is accurate, useful, and current. Create online forms using products such as Gravity Forms for departments for use on the website and employee dashboard. Management and oversight of content created by website authors and contributors.Monitor websites uptime and resolve any hosting-related issues with the hosting vendors.Maintain user access and oversee the security of websites.Monitor the county’s web assets for performance and visitor trends by using web analytic tools.Publish and maintain GIS data on county website and other relevant websites and platforms.Programming, developing, troubleshooting and implementation of web-based applications.Coordinate with the IT Department on operation and maintenance of web services, system security, and hardware and software configuration to maximize the efficiency of website.Maintaining current documentation and the documentation for new or proposed web development activities and changes.TRAINING DUTIES Develop and conduct training for the website and employee dashboard.Provide new employee orientation. Provide technical training on software programs. Create and facilitate opportunities for employee training.COMMUNICATIONS DUTIESActively participate in strategic and task-specific communication planning.Assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined by the County Emergency Operations Plan.Support the County Public Information Officer on county-wide initiatives.Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2024 starting salary for this position is $67,184 annually, depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $112,507.The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation. A standard twelve month probationary period applies.How To ApplyTo apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted.When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete. Veterans PreferenceEligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and any supporting documentation must be included with the employment application. Background InvestigationAll employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information.Equal Opportunity Employer