Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Administrator/Controller or designee, this position develops and implements a county-wide communication plan, directs specific communication projects, and assists with official Public Information Officer responsibilities. Leads public outreach and communication campaigns and initiatives, prepares and facilitates meetings and events, maintains the County’s website and manages social media outlets, creates newsletters and other publications, and plays a key role in emergency and other communications to the public and employees. This position coordinates communications and supervises communications staff to ensure education, professionalism, transparency, and building and maintaining public trust and integrity.
Calhoun County is committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workplace that provides an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all employees and the public it serves.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for the administration and management of the communication strategies and related functions of the County, supports elected officials, judiciary and department heads and participates as a member of the County’s Administrative Executive team.
• Develops and leads the Communications Department staff to ensure the highest level of professional customer service, knowledge and expertise related to functions, and compliance with policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations. Provides supervision and performance management as needed.
• Develops and implements a county-wide communication plan and provides leadership for strategic communication initiatives throughout the County, both internal and external, including facilitating committees and boards engaged for communications-related initiatives.
• Serves as liaison with the media in regards to receiving and responding to information requests, as well as preparing and providing media/press releases.
• Prepares and/or reviews written communications, presentations, remarks, and other correspondence for the County Administration staff and Elected Officials on a range of issues.
• Develops, designs, publishes, and distributes publications explaining and promoting County program, services, and initiatives, such as brochures, booklets, reports, newsletters, flyers, and other informational items.
• Manages the County social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, etc…), provides and/or coordinates content development and review, and responds to citizen communications received via social media sites and other online forums.
• Serves as main point of contact for maintaining the County’s website, ensuring accurate and updated content that best reflects the County’s values and branding, and providing training and support for department liaisons to enable them to assist with content management.
• Acts as a resource for County departments for a variety of communication needs, including, education, training, preparing communications and reports, crisis management response, as well as assisting with department based social media posts and responses.
• Manages and directs the collection and organization of photos and videos of County activities and oversees the preparation of graphics and other materials for communications and public relations initiatives and projects.
• Proactively monitors and researches trends in communication and public relations, and continuously surveys the industry landscape for emerging trends and technologies.
• Develops and implements quality procedures, policies, and/or training initiatives that help to ensure the professional appearance and consistency of correspondence, press releases, documents, e-mails, reports and other communications.
• Oversees a variety of special projects, along with administrative functions related to improving the professionalism of County communications, public relations, education, image, and workplace environment.
• In coordination with the County Human Resources Department, oversees the personnel management functions of staffing, recruitment/employment, training, performance evaluation, the handling of disciplinary issues, and other similar matters.
• In coordination with the County Finance Department, oversees the preparation of the annual budget, monitors ongoing expenditures and recommends budget revisions as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public administration, journalism, organizational development, or a related field is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Six to eight years of progressively more experience in communications and/or public relations. Experience working with public agencies preferred.
• Supervisory experience with the ability to provide strong leadership to the organization in the area of Communications and to effectively manage the office staff.
• Communication skills necessary to provide excellent customer service and accurate information to county officials, department heads, employees, and the public in a professional and timely manner.
• Knowledge and experience working with the media and preparing releases and other similar communications and publications.
• Experience with both social media and website content management.
• The ability to network with others and to build relationships with news/media outlets, elected officials, department heads, and a variety of other county personnel.
• Computer skills necessary to effectively utilize software for word processing, publishing, databases, spreadsheets, e-mail, scanning and imaging, internet, social media and a variety of other computer programs.
• The ability to multi-task and handle simultaneous projects requiring concentration and attention to detail skills.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record required.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

• Frequent traveling between County locations is required. Occasional travel is also required to provide County representation in the local community and/or attendance at conferences/seminars.
• Normal office environment with occasional discomfort due to heat, dust, noise, etc…
• Extended workdays (beyond eight hours/day and weekends) occasionally required.
• Sitting for extended periods of time may be frequently required.
• Will occasionally be required to lift/push/pull/carry items weighing up to 30 lbs.

Calhoun County's benefits package offers flexibility, choice, and value. It is an attractive component of our employees total compensation package. At Calhoun County, we know that good benefit plans are important to employees and their families. We're committed to providing employees with access to a wide range of information and tools so they can stay informed and make the most of their Calhoun County flexible benefit package.
What benefits does Calhoun County offer its full time employees?
Medical: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan with 3 Different Flexible Benefit Plan Options
Dental: 100% Employer Paid through Delta Dental
Vision: 100% Employer Paid through BCBSM Vision Services Plan (VSP)
Employee Health & Wellness Center (Premise Health): Most Services 100% Employer Paid
Life Insurance: 100% Employer Paid for Basic Life & AD&D
Short Term Disability: 100% Employer Paid for 67% Wage Loss Benefits up to 26 Weeks
Retirement: Employer 401(k) Match Program Up to 7% of Employee Contribution
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 100% Employer Paid Through Bronson HelpNet

Click Here for 2024 BENEFIT INFORMATION AND FORMS
Flexible Scheduling & Telecommuting Options Depending on Position & Department

• Start through fourth years – 168 Hours (4.2 weeks based on 40-hour work week)
• Fifth through ninth years – 208 Hours (5.2 weeks)
• Tenth through fourteenth years – 248 Hours (6.2 weeks)
• Fifteen and Subsequent years – 288 Hours (7.2 weeks)

(amounts & distribution may vary slightly by union contract, policy, and/or defined work week)
Paid Holidays: 14 Paid Holidays Throughout the Year

• Term Life Insurance (above Employer Paid Plan)
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Long Term Disability Wage Loss Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Perks Program (discounts at local merchants for being a County employee)